Homemade Shrimp Butter: A Luxurious Spread You’ll Love

There’s something magical about combining rich, creamy butter with the delicate flavor of shrimp. Homemade shrimp butter is an indulgent, savory spread that’s perfect for elevating any appetizer or meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a gourmet snack, this recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Homemade Shrimp Butter

Homemade shrimp butter isn’t just a spread—it’s a statement. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors from herbs, lemon, and spices. The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste. Whether spread on crusty bread, paired with crackers, or used to enhance seafood dishes, this butter is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a complete list of ingredients for making homemade shrimp butter:

Ingredient	Quantity	Preparation
White Onion	½ cup (1 small)	Finely minced, soaked in ice water
Large Shrimp	1½ pounds	Shell-on, poached, peeled, and chopped
Kosher Salt	2 tsp	No preparation needed
Unsalted Butter	1 pound	Room temperature
Lemon Zest	2 tsp	No preparation needed
Lemon Juice	2 Tbsp	Freshly squeezed
Worcestershire Sauce	1 Tbsp	No preparation needed
Fresh Parsley	¼ cup	Finely chopped
Fresh Dill	¼ cup	Finely chopped
Black Pepper	½ tsp	No preparation needed
Celery Seed	½ tsp	No preparation needed

Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon)

Nutrient	Value
Calories	120
Protein	2g
Carbohydrates	0g
Fat	13g
Sodium	70mg

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade Shrimp Butter

1. Soak the Onion

• Finely mince one small white onion (about ½ cup).
• Soak the onion in ice water for 5 minutes to mellow its flavor.
• Drain and pat dry with a paper towel.

2. Poach the Shrimp

• Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
• Add 1½ pounds of shell-on shrimp and poach for 5-7 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.
• Transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to cool quickly, then peel and pat dry.

3. Chop the Shrimp

• Finely chop the shrimp until they reach a paste-like consistency. For a smoother texture, you can use a food processor.

4. Beat the Butter

• In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 pound of unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine All Ingredients

• Add the chopped shrimp, drained onion, 2 tsp kosher salt, 2 tsp lemon zest, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup fresh parsley, ¼ cup fresh dill, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp celery seed to the butter.
• Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

6. Serve or Store

• Serve immediately with crackers, bread, or as a topping for seafood.
• If storing, transfer the shrimp butter to an airtight container and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature and re-beat before serving.

Serving Ideas for Shrimp Butter

Homemade shrimp butter is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

1. Spread on Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or crostini for an elegant appetizer.
2. Seafood Topping: Use it as a topping for grilled fish, shrimp, or scallops.
3. Pasta Sauce: Melt into hot pasta for a quick, flavorful seafood dish.
4. Cracker Dip: Pair with crackers for a simple and satisfying snack.
5. Baked Potatoes: Spread over baked potatoes for a luxurious twist.

Tips for the Best Homemade Shrimp Butter

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and herbs make a big difference in flavor.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their delicate flavor.
3. Balance the Seasoning: Adjust the salt, lemon, and herbs to suit your taste.
4. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the butter to let the flavors meld, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
5. Customize the Herbs: Swap out dill or parsley for chives, tarragon, or cilantro for a unique flavor profile.

Creative Variations for Shrimp Butter

Garlic Shrimp Butter

Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the butter for a robust, garlicky flavor.

Spicy Shrimp Butter

Mix in ½ tsp of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Herbed Shrimp Butter

Double the amount of fresh herbs for an even more aromatic spread.

Smoked Shrimp Butter

Use smoked shrimp instead of regular shrimp for a rich, smoky flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Butter

1. Refrigeration: Store shrimp butter in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing: Wrap the butter in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
3. Reheating: Bring the butter to room temperature and re-beat it with a mixer before serving.

FAQs About Homemade Shrimp Butter

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but the flavor will be less pronounced. If using pre-cooked shrimp, skip the poaching step and proceed with peeling and chopping.

2. What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or fish sauce can be used as substitutes, but use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

3. Can I make this butter dairy-free?
Try using a vegan butter substitute, but note that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the shrimp butter itself is gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free crackers or bread.

5. How do I serve shrimp butter at a party?
Spread it on a platter with crackers, crostini, or vegetable sticks for an easy appetizer.

6. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, but thaw the shrimp completely before poaching for the best texture.

Why Homemade Shrimp Butter Is Worth Making

Homemade shrimp butter is a delightful combination of rich, creamy butter and the delicate sweetness of shrimp. It’s luxurious enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday use. Plus, it’s endlessly versatile—you can customize it to suit your preferences and pair it with a wide range of dishes.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Table with Homemade Shrimp Butter

There’s no denying the allure of a well-made spread, and homemade shrimp butter is as good as it gets. Its rich flavor, smooth texture, and endless serving possibilities make it a must-try recipe.

So gather your ingredients and create your own shrimp butter today—it’s guaranteed to impress!

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