Creamy Homemade Shrimp Butter Recipe: Coastal Elegance Made Simple

Succulent shrimp dance elegantly in a velvety butter sauce that promises pure culinary magic.

Melted golden richness embraces each tender morsel with irresistible charm.

Coastal flavors whisper delicate stories of oceanic pleasure.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this simple yet luxurious creation that anyone can master.

Subtle garlic hints complement the delicate seafood perfectly.

Salt and herbs weave complex layers of taste into every single bite.

Reasons to Try Shrimp Butter

• Quick Fusion Flavor: Blend rich, creamy ingredients with succulent shrimp for a delightful spread that transforms ordinary crackers or bread into a gourmet experience.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl with simple mixing technique, requiring no complex cooking skills or special equipment, perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Party-Perfect Appetizer: Versatile dip ideal for gatherings, game nights, or casual entertaining, impressing guests with sophisticated taste while being incredibly simple to prepare.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop and intensify, reducing stress during event planning and ensuring delicious results.

Ingredients for Shrimp Butter

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation for the spread.
• Cream Cheese: Adds smooth texture and tangy flavor to the mixture.

• Shrimp: Delivers a delicate seafood taste and protein to the butter.

• Mayonnaise, Minced Onion, Lemon Juice, Dill, Garlic Powder, Salt: Create a zesty and well-balanced seasoning profile that complements the shrimp and dairy base.

How to Prepare Shrimp Butter

Step 1: Whip Creamy Base

Grab a medium mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to blend butter and cream cheese until they become silky smooth and completely integrated. The goal is a fluffy, velvety texture that will serve as the perfect foundation for your shrimp spread.

Step 2: Fold in Seafood Goodness

• Chopped shrimp
• Mayonnaise
• Finely diced onion
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dried dill
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Stir everything together until all components are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious mixture that promises incredible flavor.

Step 3: Chill and Develop Flavors

Transfer the mixture into a serving dish and cover with plastic wrap.

Pop it into the refrigerator and let it rest for a minimum of 2 hours. This resting period allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, transforming your spread from good to absolutely phenomenal.

Before serving, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften slightly and enhance its spreadability.

Pro Tip: Serve with crispy crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for a delightful appetizer that will impress your guests.

Tips for Shrimp Butter

• Add a splash of white wine or sherry to enhance the richness of the shrimp butter.
• Finely chop shrimp for a smoother spread or leave slightly chunky for more texture variation.
• Replace dill with fresh chives or tarragon to create a different flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
• Prepare the shrimp butter up to 3 days in advance, storing it tightly covered in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining.
• Pair with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or fresh vegetable crudités for a versatile appetizer option.

Variations of Shrimp Butter

• Cajun Kick Shrimp Butter: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and chopped fresh parsley for a spicy southern-style spread with bold, zesty flavors.
• Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired coastal variation.
• Smoky Seafood Version: Blend in smoked paprika, chopped smoked salmon, and chives for a rich, complex seafood experience with deeper flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Style: Replace dill with a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, chervil, and tarragon for a fragrant, garden-fresh alternative spread.

Pairings with Shrimp Butter

• Elevate Seafood Spread: Pair this creamy shrimp butter with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, whose citrusy notes complement the lemony seafood flavor.
• Cracker Companions: Select buttery crackers or toasted baguette slices that provide a sturdy, crunchy base to showcase the rich, smooth spread.
• Herb-Focused Garnish: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives on top to enhance the existing herbal notes and add a bright, green pop of color and freshness.
• Charcuterie Complement: Add this spread to a seafood-themed charcuterie board alongside smoked salmon, capers, and pickled cucumber for an elegant appetizer experience.

Storing Shrimp Butter Properly

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep sealed tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.

Wrap shrimp butter in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Let cold shrimp butter sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Stir well to restore creamy consistency before serving.

If butter appears slightly separated after storage, whisk briefly to reincorporate ingredients and restore smooth texture.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Small or medium-sized cooked shrimp are ideal, preferably chopped into smaller pieces to distribute evenly throughout the butter.

• Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?

Yes, but make sure to fully cook and cool the shrimp before mixing into the butter to ensure food safety and proper texture.

• How long can I keep this shrimp butter in the refrigerator?

The shrimp butter can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days when kept refrigerated.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

No, the recipe contains butter, cream cheese, and mayo, which are dairy products that are not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

Shrimp Butter Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Shrimp Butter elevates seafood spreads with rich, coastal flavors. Creamy coastal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious condiment you’ll crave on warm bread or grilled seafood.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 6 ounces (170 grams) salad shrimp, patted dry

Dairy and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon minced white onion
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base by vigorously whisking softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, finely diced onion, zesty lemon juice, fragrant dill, pungent garlic powder, and a pinch of salt into the creamy mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Gently transfer the seafood-infused spread into a decorative serving vessel, ensuring smooth surface.
4. Seal the container with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the complex flavors to harmonize and intensify.
5. Remove from cold storage approximately 15-20 minutes before serving to allow slight warming, which enhances the spread’s spreadability and releases its aromatic profile.
6. Accompany with crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth, lump-free blending.
• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the spread.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat ingredients with low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese.
• Customize the flavor profile by experimenting with different herbs like chives, parsley, or fresh dill instead of dried herbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 315 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg