If you love bold flavors and quick, indulgent meals, then you’re going to adore this Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe. It perfectly balances the smoky heat of harissa paste with the rich, creamy texture of butter, elevating simple shrimp into something truly memorable. Imagine juicy shrimp kissed with fragrant garlic and zesty lemon, all wrapped up in spicy, buttery goodness—this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as vibrant on the plate as it is on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that complement each other perfectly, making your cooking experience straightforward yet utterly rewarding.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp are essential for that tender, juicy bite.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Softened to blend smoothly, it forms the rich base of our flavorful sauce.
- Harissa paste (2 tablespoons): This North African chili paste brings smoky heat and a depth of spice.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the shrimp beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Provides a bright, tangy note that balances the richness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the shrimp perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a subtle peppery warmth that rounds out the dish.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Used as a garnish to add a fresh, herbal touch and a pop of color.
- Lemon wedges: Served alongside to squeeze over the finished dish, lifting every bite.
How to Make Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Harissa Butter Mix
Start by combining the softened butter with harissa paste, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mixing these ingredients well ensures you get that vibrant, spicy butter that will coat the shrimp beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add a portion of the harissa butter mix. Once melted and fragrant, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Keep the heat steady to avoid overcooking and ensure the shrimp soak up that buttery spice.
Step 3: Finish with Harissa Butter
Remove the shrimp and set them aside briefly. Add the remaining harissa butter to the skillet and let it melt, stirring well to pick up all the flavorful browned bits. Return the shrimp to the pan, tossing them gently in the sauce to coat evenly. This final step infuses every bite with luscious, spicy goodness.
How to Serve Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Chop fresh cilantro or parsley and sprinkle generously over the shrimp—it brightens the dish and adds a lovely herbal aroma. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges on the side; their acidity cuts through the rich butter for a perfect balance.
Side Dishes
This spicy shrimp pairs perfectly with a side of fluffy couscous, creamy rice, or even roasted vegetables. Each option complements the bold harissa butter and makes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a vibrant, shareable option, pile the shrimp on a platter with lemon wedges, scatter fresh herbs, and serve warm crusty bread for dipping into every last bit of harissa butter. You could even toss the shrimp into a fresh salad for a lighter, zesty meal that highlights the sauce’s flavor beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover shrimp with harissa butter in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to two days, making a quick, tasty option for the next day’s lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, place the cooked shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. They maintain good quality for up to one month but are best enjoyed fresh to preserve that luscious butter texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave on a low setting to avoid toughening the shrimp. Add a small pat of butter if needed to refresh the sauce and keep the flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture from diluting the harissa butter sauce.
What if I don’t have harissa paste?
While harissa provides a unique smoky heat, you can substitute with a mix of chili paste and smoked paprika. However, the character of this Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe will be slightly different but still delicious.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level depends on your harissa paste. You can adjust by adding less paste if you prefer milder flavors or more for an extra kick.
Can I use this recipe for other seafood?
Yes! This harissa butter is fantastic on scallops, fish fillets, or even lobster tails, bringing the same wonderful flavor with just adjusted cooking times.
How long does it take to make this dish?
This Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe is super quick, coming together in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a feast without fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and bring something exciting to your table, this Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe is the way to go. The fiery blend of harissa combined with silky butter makes every bite unforgettable. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your new favorite quick meal to share with friends and family over and over again!
Print
Shrimp with Harissa Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: North African
Description
This Shrimp with Harissa Butter recipe features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a rich, spicy harissa butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh lemon juice. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or impressive appetizer, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley and served with lemon wedges for an extra zing.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Harissa Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Harissa Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the harissa paste, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended to create a flavorful harissa butter mixture.
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the harissa butter mixture to the skillet and allow it to melt, releasing its aroma. Once melted and hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Sauté the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving plate. Spoon any remaining harissa butter sauce from the skillet over the shrimp. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- For spicier heat, add extra harissa paste to the butter mixture.
- You can substitute fresh parsley if cilantro isn’t available or preferred.
- Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
- Ensure shrimp are fresh or properly thawed if using frozen for the best taste and texture.
