Name: Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, tail removed and deveined; 1/2 tsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp grated ginger; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1/2 tsp red chili powder or paprika; 1 tbsp oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided); 1 cup diced red onion; 1 cup diced tomato; 1 tsp minced garlic; 1 tsp grated ginger; 10 – 15 cashews; 1 tsp red chili powder or paprika; 1 tsp garam masala; 1 tsp sugar; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup water (divided); 2 tbsp heavy cream; Cilantro, to garnish

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If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich, creamy flavors and tender seafood, you’re going to fall in love with this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of spices, velvety butter, and succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a luscious tomato-based sauce. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of warmth from the garam masala, a slight zing from the lemon juice, and a dreamy creaminess that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or want a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is an absolute winner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds about a dozen peeled shrimp, each coated in a bright orange spice mix that gives them a glossy texture with small red specks. The shrimp are curled and layered unevenly inside the bowl, which rests on a white marbled surface. A white cloth with thin black stripes is placed near the bowl, adding soft contrast to the scene. The lighting highlights the shrimp’s shiny and slightly wet appearance, emphasizing the rich color of the spice mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving its characteristic aroma, texture, and color. From the fragrant spices to the creamy butter and fresh shrimp, every element is essential for building layers of flavor.

Shrimp, 1/2 lb: Peeled, tail removed, and deveined for a tender and easy-to-eat protein base.
Minced garlic, 1 1/2 tsp: Provides pungency and depth to both marinade and sauce.
Grated ginger, 1 1/2 tsp: Adds a fresh, zesty kick complementary to the spices.
Salt, 1/2 tsp + to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp: Gives a warm golden hue and subtle earthiness.
Red chili powder or paprika, 2 tsp: Balances heat and smokiness, adjust to your spice preference.
Oil, 1 tbsp: Used for marinating and initial shrimp cooking.
Lemon juice, 1 tbsp: Brightens the marinade and adds refreshing acidity.
Unsalted butter, 2 tbsp: The star ingredient that lends a silky richness.
Diced red onion, 1 cup: Provides sweetness and body to the sauce.
Diced tomato, 1 cup: Forms the hearty and tangy base of the curry.
Cashews, 10-15: Ground into the sauce for natural creaminess and a nutty undertone.
Garam masala, 1 tsp: A blend of warming spices that is signature to Indian flavors.
Sugar, 1 tsp: Balances the acidity and rounds out the flavor profile.
Water, 1/2 cup total: Used to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
Heavy cream, 2 tbsp: Finishes the dish with a luscious, creamy texture.
Cilantro: Fresh leaves to garnish with a pop of herbal brightness.

How to Make Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

The first step to incredible flavor is marinating the shrimp. Combine the shrimp with garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, oil, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Coating every piece thoroughly is key to infusing the shrimp with vibrant spices. Letting it rest in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes allows the flavors to really sink in and get that perfect balance of tang, spice, and saltiness.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium flame and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and sizzling, add the marinated shrimp and cook them gently for about 4 to 5 minutes. The shrimp will turn a brilliant pink and curl up. Avoid overcooking here because they’ll get more time in the sauce later. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Aromatic Base

Using the same skillet, add the remaining butter along with garlic, ginger, cashews, and diced onions. Sauté everything until the onion softens and turns translucent, releasing that sweet, caramelized flavor. Then toss in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy, creating the foundation of your luscious sauce.

Step 4: Add the Spices and Simmer

Once the tomatoes have broken down, sprinkle in red chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Give this mixture a good stir to marry the flavors together. To prevent the spices from sticking or burning, add a splash of water—about a quarter cup—and stir continuously. This step unlocks a full-bodied, rich flavor that’s signature to the Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe.

Step 5: Blend into a Smooth Sauce

Now it’s time for a little kitchen magic. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the mixture into a food processor or use an immersion blender to puree it until completely smooth. This silky texture is what makes this dish so irresistibly creamy and luscious.

Step 6: Cook the Sauce and Add Shrimp

Return the blended sauce to the stove and simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors deepen. Then, gently stir the cooked shrimp back into the sauce. Add another quarter cup of water to adjust the consistency. Let everything simmer together for about 3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up the vibrant sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cilantro

The final flourish is stirring in the heavy cream, which brings a velvety richness, and scattering fresh cilantro leaves on top for a burst of freshness. Turn off the heat and get ready to savor every spoonful!

How to Serve Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe

The image shows a dish served in a white bowl with a speckled brown rim on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there are three main layers: on the left side, a creamy orange sauce with several pieces of shrimp covered in it, garnished with small green herbs; on the right side, a portion of fluffy white rice with some green herb sprinkles; and at the bottom right, folded pieces of light beige flatbread with a browned spot. A wedge of bright yellow lemon is placed on top of the rice near the orange sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The best part about serving this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe is its stunning garnishes. Fresh cilantro leaves scattered on top bring an herbal brightness that perfectly balances the creamy sauce. For a touch of crunch, you could even sprinkle toasted cashews or a squeeze of fresh lemon to enhance the tang.

Side Dishes

This butter shrimp pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice to soak up every drop of the luxurious sauce. Soft, warm naan bread is another fantastic side, perfect for mopping up the curry. If you want a bit of veggie balance, lightly sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber raita makes the meal complete and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fancy? Serve the Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe in a vibrant bowl garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a wow factor. You could also plate it atop a bed of fragrant saffron rice to add a splash of golden color. For gatherings, try individual mini copper bowls or rounded bread bowls that can double as a tasty vessel!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two days, maintaining most of their flavor and texture. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal for this recipe because the cream sauce can separate slightly upon thawing. However, if needed, place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce seems too thick or has separated. Avoid using a microwave to keep the delicate texture intact. Reheating slowly helps the flavors come back to life without overcooking the shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better and ensures even cooking. Frozen shrimp is a convenient option that works perfectly for the Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is adjustable based on your preference. Using paprika instead of red chili powder will create a milder dish, while adding more chili powder will kick up the heat. The Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe balances spice with creaminess, making it suitable even for those sensitive to heat.

Can I substitute heavy cream with coconut milk?

Yes, coconut milk is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that adds a lovely tropical sweetness and creaminess. It will slightly change the flavor profile but keep the luscious texture intact, making the Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe accessible to those avoiding dairy.

What type of rice pairs best with this curry?

Basmati rice is the classic choice because of its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, which complements the rich sauce wonderfully. You can also opt for jasmine rice or even a simple pilaf with some toasted nuts and raisins for extra flair.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Definitely! The flavors actually deepen after resting, so making the sauce a few hours or even a day ahead enhances the taste. Just cook the shrimp fresh or add them just before serving to avoid overcooking. The Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe is great for easy entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe a try. It’s a beautiful balance of aromatic spices, creamy textures, and tender shrimp that makes every meal a celebration. Simple to prepare but spectacular on the plate, this dish is destined to become one of your go-to favorites when you’re craving something both comforting and exciting. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!