Delicious Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe

Craving a one-of-a-kind appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more? Look no further than this delectable Shrimp Butter Spread recipe! Inspired by my grandma’s cherished recipe card, this creamy concoction of juicy shrimp, flavorful butter, and a medley of seasonings is a true crowd-pleaser. Elevate your party game with this unique blend that is sure to transport your taste buds to a realm of nostalgia and delight.

Crafting this Shrimp Butter Spread is not just about creating a dish; it’s about weaving memories and traditions into each bite. As you whip up this special spread, the fusion of fresh shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs will dance on your palate, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who indulges. Perfect for gatherings or casual snacking, this buttery delight is a versatile star that can be served with crackers, bread, or as a flavorful toast topper. So, roll up your sleeves, soften that butter, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the essence of family recipes and the joy of sharing good food.

Quick Benefits

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of juicy shrimp, creamy butter, and flavorful seasonings creates a truly magical taste experience.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect as a party starter or a casual snack, loved by both seafood enthusiasts and picky eaters alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two, making it a stress-free option for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe Recipe

• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of juicy shrimp, creamy butter, and clever seasonings creates a magical taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Nostalgic Feel: Reminiscent of fancy finger foods from past parties, this recipe brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to any gathering.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties or casual get-togethers, this shrimp butter spread appeals to a wide range of palates, even winning over seafood skeptics and picky eaters.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple tips like using raw shrimp, softening the butter, and adding lemon juice at the end make this recipe easy to nail, even for novice cooks.
• Beautiful Presentation: Whether smeared on crackers, shaped into a mold, or served in small dishes, this shrimp butter spread looks stunning, especially with a garnish of fresh herbs and lemon zest.
• Make Ahead: The flavors meld together beautifully after a day or two in the fridge, making it a convenient make-ahead dish for parties or gatherings.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, cayenne, or different types of butter to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
• Emotional Connection: Beyond just being a tasty dish, this recipe holds sentimental value, connecting you to family roots and bringing generations together through shared love for good food.

Ingredients for Delicious Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe

• A generous amount of finely chopped parsley.
• A good handful of freshly chopped dill.
• 1 spoon of Worcestershire sauce.
• Two lemons, use the zest and squeeze out the juice.
• 1 pound of creamy butter.
• A couple spoons of sea salt, with extra for boiling water.
• A small onion, diced up (about half a cup).
• 1.5 pounds of shrimp, fresh and still in shells.
• A little bit of celery seeds.
• A decent pinch of black pepper.

Pro Tips for Delicious Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe

For the perfect Shrimp Butter Spread, always opt for raw shrimp for the best sweet and juicy flavor. Ensure your butter is completely softened before mixing to allow for a smoother blend of ingredients. A pro tip to enhance the flavors is to add the lemon juice at the end, allowing it to brighten up all the other seasonings.

When serving the Shrimp Butter Spread, consider presenting it in different ways based on the occasion. For parties, try arranging it on pretty dishes with various crackers, or shape it into a mold for a more elegant touch. To make it visually appealing, sprinkle fresh herbs and lemon zest on top. Remember to let the spread sit in the fridge for a day or two for the flavors to meld, but be sure to take it out well in advance before serving to ensure a creamy texture. Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like garlic, cayenne, or even using brown butter for a twist on the classic recipe.

How to Make Delicious Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe

Step 1: Onion Prep

Finely chop the onion, soak in ice water for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.

Step 2: Set Up Cooking

Prepare a bowl of ice water for the shrimp. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 3: Cooking the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to boiling water and cook until pink, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath.

Step 4: Shell and Chop Shrimp

Remove the shells from the cold shrimp and pat them dry thoroughly. Finely chop or process in a food processor until small.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, cream the butter until smooth. Add shrimp, salt, lemon juice, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and herbs, and mix well.

Step 6: Wrap It Up

Mix until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate. If chilled, allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Shrimp Butter Spread, ensure it is tightly covered in an airtight container or wrapped securely in plastic wrap. The spread should be refrigerated promptly and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Before serving leftovers, allow the spread to come to room temperature for better consistency and flavor.

If you have shaped the Shrimp Butter Spread into a mold or decorated it with fresh herbs and lemon zest, it’s recommended to cover it gently with plastic wrap to protect the presentation. When storing in serving dishes or containers, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the spread to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors from the fridge. Remember to give the spread a quick stir or mix before serving again to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to make a vegetarian version of this shrimp butter spread, consider substituting the shrimp with finely chopped artichoke hearts or hearts of palm. These ingredients can offer a similar texture and mild flavor that complements the creamy butter base. Additionally, for a vegan twist, swapping the butter for a plant-based margarine or vegan butter alternative can still provide a rich and creamy consistency.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can easily adjust the seasonings in this recipe. For a lower-sodium option, reduce or omit the sea salt and Worcestershire sauce, and instead, enhance the flavors with herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or nutritional yeast. Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as tarragon, chives, or basil to customize the spread to your taste preferences while still maintaining a delicious and flavorful result.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful party spread, serve the shrimp butter on a platter with a variety of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or veggie sticks. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon zest to add a pop of color and freshness. Guests will love the creamy texture and the burst of flavors from the shrimp, butter, and seasonings with every bite.

To elevate your presentation, try molding the shrimp butter into shapes using silicone molds or small ramekins. Chill them in the fridge to set before unmolding onto a serving platter. This elegant touch will impress your guests and make the shrimp butter look even more inviting. Pair it with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water for a delightful appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more!

FAQs for Delicious Shrimp Butter Spread Recipe

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

It is recommended to use raw shrimp for this recipe as pre-cooked shrimp may not be as sweet and juicy once mixed with the other ingredients.

How can I soften the butter for this recipe?

Make sure your butter is totally softened before mixing by letting it sit at room temperature for a while. Softened butter will blend better with the other ingredients.

Can I make any variations to this shrimp butter spread?

Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking! You can add crushed garlic, fresh herbs, cayenne pepper for some heat, or even experiment with using brown butter instead of regular butter for a different flavor profile.

How far in advance can I make this shrimp butter spread?

This shrimp butter spread actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two as the flavors meld together. It is recommended to make it early for get-togethers to allow the flavors to develop, but remember to take it out of the fridge in advance to soften before serving.

Conclusion

I hope this journey into making and enjoying my grandma’s cherished Shrimp Butter Spread recipe has brought as much joy to your home as it has to mine. The magic of blending fresh shrimp, creamy butter, and a touch of love truly shines through each bite. It’s incredible how a simple spread can bring back memories and create new ones with loved ones around the table.

Remember, with a little creativity and personal touch, you can make this Shrimp Butter Spread truly your own. Add your favorite herbs, spices, or even a twist of heat to elevate the flavors and make it uniquely yours. Whether served at a party or enjoyed on a cozy evening in, this recipe has the power to bring people together and create moments that will be cherished for years to come.

So go ahead, whip up a batch of this delightful Shrimp Butter Spread, and let its delicious flavors and heartwarming nostalgia fill your home. With every bite, savor the connection to the past and the joy it brings to the present. Here’s to good food, shared memories, and the simple pleasures that make life so sweet. Cheers to the magic of Shrimp Butter Spread!