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I stumbled upon shrimp butter at my nana's card game decades ago and have been whipping it up ever since. That dreamy combo of shrimp chunks, smooth butter and garden-fresh herbs smeared on a crunchy cracker transports me straight to her cooking space. These days it's my favorite party starter that never fails to get folks asking how I made it.
Why You'll Love This
Each mouthful delivers that awesome mix of creamy butter, juicy shrimp and zesty herbs. Needs just a handful of stuff but turns into something that seems posh enough for special events while remaining easy enough for laid-back get-togethers. And you can fix it beforehand, which always helps when you've got company coming.
Grab These Items
- Main Players: Juicy plump shrimp, premium unsalted butter - something like Kerrygold really changes the game.
- Garden Goodies: Juicy lemon for peel and squeeze, dill and parsley for pop and taste.
- Hidden Helpers: Worcestershire sauce gives richness, celery seed adds that mystery kick.
- To Serve With: Whatever crackers you love, sliced baguette, maybe some fresh lemon chunks.
Let's Make It
- Tame Those Onions
- Drop those tiny chopped onions in cold water - cuts the sharpness but keeps all the good flavor.
- Fix The Shrimp
- Throw in salty water until they turn pink and tender, cool them off completely, pat them until they're dry.
- Break It Down
- Dice those shrimp tiny tiny or give them a few quick pulses in your food processor if you have one handy.
- Mix Everything Up
- Whip that softened butter till it's fluffy then fold in shrimp, herbs, lemon and all the tasty bits.
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Pro Tips
Make sure those shrimp are super dry before mixing or you'll end up with soggy butter. Soft butter at room temp blends easier and spreads nicer. The quality of your ingredients really matters here, especially the shrimp and butter. Let it sit in the fridge so all those flavors can marry together properly.
Ways To Enjoy
Put it out with a bunch of different crackers so everyone can pick what they like. Try spooning it over hot pasta for a quick sauce. Some days I slap it on toast with eggs on top and it's amazing. Don't forget some fizzy wine alongside to make everything feel fancy.
Storing Leftovers
It'll stay fresh in your fridge about a week so you can make it ahead of time. Want to keep it longer? Shape it into a log, wrap it up tight, and slice off what you need later. Just remember to let it warm up before serving so it spreads smoothly.
Switch It Up
Swap in different herbs like tarragon or chives for new flavor combos. Add some kick with cayenne or smoked paprika. Use lime instead of lemon for a tropical twist. Can't eat shrimp? Blended roasted red peppers make a great plant-based option.
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Custom Touches
Throw in some crab meat when you want to go extra fancy. Mix in capers or sun dried tomatoes for more punch. Add cream cheese to turn it into a perfect dip. That's what cooking's all about taking a basic idea and tweaking it to match what you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does shrimp butter last in the fridge?
- It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days if sealed tightly. You can also freeze it as a log for about a month.
- → Why do we soak onions beforehand?
- Cold water soaking lessens their strong taste. This makes sure they don’t overpower the shrimp’s mild flavor.
- → Can I skip cooking the shrimp?
- Fresh-cooked shrimp adds the best flavor, especially with the shells on. Peeled shrimp is fine but might lose some richness.
- → How is shrimp butter served?
- Bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Spread it on crusty bread or pair it with crackers for a light bite.
- → Can this be made a day in advance?
- Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep. Refrigerate for a few days or freeze for up to a month. Let it soften slightly when ready to serve.