If you’re craving a dish that bursts with rich, comforting flavors yet comes together in under an hour, you absolutely must try this Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp for a Quick Flavor Adventure Recipe. It’s a dreamy blend of tender shrimp bathed in a luscious, buttery tomato sauce, infused with aromatic Indian spices and finished with a velvety creaminess that’ll have you hooked from the very first bite. Whether you’re new to Indian cooking or a seasoned foodie, this recipe promises an exciting yet approachable journey straight to your taste buds’ happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role—from the juicy shrimp adding delightful texture, to the spices layering warmth and depth, and the cream tying everything together into a luxurious sauce that feels indulgent but is effortlessly made.
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or thawed, large shrimp hold their shape and absorb flavor beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Seasoning that balances all the flavors perfectly—adjust to your taste.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed: Adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Gives aromatic punch and complements the spices brilliantly.
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated: A zingy warmth that brings authentic vibrance to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder: For color and subtle earthiness, essential in Indian cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder or Paprika: Customize the heat to your liking, from smoky mildness to fiery kick.
- 2 tablespoons Oil, canola or vegetable: For sautéing ingredients and creating that perfect base.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: The heart of this recipe, creating richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- 1 small Red Onion, diced: Adds sweetness and texture, softening nicely as it cooks.
- 1 cup Tomato, diced: Fresh tomatoes add tanginess and help build the sauce’s body.
- 1/4 cup Cashews (or almonds): Blended into the sauce for a natural creaminess and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala: A fragrant spice blend that deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the tomato’s acidity and spice.
- 1/4 cup Water: Helps regulate sauce consistency—add more for thinner sauce.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for lighter option): The superstar that makes the sauce decadently creamy.
- 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped: Added fresh at the end to brighten and garnish.
How to Make Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp for a Quick Flavor Adventure Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a marinade of garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, chili powder, oil, and lemon juice. This step fills the shrimp with flavor and tenderizes them for that perfect bite. Pop them into the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat butter in your skillet over medium heat and gently sauté the marinated shrimp until they turn opaque and just cooked through—about 4 to 5 minutes. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so keep an eye here. When done, set the shrimp aside and keep that buttery pan ready for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the rest of the butter along with some garlic, ginger, and diced red onion. Sauté this fragrant trio until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing a sweet, aromatic base that’s essential to the richness of the dish.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in your diced tomatoes, chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Let the mixture cook until the tomatoes soften and meld with the spices—roughly 5 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors deepen into a beautiful, vibrant sauce.
Step 5: Blend and Simmer
Pour in water and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any caramelized bits—these little bits pack serious flavor! Blend this mixture until smooth (a blender or immersion blender works great). Return the smooth sauce to the skillet and let it simmer gently to marry all the flavors.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked shrimp back into the sauce and let them simmer together for about 3 minutes so the shrimp soak up that luscious creaminess and all the spices bind into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Cilantro
Finally, stir in heavy cream (or coconut cream) and freshly chopped cilantro. This final touch creates that iconic velvety texture and adds a fresh, herbaceous pop that lifts the entire dish to mouthwatering heights. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp for a Quick Flavor Adventure Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro is a must, but you can also add a few toasted cashews on top for a satisfying crunch and extra nutty aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side provides a zesty burst for those who love a little extra tang.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a fresh cucumber raita or a simple salad with crunchy cucumbers and tomatoes to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into a stunning party dish? Serve the shrimp in shallow bowls topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. You could also skewer the shrimp and drizzle the creamy sauce over as an upscale appetizer, perfect for impressing friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp for a Quick Flavor Adventure Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors meld even more, making cold or reheated servings just as tasty.
Freezing
While fresh is best to capture the creaminess, you can freeze this dish if needed. Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 1 month. Be aware that the sauce might slightly change texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently either in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave at medium power. Stir frequently to prevent the cream from separating. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the sauce.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option or even use plain yogurt stirred in at the end (off the heat) for a tangy twist.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level can be customized easily. Use less red chili powder or substitute with paprika for a milder flavor if you prefer gentle warmth over spiciness.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute shrimp with paneer cubes or cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian version that also pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 4-5 minutes. They will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce, so it’s better to undercook a little than overdo it initially.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish to impress with authentic flavors but without hours spent in the kitchen, the Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp for a Quick Flavor Adventure Recipe is your new go-to. It’s comforting, vibrant, and ridiculously satisfying—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be excited to make it again and again!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
A luscious and creamy Indian Butter Shrimp recipe that combines tender shrimp with a rich, spiced tomato and cream sauce. Marinated with aromatic spices and cooked in butter, this flavorful dish comes together quickly for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder or Paprika
- 2 tablespoons Oil (canola or vegetable oil)
Curry Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 small Red Onion, diced
- 1 cup Tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup Cashews (or substitute with almonds)
- 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (to balance flavors)
- 1/4 cup Water (to adjust consistency)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for lighter option)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to coat the shrimp evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp turns opaque and is cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced red onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spices bloom.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add water to the skillet and scrape the bottom to collect all flavorful bits. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Return the pureed sauce to the skillet.
- Simmer with Shrimp: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce. Stir gently to coat the shrimp evenly and simmer for 3 minutes to mingle the flavors.
- Finish with Cream and Cilantro: Stir in heavy cream (or coconut cream) and chopped cilantro. Mix until fully combined and warm through. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot for a creamy and spicy butter shrimp delight.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can also be used but ensure they are fully thawed.
- Adjust chili powder quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Cashews add a creamy texture; almonds can be substituted if preferred or unavailable.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan bread to enjoy the full experience of the sauce.
- Marinating the shrimp is key for flavor infusion but do not marinate for more than 30 minutes to avoid the shrimp becoming mushy.
