An easy make-ahead appetizer, its heavenly smeared on saltines.

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

I dont know about you, but shrimp feels like a special occasion protein.

This shrimp butter is the perfect New Years Eve party fare.

Bowl of Shrimp Butter with a Cheese Knife, Sitting on a Platter of Crackers (Some of Them Are Smeared with Shrimp Butter) at a Table Setting with a Glass of Wine, Stack of Plates, and a Kitchen Linen

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Shrimp are super perishable, and are always frozen immediately upon being caught.

The fancy looking shrimp on ice behind glass?

Thats the same bag that youll find in the freezer section, just defrosted for who knows how long.

Bowl of Shrimp Butter with a Cheese Knife, Sitting on a Platter of Crackers at a Table Setting with a Glass of Wine, Stack of Plates, and a Kitchen Linen

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

The need for quality also applies to butter!

For a great butter thats widely accessible and affordable, my favorite is Kerrygold!

But feel free to buy the best butter you’re free to find and afford.

Shrimp Butter Smeared on a Cracker, and in the Background, a Bowl of More Shrimp Butter, a Glass of Wine, and a Kitchen Linen

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Saltines are crisp, light, and a little bit salty, a perfect foil for the rich butter.

Beyond that, add it to pasta, scrambled eggs, or folded intogrits!

Cooking the shrimp with the shells on gives them a shrimpier flavor, plus makes them easier to peel.

Pot of Shrimp Boiling in Water on a Stove for Shrimp Butter

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

make a run at find shell-on shrimp that are already deveined.

Allow onion to sit in water for at least 5 minutes to let the flavor mellow.

Afterward, drain from water, pat dry with a paper towel, and set aside.

Cooked Shrimp on a Kitchen Towel for Seafood Butter Recipe

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Meanwhile, fill a medium bowl with ice water for shocking the cooked shrimp.

Fill a medium saucepan with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat.

Lower the heat to a simmer and add the shrimp.

Shrimp Minced on a Cutting Board Using a Knife for Seafood Butter

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Cook until shrimp are completely pink and firm to the touch, 5-7 minutes.

Transfer to the bowl of ice water and let sit until cool enough to handle.

Peel and, if necessary, devein.

Bowl of Smooth Butter Beaten by a Wood Spoon for Shrimp Butter Recipe

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Then pat dry and transfer to a cutting board.

Chop the shrimp very finely until its nearly a paste.

it’s possible for you to use a food processor to do this.

Bowl of Shrimp Butter

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

In a large bowl, beat the butter with a wooden spoon until smooth.

Shrimp butter can be made ahead and frozen for up to 1 month.

To store, spoon the butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap and roll into a log.

Bowl of Shrimp Butter with a Cheese Knife, Sitting on a Platter of Crackers at a Table Setting with a Glass of Wine, Stack of Plates, and a Kitchen Linen

Simply Recipes / Alison Bickel

Did you love this recipe?

Leave us stars below!