Shrimp Butter is the kind of recipe that instantly turns a simple meal into a dish worth celebrating. Imagine creamy, velvety butter packed with the sweet, briny bite of real shrimp, bursts of fresh lemon, a hint of garlic, and gentle flecks of smoky paprika. It’s impossibly easy to make, yet feels downright luxurious when slathered over warm toast or melting into grilled seafood. If you’re a fan of seafood-flavored compound butters, once you taste Shrimp Butter, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list here is refreshingly straightforward, but every item plays a major role in building up the layers of flavor, aroma, and color that make Shrimp Butter so craveable. Here’s what you’ll need and what each piece brings to the party:

Cooked shrimp (½ pound): Sweet, tender shrimp form the delicious backbone, so use the freshest you can find for big flavor payoff.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Creamy, rich butter acts as the base, marrying all the flavors together and providing that signature melt-in-your-mouth smoothness.
Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the entire spread and wakes up the palate.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): The zest adds an extra layer of citrusy fragance that really lifts the butter—don’t skip it!
Garlic clove (1, finely grated or minced): Just enough to give a little punchy backbone without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): Bright green specks of freshness add color and a clean, herby note.
Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon, optional): This is your flavor wild-card—smokiness pairs beautifully with seafood, but it’s totally optional.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Bring everything into perfect balance with just the right hit of seasoning.

How to Make Shrimp Butter

Step 1: Mix Everything Together

In a medium mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, chopped or minced shrimp, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika if you’re feeling adventurous. Use a sturdy spatula or spoon to mix until everything is well incorporated and smooth. This is your moment to really press the ingredients together so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 2: Season and Adjust

Once your Shrimp Butter mix comes together, taste a little and season with salt and plenty of black pepper. The seasoning is key—shrimp and butter both love salt, and freshly ground pepper dials up the complexity. Adjust until it’s just right for you.

Step 3: Shape Into a Log

Scoop the entire mixture onto a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap. Using your hands and the wrap, gently roll the butter into a log shape about 1.5 inches thick. Twist the ends tightly to keep it all snug and compact. This classic log shape makes it easy to slice and serve later.

Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors

Place your wrapped butter log in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial—the cold helps firm up the compound butter so it slices cleanly, and gives all the flavors time to marry and really shine.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Once your Shrimp Butter is nicely chilled and set, unwrap and slice into rounds. Serve immediately on warm toast, grilled fish, steak, roasted vegetables, or swirled into hot pasta. Don’t be shy—this butter is a delicious showstopper on just about anything.

How to Serve Shrimp Butter

Garnishes

Dress things up with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a pinch more smoked paprika, or a few finely grated lemon zest strands over the sliced butter. These tiny finishing touches help the Shrimp Butter look as fresh and vibrant as it tastes—perfect for impressing at the table!

Side Dishes

A crusty baguette or slices of sourdough are classic, but Shrimp Butter is equally fabulous melted over a fluffy baked potato or tossed with hot linguine and cherry tomatoes. Don’t forget steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans—the butter elevates even simple veggies to something truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop Shrimp Butter into a ramekin and serve as a dramatic centerpiece with crackers and crudités, or pipe elegant rosettes onto small toasts for cocktail hour. For dinner parties, dot small coins of butter on top of grilled seafood or steak right off the grill for effortless, restaurant-worthy flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whatever you don’t use, wrap the leftover Shrimp Butter tightly in its parchment or plastic, or keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to five days, making it perfect for adding instant flavor to meals throughout the week.

Freezing

Shrimp Butter freezes beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch! Simply wrap the chilled log tightly in a layer of foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep well for up to two months—just slice off coins as needed straight from the freezer.

Reheating

No need for complicated reheating—Shrimp Butter spreads and melts at room temperature or on contact with warm foods. If you prefer, leave it out for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften, or add straight to hot pans, pasta, or toast to let it work its melty magic.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked?

It’s best to use cooked shrimp to avoid any food safety concerns and achieve the right texture. If you need to start with raw shrimp, just sauté or poach them quickly, then cool before chopping for the Shrimp Butter.

Can I make Shrimp Butter in advance?

Absolutely! Shrimp Butter is actually better when made ahead so the flavors can meld. Prepare it up to two days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge until ready to serve.

Does this recipe work with other seafood?

Yes! Lobster, crab, or even scallops can stand in for shrimp if you want to mix things up. Just make sure they’re fully cooked and minced to blend well into the soft butter.

What if I don’t have smoked paprika?

No worries—just leave it out, or swap in a bit of cayenne for heat or regular paprika for color. The Shrimp Butter will still be delicious and flavorful.

How do I use Shrimp Butter besides on bread?

The possibilities are endless: melt it onto grilled fish, steak, or chicken, stir into pasta or risotto, dollop on roasted vegetables, or even use as a finishing butter for steamed rice and corn on the cob.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a little bit of luxury that’s still easy enough for a weeknight, Shrimp Butter is the answer. It’s versatile, full of personality, and always feels special to serve. Give it a try and prepare to wow yourself—and your lucky eaters!

Shrimp Butter Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful taste of Shrimp Butter, a delightful seafood-infused compound butter that elevates any dish it accompanies.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Butter:

½ pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped or minced
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 garlic clove, finely grated or minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, chopped shrimp, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
Shape and Chill: Form the mixture into a log on parchment or plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Serve: Slice and enjoy on toast, fish, steak, vegetables, or pasta.