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; 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; 1/2 cup water, divided; 2 tbsp heavy cream; salt to taste; Cilantro, to garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you love vibrant flavors with a touch of indulgence, this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. Imagine plump, juicy shrimp swimming in a luscious, creamy buttery masala sauce rich with the warmth of traditional Indian spices, finished with fresh cilantro and a hint of sweetness from cashews. This dish is quick to prepare yet impressively delicious, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds one layer of raw shrimp coated in an orange spice mix with visible specks of seasoning, giving the shrimp a shiny and slightly wet texture. The shrimp are curled and placed closely together, showing some variation in size. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby that has thin black stripes. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the glossy appearance of the shrimp. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe lies in a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the tangy marinade that tenderizes the shrimp to the creamy sauce that brings everything together with layers of flavor and a silky texture.

Shrimp (1/2 lb): Fresh, peeled, deveined shrimp ensure a tender and juicy bite every time.
Minced garlic and grated ginger: These aromatics add depth and warmth to both the marinade and the sauce.
Turmeric and red chili powder: Essential spices that provide color, a mild earthiness, and gentle heat.
Oil and unsalted butter: The perfect fat combination to cook shrimp and build that rich, buttery sauce.
Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with zesty freshness.
Red onion and diced tomato: Form the flavorful base of the masala sauce.
Cashews: Add creamy texture when blended into the sauce and a subtle nutty sweetness.
Garam masala: A blend of spices that intensifies the authentic Indian flavor profile.
Sugar and salt: Balance and enhance all the spices and ingredients.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature velvety richness.
Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright finish that lifts the dish at the end.

How to Make Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by mixing shrimp with garlic, ginger, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, oil, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. This step infuses the shrimp with amazing flavors while helping to keep them tender and juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the marinated shrimp for about 4 to 5 minutes until just done. Set the shrimp aside on a plate. This quick cooking locks in their natural sweetness and keeps them perfectly tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Masala Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter along with garlic, ginger, cashews, and diced onions. Cook until the onions become translucent and soft, then add the diced tomatoes. When the tomatoes break down and turn mushy, stir in the red chili powder, garam masala, sugar, and salt. To keep the spices from burning, add about ¼ cup of water. This combination creates the richly layered masala sauce that is the heart of the dish.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Remove the skillet from heat and carefully transfer the sauce mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree it until smooth. This step ensures a creamy, silky texture that will coat every shrimp beautifully.

Step 5: Simmer with Shrimp and Finish

Return the blended sauce to the stove and cook gently for 5 minutes to deepen the flavors. Add the cooked shrimp back into the sauce, pour in another ¼ cup of water, and let it simmer for 3 minutes to marry all the ingredients perfectly. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before turning off the heat. The cream adds luxurious richness, and the cilantro brings a fresh, vibrant note.

How to Serve Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe

The dish is served in a round bowl with speckled brown texture, placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there are three main layers: on the left, a creamy orange shrimp curry with visible shrimp pieces softly covered in sauce, sprinkled with small green herb pieces; in the middle, a mound of white fluffy rice with some chopped green herbs on top; and on the right, folded pieces of light beige naan bread with slight browned spots, partially covering the rice. A lemon wedge rests on top of the rice near the curry, and thin slices of purple onion are placed between the rice and naan. The setting includes a small wooden bowl with red onion slices, white lemon halves, and a fork nearby. Some scattered green herbs and cashews decorate the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped cilantro is classic and provides a lovely burst of green color as well as freshness. If you want a little extra zing, a few thin slices of fresh red chili or a drizzle of lemon juice right before serving works wonders to brighten this creamy dish.

Side Dishes

The best companions to Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe are lightly steamed basmati rice or warm, fluffy naan bread. The rice soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly, while naan lets you scoop up every last bit. You might also enjoy it alongside a simple cucumber raita to add a cool, creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Indian Butter Shrimp in warm tortilla wraps or atop a bed of tender quinoa for a modern, healthful flair. You can also plate it with sautéed greens or roasted vegetables to add some color and texture variety to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp stays tender, and the flavors only deepen with time, making for a fantastic next-day meal.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to store the sauce and shrimp separately if you want to freeze them. You can freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Shrimp can become a bit rubbery if frozen after cooking, so store raw shrimp marinated instead for better texture when thawed and cooked later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or cream helps maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I make this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe with frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating so they absorb the flavors well and cook evenly.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is moderate and can be customized. Using paprika instead of red chili powder will mellow it out, or you can increase the chili to your preference for more kick.

Can I substitute cashews in the sauce?

Cashews add creaminess and a mild nutty flavor, but if you have allergies or prefer another option, soaked almonds or even unsweetened coconut cream can work as alternatives.

What can I serve if I don’t have basmati rice or naan?

Feel free to pair this butter shrimp with jasmine rice, couscous, or even crusty bread. These all complement the rich sauce nicely and help soak up the delicious flavors.

How long will the marinade keep the shrimp fresh?

Marinating shrimp for 20-30 minutes is perfect. Beyond 2 hours, especially in the fridge, the texture can change, so stick to the recommended time for the best results.

Final Thoughts

You are going to love how easy and satisfying this Indian Butter Shrimp Recipe is to make at home. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings a heartwarming spice and creamy comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive in and enjoy every flavorful bite!