If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and has a luxuriously indulgent texture, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe takes succulent shrimp and elevates them in a velvety, spiced tomato and cashew sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the perfect blend of buttery richness, gentle heat, and aromatic spices that comes together effortlessly for a meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe promises a wonderful dinner adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. The beauty lies in how simple pantry staples and fresh items combine to create a buttery, creamy sauce infused with the warmth of Indian spices and the natural sweetness of shrimp.
- Shrimp (1 pound): Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring a tender seafood base that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning, it enhances all the flavors, so don’t skimp here.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright tang that balances the richness perfectly.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Brings aromatic depth and a savory kick.
- Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Offers a slightly spicy warmth that’s classic in Indian cooking.
- Turmeric Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Imparts a beautiful golden hue and subtle earthiness.
- Red Chili Powder or Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adjust the heat to your liking, adding a smoky or fiery pop.
- Oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral vegetable or canola oil helps in sautéing and flavor development.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): The foundation of the luscious sauce, providing that signature creamy richness.
- Red Onion (1 small, diced): Adds a natural sweetness and texture contrast.
- Tomato (1 cup, diced): Fresh tomatoes bring acidity and a slight sweetness that blends with the spices.
- Cashews (1/4 cup): When blended, these nuts create a creamy, smooth body for the sauce.
- Garam Masala (1 teaspoon): A fragrant spice blend that brings complexity and warmth.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Just enough sweetness to balance the tang and heat perfectly.
- Water (1/4 cup): Used to adjust the sauce consistency for a silky finish.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The star ingredient for the “creamy” texture, or use coconut cream for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh herbaceousness on top to brighten every bite.
How to Make Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by combining the shrimp with garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, chili powder, oil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a medium bowl. This quick marinade infuses the shrimp with a lively burst of flavor that’s foundational to this dish. Let it chill in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes so all those spices meld beautifully into the shrimp.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the first batch of butter. Add the marinated shrimp and cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn opaque and firm to the touch. Be careful not to overcook here because the shrimp will continue cooking later. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside — this gives room to build your sauce without overcrowding the pan.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Onions
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, along with minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced onions. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and soft, releasing a lovely sweetness and fragrant base to layer your sauce on.
Step 4: Build the Tomato Sauce
Now stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and a pinch more salt. Let the mixture cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the spices to deepen in flavor. This slow simmer is what will give the sauce its rich, complex profile.
Step 5: Puree and Simmer
Pour in the water and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those tasty bits. Then, transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pan to puree the sauce until silky smooth. Return the pureed sauce to the skillet, simmer it on low heat, and then add the shrimp back in, carefully stirring to coat them evenly. Let everything cook together for 3 more minutes so the shrimp soak up the creamy goodness.
Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cilantro
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro, mixing gently just until heated through. This is where the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious coating that clings perfectly to the tender shrimp. Serve it hot, and prepare for happy, satisfied smiles at the table.
How to Serve Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro sprinkled on the top adds a bright herbal touch, while a wedge of lemon on the side invites an extra zing of citrus brightness. For a subtle heat boost, consider a light sprinkle of chili flakes or finely chopped green chilies to add a little personal flair.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm basmati rice, which soaks up every drop of that creamy sauce. You can also serve it alongside naan bread or roti for dipping. For a lighter meal, try it with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving your Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe in small ramekins or over a bed of fragrant turmeric rice topped with toasted cashews for added crunch. Alternatively, spoon it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist that still delivers all the flavor and satisfaction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Consume within 2 to 3 days for the best quality and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later time, this Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the leftovers on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. Stir constantly until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or cream may help restore its silky texture. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture, which can dilute the flavors.
Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream to keep the dish creamy and rich while making it dairy-free. It adds a slight coconut flavor that complements the spices nicely.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The spice level is moderate due to the red chili powder or paprika. You can easily reduce or increase the amount to suit your preference or swap with mild paprika for less heat.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
You can prep the sauce and marinate the shrimp ahead, but it’s best to cook and combine everything just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and texture.
What’s the best way to ensure the shrimp stays tender and not rubbery?
Don’t overcook the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn opaque the first time, and then simmer briefly in the sauce at the end to finish. This prevents them from becoming tough.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe is a deliciously easy way to bring the tastes of India into your kitchen without fuss. Rich, vibrant, and totally satisfying, it quickly becomes a go-to for those evenings when you want something special but want to keep it simple. Give it a try — I promise it will soon be one of your favorites, just like it is mine!
Print
Creamy Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
A rich and creamy Indian Butter Shrimp recipe bursting with authentic spices and flavors, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This dish features marinated shrimp cooked in a luscious tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, cream, and aromatic spices, garnished with fresh cilantro.
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)
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 Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine shrimp with garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, chili powder, oil, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn opaque and are just cooked through. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining butter along with minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced red onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in diced tomatoes, red chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and meld with the spices.
- Blend Sauce: Add water to the skillet, scrape the bottom to loosen any browned bits, then transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth to create a creamy sauce base, then return it to the skillet.
- Simmer with Shrimp: Simmer the pureed sauce on low heat. Add the cooked shrimp back in, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Finish with Cream and Cilantro: Stir in the heavy cream and chopped cilantro. Mix well and cook until heated through. Serve the creamy Indian butter shrimp hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red chili powder or add fresh green chilies.
- Cashews can be soaked before blending for an even creamier sauce texture.
- Serve with basmati rice or naan to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring all spice blends are free from additives.
