When the sun begins to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, I often find myself craving something that warms both my heart and stomach. Enter the Chili Buttered Shrimp Recipe—a sensational dish that beautifully marries the creamy richness of butter with the fiery kick of fresh chili peppers. Picture this: succulent shrimp glistening in a vibrant, spicy sauce that calls for just three ingredients.
I discovered this simple yet impressive recipe during a particularly hectic week when takeout was tempting me far too often. With minimal prep time, it turned my ordinary evening into a culinary delight. Perfect for a quick meal or a casual gathering, this dish guarantees to enchant even the pickiest of eaters with its bold flavors and smooth texture. Join me as I show you how to whip up this irresistible seafood treat in no time, making every dinner feel like a special occasion!
Why is Chili Buttered Shrimp Recipe Beloved?
Simplicity at its Finest: With just three ingredients, this dish offers a quick path to culinary delight.
Bold, Flavorful Experience: The infusion of spicy chili peppers in creamy butter creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
Quick Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick-to-prepare recipe ensures you can enjoy a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve it at dinner parties, and watch your friends rave about its rich and zesty flavors.
Versatile Pairings: Easily complements a variety of sides, from rice to salads, enhancing any meal.
Freshness is Key: Using fresh shrimp elevates the dish’s overall quality and allows the flavors to truly shine.
Chili Buttered Shrimp Recipe Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Fresh Shrimp – Always choose fresh shrimp for a sweet, delicate flavor that perfectly complements the sauce.
For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – High-quality unsalted butter enriches the sauce, allowing you to control the seasoning for your Chili Buttered Shrimp.
• Small Red Chili Peppers – Slice these to release their oils; adjust heat level according to your preference for spice.
For seasoning
• Salt – Use this to enhance overall flavor; feel free to adjust according to taste and dietary needs.
How to Make Chili Buttered Shrimp
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Melt the Butter: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of high-quality unsalted butter over medium heat until it’s shimmering and fragrant.
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Sauté the Chilies: Add the sliced small red chili peppers to the skillet. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly softened, releasing their delightful spicy aroma.
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Cook the Shrimp: Gently place your fresh shrimp into the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful pink and opaque color.
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Season and Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the shrimp, stirring gently to mix in all those delicious flavors. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy the rich buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chili Buttered Shrimp are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the small red chili peppers and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can melt the butter and keep it ready in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy your spicy chili buttered shrimp, simply combine the prepared ingredients in a skillet, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, and serve hot. By prepping ahead, you’ll not only save time but also have restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making dinner stress-free!
How to Store and Freeze Chili Buttered Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Freezer: If you need to freeze, place cooled Chili Buttered Shrimp in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter to restore creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for best flavor preservation.
Chili Buttered Shrimp Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own—with delightful twists that elevate every bite!
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Garlic Infusion: Add minced garlic while sautéing the chilies for an aromatic punch.
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Citrus Zing: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness.
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Spicy Kick: Enhance the heat by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sharper bite.
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Olive Oil Swap: For a lighter dish, substitute unsalted butter with high-quality olive oil, adding a distinct flavor.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an extra creamy texture that takes it over the top.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in vibrant vegetables like bell peppers or snow peas for added color, crunch, and nutrition.
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Herb Infusion: Infuse with fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro during cooking for aromatic depth and a touch of green.
Each of these variations adds its own charm, allowing you to tailor the dish to suit your mood and the tastes of your loved ones!
Expert Tips for Chili Buttered Shrimp
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Temperature Matters: Use medium heat when melting the butter. High heat can cause it to burn and turn bitter.
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Fresh is Best: Always opt for fresh shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in your Chili Buttered Shrimp recipe.
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Watch the Time: Avoid overcooking the shrimp by keeping an eye on the color. They should be just cooked through, or they’ll become rubbery.
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Chili Selection: Choose chili peppers based on your heat preference. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor if desired.
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Garnish Wisely: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley post-cooking for an aromatic finishing touch and vibrant color.
What to Serve with Chili Buttered Shrimp?
Let’s create a delightful spread that perfectly complements the rich, spicy flavors of your shrimp.
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Fluffy Jasmine Rice: A fragrant bed of jasmine rice soaks up the creamy chili butter sauce, making every bite luxurious.
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Zesty Cucumber Salad: The fresh crunch of cucumbers provides a cooling contrast to the shrimp’s heat, balancing the meal beautifully.
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Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread gives a satisfying texture and is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, creating a delectable experience.
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Grilled Asparagus: Tender, slightly charred asparagus adds an earthy flavor profile, enhancing the dish’s overall depth while keeping things light.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy, crispness of coleslaw elevates the meal with a refreshing bite, serving as a great palate cleanser between spicy shrimp.
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Chilled White Wine: Pair with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for its zesty acidity, which perfectly complements the buttery richness of the shrimp.
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Mango Salsa: A sweet and spicy mango salsa brings a tropical flair to the table, further enhancing the shrimp’s robust flavors.
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Lemon Sorbet: Finish off your meal with a light lemon sorbet to cleanse your palate, leaving everyone with a refreshing aftertaste.
Chili Buttered Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Always opt for fresh shrimp when making this Chili Buttered Shrimp recipe, as frozen shrimp can lead to a less desirable texture. Fresh shrimp has a sweet, delicate flavor that perfectly complements the buttery sauce. If fresh isn’t available, ensure any frozen shrimp is properly thawed and drained to get as much moisture out as possible.
How should I store leftover Chili Buttered Shrimp?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat. This method will prevent overcooking, ensuring the shrimp remains tender and flavorful, as I often do with my leftovers!
Can I freeze Chili Buttered Shrimp?
Yes, indeed! You can freeze your Chili Buttered Shrimp. Place cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and then warm them in a skillet over low heat with a little butter for that creamy texture.
I’m concerned about shrimp overcooking. How do I avoid that?
Great question! To avoid overcooking shrimp and making them rubbery, keep an eye on their color. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 2-3 minutes per side. If you’re unsure, take one out and cut it open to check; it should be just cooked through and tender. I always remind myself, “less is more” when it comes to cooking shrimp!
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Very much so! The beauty of the Chili Buttered Shrimp recipe is its flexibility. You can choose mild, hot, or extremely hot chili peppers based on your spice preference. If you’d like a milder flavor, feel free to remove the seeds from the chili peppers before slicing them. It’s all about making it just right for your taste buds!
Is this recipe safe for those with shellfish allergies?
Good question! Chili Buttered Shrimp contains shrimp, which is a common allergen. If you or your guests have shellfish allergies, I recommend finding a substitute, such as firm tofu or a seafood alternative that fits dietary needs. Always ensure to check labels and consult with guests before serving to keep everyone safe!
Spicy Chili Buttered Shrimp Recipe for Quick Seafood Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s shimmering and fragrant.
- Add the sliced small red chili peppers to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Gently place the fresh shrimp into the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a pink and opaque color.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the shrimp, stirring gently. Serve immediately while hot.