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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 39 reviews

If you love bold, comforting flavors with a hint of indulgence, this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. Perfectly spiced shrimp bathed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce brings together classic Indian ingredients in a dish that’s as rich in taste as it is in tradition. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers a delightful balance of warmth, creaminess, and aromatic spices that make every bite unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various cooking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. In the center is a white plate holding small bowls arranged in a circle: minced garlic and ginger in wooden bowls, white salt, red and brown spices, cashew nuts, a small glass of oil, and a small glass of white cream. To the top right of the plate is a white bowl filled with chopped red onions, and above that is another white bowl with chopped red tomatoes. To the right of the plate is a white bowl with a thick piece of yellow butter. Below the plate, there is a small white dish with lemon wedges and fresh green cilantro on top. To the bottom right, there is a gray bowl filled with uncooked, peeled shrimp. The whole setup is clean and organized, and the photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe lies in the simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the tangy lemon juice brightening the shrimp to the creamy butter and heavy cream creating that irresistible silky sauce.

Shrimp, 1/2 lb: Fresh and deveined for a tender, juicy texture that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
Minced garlic and grated ginger: Essential aromatics that awaken the flavors and add warmth.
Turmeric powder: Adds a beautiful golden color along with subtle earthiness.
Red chili powder or paprika: Provides gentle heat and vibrant red hues without overwhelming the dish.
Oil and unsalted butter: For cooking the shrimp and building a rich, buttery base for the sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens the shrimp with a fresh, zesty touch, balancing the richness.
Diced red onion and tomato: Form the heart of the sauce with natural sweetness and acidity.
Cashews: Blend to create a creamy texture and add subtle nutty flavor.
Garam masala and sugar: Layer warmth and a hint of sweetness to round out the spices.
Water and heavy cream: Adjust the sauce consistency and contribute to the luscious finish.
Cilantro: For a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens every bite.

How to Make Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by mixing shrimp with minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, oil, and lemon juice in a bowl. This marinade infuses every piece with layers of flavor while tenderizing the shrimp. Pop it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes to let all those spices soak in deeply.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet with some butter over medium heat, then add your marinated shrimp. Cook them for 4-5 minutes until just done and nicely curled. Avoid overcooking here since they’ll cook a bit more in the sauce later. Once cooked, set them aside while you prepare the sauce base.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Cashews

In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter, then add garlic, ginger, cashews, and diced red onions. Cook until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This step builds a beautiful depth of flavor that forms the backbone of your sauce.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Spices

Next, stir in diced tomatoes and let them cook down until mushy, releasing their natural sweetness. Then toss in chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. Stir quickly and add a splash of water to prevent burning and help the spices bloom beautifully in the pan.

Step 5: Blend Into a Smooth Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat and use a food processor or immersion blender to puree this mixture until silky smooth. This creamy base is what makes this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe so decadently delightful and comforting.

Step 6: Simmer the Sauce and Reintroduce the Shrimp

Return the sauce to a gentle simmer on the stove for 5 minutes to intensify flavors. Then add the cooked shrimp back to the pan, ensuring each piece is wrapped in that rich sauce.

Step 7: Finish Cooking and Add Cream

Add a little more water to loosen the sauce slightly, letting it simmer together for 3 minutes. To finish, stir in heavy cream and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, vibrant contrast. Turn off the heat, and your Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe

A textured brown bowl holds a dish with three main layers: on the left side, there is a rich orange creamy sauce with round shrimp pieces, lightly sprinkled with small green herb leaves. On the right side, fluffy white rice is topped with a small amount of chopped green herbs, next to a folded piece of soft, pale beige flatbread with a browned spot. A bright yellow lemon wedge sits on top of the rice at the top edge. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered green herb pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a classic choice to garnish Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe, offering a vivid green pop and fresh aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side can add an optional citrus burst, perfect for those who like their dishes a little tangier.

Side Dishes

This rich and creamy shrimp pairs wonderfully with traditional basmati rice or fluffy naan bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. You can also serve it alongside a simple cucumber raita or some lightly sautéed greens for a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, present this dish in a vibrant ceramic bowl topped with slivers of toasted cashews and finely chopped green chilies for heat. You might also serve the shrimp over a bed of fragrant coconut rice or even tossed with noodles for a fun fusion twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe (which would be impressive), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even better the next day.

Freezing

While shrimp can sometimes become a bit rubbery after freezing, you can freeze this dish in portions if you like. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp and breaking the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally and, if needed, add a splash of water or cream to revive the silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry, and remove any excess moisture before marinating to get the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for cashews?

Almonds or even a small amount of cream cheese can add creaminess, but cashews give a uniquely smooth texture and mild nutty flavor that’s hard to replace.

Is this recipe very spicy?

Not necessarily. Using paprika instead of red chili powder will make it milder, but you can always adjust the spice levels to your comfort by tweaking the amount of chili powder.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize it, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or tofu and replace butter and heavy cream with vegan butter and coconut cream. The spices and flavors will still shine wonderfully.

How long does the marinating step take?

At least 20-30 minutes is ideal to let the shrimp soak up the marinade flavors, but if you’re in a hurry, even 10 minutes can work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

This Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into a dish bursting with flavor and comfort. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy how effortlessly this recipe will elevate your weeknight meals or impress guests at your next gathering. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved favorite!