If you’re on the hunt for a flavor powerhouse that will elevate any seafood night, you have to try this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe. It’s a luscious mix of creamy butter, bright lemon, savory shrimp, and a punch of garlic that together create a taste sensation. This simple yet luxurious compound butter is perfect for slathering on grilled bread, melting on fresh fish, or stirring into pasta. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this incredible Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe in your kitchen arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that forms the creamy base, to the fresh parsley adding a hit of color and brightness.
- Cooked shrimp: Chopped to add a satisfying texture and tender seafood flavor.
- Unsalted butter: The creamy foundation that carries all the flavors beautifully without overwhelming saltiness.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps gently cook the garlic without burning it.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that essential aromatic bite and savory depth.
- Lemon juice: Provides a zesty brightness that balances the richness perfectly.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to give a fresh, herbal lift and a splash of green color.
- Smoked paprika: Optional but highly recommended for a subtle smoky complexity.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, ensuring each component shines through with harmony.
How to Make Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by chopping your cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces. You want to keep some texture so the shrimp adds delightful little bursts of flavor instead of getting lost in the butter.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, which can turn the garlic bitter.
Step 3: Combine with Butter
In a mixing bowl, stir together the softened butter and the fragrant garlic-infused olive oil. This combination is the luscious base that will carry the shrimp’s flavor throughout the dish.
Step 4: Add Shrimp and Seasonings
Now fold in the chopped shrimp, ensuring it’s evenly distributed in the buttery mixture. Then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped parsley, smoked paprika if you’re using it, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly for a well-rounded burst of flavor in every spoonful.
Step 5: Chill (Optional)
For the best texture and ease of serving, shape the shrimp butter into a log using plastic wrap or parchment paper, then pop it into the fridge for at least an hour. It firms up nicely and slices beautifully, though it’s also delicious served immediately.
Step 6: Serve
Once your Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe is ready, it’s time to enjoy! Spread it on grilled bread, dollop it over pasta, use it to melt over fresh fish, or serve it alongside your favorite seafood dishes for an instant flavor upgrade.
How to Serve Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few lemon zest curls right before serving can brighten the plate and add a fresh pop of color. A dusting of smoked paprika can also elevate the visual appeal and hint at the smoky undertones inside.
Side Dishes
This shrimp butter pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices, perfect for spreading and scooping. It also complements light pasta dishes or steamed vegetables beautifully, bringing a burst of buttery richness and seafood savoriness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe alongside a seafood platter with crab legs, scallops, and mussels. You can also shape it into small rounds or balls and chill them for an elegant appetizer, or melt it gently over grilled corn or roasted potatoes for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover shrimp butter, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, ready to jazz up your meals whenever you need a burst of seafood magic.
Freezing
This Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe also freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, preserving its fresh flavor and texture for future use.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or refrigerated shrimp butter, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can melt it gently in a pan over low heat or add it directly to hot dishes to spread the creamy, garlicky goodness.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp in this recipe?
It’s best to use cooked shrimp for this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe, as the butter mixture is not cooked again thoroughly. Using pre-cooked shrimp keeps the texture perfect and the flavors well balanced.
Is smoked paprika necessary?
No, smoked paprika is optional but recommended for an added smoky depth that complements the shrimp beautifully. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can leave it out without issue.
Can I make this butter vegan or dairy-free?
You can experiment with vegan butter and plant-based shrimp substitutes, but the classic Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe truly shines with real butter and shrimp for that rich, savory flavor.
How long does the garlic flavor last in the butter?
The flavor is freshest within the first day or two, but the garlic, lemon, and shrimp meld nicely over time, giving the butter a deeper, more complex taste as it sits in the fridge.
What dishes pair best with this garlic lemon shrimp butter?
It’s excellent with grilled seafood, steamed vegetables, pasta, crusty bread, or even as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or corn on the cob. Basically, wherever you want to add a buttery, garlicky shrimp punch!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring vibrant, irresistible flavor to your table, this Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe is a must-try. It’s quick to whip up, versatile, and brings that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and buttery notes. Give it a go, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Garlic Lemon Shrimp Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1.1 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Shrimp Butter recipe combines tender cooked shrimp with rich, creamy butter infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley. A touch of smoked paprika adds a subtle depth of flavor. Perfect for spreading on grilled bread, crackers, or melting over seafood and pasta dishes, this versatile butter elevates any meal with its savory and aromatic profile.
Ingredients
Shrimp Butter Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (8 oz) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Chop the cooked shrimp into small pieces, but keep some texture to maintain a pleasant bite in the butter.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Combine with Butter: In a medium bowl, blend the softened butter with the sautéed garlic and olive oil, stirring until well combined.
- Add Shrimp and Seasonings: Fold the chopped shrimp into the butter mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Add Lemon Juice and Herbs: Stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, smoked paprika (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Chill (Optional): For best texture, shape the shrimp butter into a log using plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Alternatively, serve immediately.
- Serve: Enjoy the shrimp butter spread on grilled bread, crackers, or alongside seafood and pasta dishes. It also melts beautifully over fish or shrimp, enhancing flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp to save time and ensure safety.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a wonderful smoky note.
- Chilling the butter helps it hold its shape and makes it easier to slice.
- Store leftover shrimp butter refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen for longer storage; thaw before serving.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference, especially salt.
