Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp

This hearty Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp has become my weekend indulgence whenever I crave something both elegant and effortless. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and that iconic Old Bay seasoning creates a dish that feels like something from an upscale seafood restaurant, yet comes together in just minutes at home.

I first made this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something impressive without the fuss. The way the honey caramelizes with the butter while coating those perfectly seasoned shrimp has made this dish a non negotiable in my dinner rotation.

Ingredients

• Honey adds natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully with the shrimp. Look for pure raw honey for the best flavor profile.
• Butter creates the rich base for our sauce. Use unsalted so you can control the final seasoning level.
• Olive Oil helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note. A good quality extra virgin makes a difference here.
• Large Shrimp delivers the perfect meaty texture for this dish. Fresh is ideal but frozen works great too just be sure to thaw and pat dry.
• Old Bay Seasoning provides that distinctive blend of herbs and spices that makes this dish special. The authentic version contains celery salt paprika black pepper and more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Honey Butter Sauce

Melt butter in a skillet over medium high heat. The butter should sizzle gently but not smoke. Add honey and stir continuously as they blend together. Let this mixture bubble slightly for 1 2 minutes which allows the flavors to intensify and the honey to begin caramelizing. The sauce should look glossy and smell incredibly fragrant.

Prepare the Shrimp

Place your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl that gives you enough room to toss them easily. Drizzle with olive oil ensuring every shrimp gets a light coating. Sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning over the shrimp making sure to distribute it evenly. Gently toss everything together using your hands or tongs until each shrimp is thoroughly coated with both oil and seasoning. This step ensures flavor in every bite.

Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp to your simmering honey butter sauce arranging them in a single layer. Allow them to cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until they begin turning pink and slightly opaque. Flip each shrimp and cook for another 1 2 minutes until they curl into a loose C shape and are completely pink throughout. Avoid overcooking as shrimp can become tough.

Serving

Transfer the shrimp with their glossy sauce directly to serving plates. The entire cooking process takes just minutes so have your sides ready before starting the shrimp. The sauce is too delicious to waste so serve with bread for soaking up every last drop.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is watching the transformation that happens when the seasoned shrimp hit that bubbling honey butter mixture. The kitchen fills with the most intoxicating aroma and within minutes those plump juicy shrimp are coated in a sauce that manages to be both delicate and bold at the same time.

Selecting The Best Shrimp

For this recipe I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp as they stand up better to the bold flavors. When shopping look for shrimp that smells fresh like the ocean without any ammonia scent. The shells should feel firm and the flesh should spring back when touched. While fresh is wonderful frozen shrimp are often flash frozen right after catching making them an excellent option. Just be sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water if you're in a hurry.

Making It Your Own

This versatile recipe welcomes variations based on what you have available. No Old Bay? Create your own blend with paprika celery salt black pepper and cayenne. For a spicier version add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter sauce. You can also brighten the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving. For a more substantial meal add chunks of andouille sausage to the skillet for a quick take on a lowcountry boil flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings

These succulent shrimp deserve simple accompaniments that complement without overwhelming. A side of fluffy white rice or crusty bread makes the perfect canvas for soaking up the incredible honey butter sauce. For vegetables consider something green and simple like steamed asparagus or a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. If you're serving this as an appetizer provide small picks and napkins as guests will likely want to use their fingers the better to enjoy every morsel of that delicious coating.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of shrimp should I use for this dish?

It's best to use large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat.

→ Can I substitute Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, you can use a blend of paprika, pepper, celery salt, and cayenne to replicate similar flavors.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking by watching for the color change and firm texture.

→ Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove before adding shrimp.

→ What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp pairs well with rice, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad for a complete meal.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The dish has a mild heat from the Old Bay seasoning. You can adjust the spiciness by adding a dash of cayenne or omitting it entirely.