Irresistible Shrimp Butter: A Silky Seafood Spread for Any Occasion

Shrimp butter is a luxurious spread that elevates seafood-inspired dishes to new heights.

Those who love seafood and adventurous flavors have long enjoyed the rich taste of this unique condiment.

Both seasoned chefs and cooking enthusiasts treasure this flavorful spread for its ability to transform simple meals into extraordinary experiences.

Its smooth, creamy texture combined with intense shrimp essence makes it an ingredient that pleases even the most refined tastes.

Coastal regions around the world have created their own versions of this preparation, highlighting local ingredients and methods.

Food lovers everywhere continue to explore new ways to use this versatile spread, finding creative ways to incorporate its distinct oceanic flavor into various recipes.

What Makes Shrimp Butter So Tasty

• Quick Coastal Appetizer: Simple seafood spread that brings ocean flavors to your table in minutes.
• Minimal Prep Time: Takes just 10 minutes of active cooking, with only 2 hours chilling time for maximum flavor development.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this crowd-pleasing dip in advance, perfect for entertaining or unexpected guests without last-minute stress.
• Versatile Serving Option: Pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a delightful spread on toasted baguette slices for multiple serving possibilities.

Shrimp Butter Ingredient Checklist

• Butter, Cream Cheese: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture for the spread. Soft, room temperature dairy products work best.
• Shrimp: Protein-packed seafood that adds delicate flavor and texture. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp recommended.

• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind ingredients together. Use full-fat version for best results.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and adds a tangy freshness. Fresh lemon juice preferred over bottled.
• Dill: Herb that brings a light, refreshing note. Fresh or dried dill works well.

• Onion, Garlic Powder: Provides depth and savory undertones. Look for high-quality, fresh spices for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and balances other ingredients. Sea salt or kosher salt recommended.

How To Whip Up Shrimp Butter

Step 1: Whip Base Ingredients

• Grab softened butter
• Softened cream cheese

Beat the butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl until the mixture becomes ultra-smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 2: Blend Seafood Magic

• Mayonnaise
• Cooked shrimp (chopped)
• Minced onion
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dried dill
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Gently fold all ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring carefully until everything is perfectly incorporated and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Chill and Develop Flavor

Pour the shrimp butter into a serving dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid. Slide the dish into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least two hours. This waiting period allows the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the shrimp butter from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature. Spread generously on crackers, toasted bread, or use as a delightful dip for vegetables.

Best Tips For Shrimp Butter

• Maximize Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the shrimp butter for at least 2 hours to allow ingredients to blend and develop a rich, harmonious taste.
• Pick Fresh Shrimp: Use high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best texture and most vibrant flavor in your butter spread.
• Adjust Seasoning Smartly: Taste the mixture before chilling and add extra salt, garlic powder, or lemon juice to suit your personal preference.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Remove the shrimp butter from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to reach a spreadable, creamy consistency.
• Customize with Herbs: Experiment by adding fresh chopped parsley or chives for an extra layer of aromatic freshness.

How To Store And Heat Shrimp Butter

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp butter in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Cover Tightly: Wrap the container with plastic wrap or use a sealed lid to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Gentle Warming: Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor profile.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this spread, as cream cheese and mayonnaise can separate and lose texture when thawed.

Nice Combos With Shrimp Butter

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy shrimp butter with its bright, zesty notes that cut through the richness.
• Serve on Artisan Crackers: Choose rustic sourdough crackers or herbed flatbreads that provide a crunchy texture and neutral base to showcase the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Match with Fresh Vegetable Platter: Arrange crisp cucumber slices, colorful bell pepper strips, and celery sticks alongside the shrimp butter for a refreshing, light accompaniment that balances the creamy spread.
• Enhance with Sparkling Rosé: Opt for a light, bubbly rosé that adds a festive touch and provides a delicate fruity contrast to the savory shrimp butter.

Ways To Play With Shrimp Butter

• Low-Sodium Seafood Spread: Replace regular salt with herb-infused salt alternatives or use a low-sodium seasoning blend to reduce sodium content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Dip: Swap butter and cream cheese with coconut cream and cashew-based cream cheese to create a vegan-friendly, lactose-free version that preserves the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Appetizer Base: Use gluten-free mayonnaise and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Shrimp Butter: Increase butter quantity, remove mayo, and add extra herbs like chives or parsley to create a high-fat, low-carb appetizer suitable for ketogenic diets.

Shrimp Butter Questions Answered

• What's the best type of shrimp to use?

Fresh or cooked shrimp work great. Chop them into small pieces for even distribution throughout the butter. Smaller shrimp or medium-sized shrimp are ideal for spreading.

• Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This shrimp butter can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and tightly covered. The flavors actually improve as they sit and blend together.

• What are the best ways to serve this spread?

Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or as a delicious topping for bagels. It’s also fantastic as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip for fresh vegetables.

• Is this spread suitable for parties?

Yes! It’s an excellent make-ahead appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings. The creamy texture and seafood flavor make it a crowd-pleasing option for casual get-togethers or elegant parties.

Creamy Shrimp Butter Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious Shrimp Butter elevates seafood spreads with its rich, creamy texture and delicate ocean flavors. Packed with succulent shrimp and smooth butter, this elegant appetizer promises to impress guests and add sophisticated charm to any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood Ingredients:

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

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup (113 grams) butter, room temperature
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon minced white onion
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the creamy foundation by whisking softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl until achieving a uniform, silky texture.
2. Introduce mayonnaise, chopped shrimp, finely diced onion, fresh lemon juice, fragrant dill, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture.
3. Gently fold and blend all ingredients until thoroughly incorporated, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
4. Smoothly transfer the seafood-infused spread into a decorative serving vessel, using a spatula to scrape and spread evenly.
5. Securely cover the dish with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss.
6. Place in the refrigerator and allow the compound butter to rest and marinate for a minimum of two hours, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.
7. Prior to presenting, remove from the refrigerator and permit the spread to gradually warm to room temperature, which will enhance its spreadability and release the full aromatic profile.
8. Serve alongside crackers, toasted baguette slices, or as a luxurious topping for grilled fish or vegetables.

Notes

• Soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
• Chop shrimp into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the butter.
• Use fresh or thawed cooked shrimp for the best flavor and to prevent excess moisture in the spread.
• Adjust salt and lemon juice to taste, tasting the mixture before chilling to balance flavors perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Seafood Cuisine

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg