Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is a dish that dances on your palate, blending sweet and savory in a way that makes even the most mundane day feel like a special occasion. Picture succulent shrimp, perfectly cooked with a glossy honey butter glaze, infused with that distinctive Old Bay seasoning. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible not to sneak a taste before serving.

This recipe brings back fond memories of summer barbecues, where friends gathered around, laughter filling the air as we shared plates piled high with flavorful bites. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an outdoor gathering, these Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp will surely steal the show. Trust me; you’re in for an amazing flavor experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The blend of honey and Old Bay creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory
- It’s visually stunning, featuring vibrant shrimp glistening in their buttery sauce
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or over rice for a hearty meal
Ingredients for Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Use large, fresh shrimp for the best texture; ensure they are peeled and deveined.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness; it adds richness to the dish.
Honey: Choose pure honey for sweetness; its natural flavors complement the spices beautifully.
Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic blend of spices enhances seafood dishes with its unique flavor profile.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the sweetness of the honey.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Start by preparing your shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels until they are moisture-free. This helps achieve that perfect sear when cooking.
Next, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns bubbly and fragrant. As the butter melts, enjoy that enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s just begging you to get started!
Once melted, stir in honey until fully combined. The mixture should have a glossy appearance and smell divine! You can almost hear it whispering promises of deliciousness.
Now add your shrimp to the skillet. Ensure they are spread out evenly so each one gets all that buttery goodness. Cook for about two minutes on one side until they turn pink and opaque.
Flip those beauties over! Sprinkle generously with Old Bay seasoning while cooking the other side for another two minutes. Be sure to savor every moment as the spices dance around your kitchen.
Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything right before serving. This zesty touch elevates the dish by cutting through richness while adding brightness—like sunshine on your plate!
Serve your Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp warm with crusty bread or over fluffy rice to soak up all that luscious sauce! Your guests will be begging for seconds—and maybe thirds!
You Must Know
- This Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp recipe is a game-changer for seafood lovers
- With its sweet and spicy flavor profile, it will impress your guests and keep them coming back for more
- The dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the shrimp until they turn pink, then add honey and Old Bay seasoning for that zesty kick.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the shrimp for scallops or even chicken if you desire a different protein. You can also add garlic or lemon juice to enhance the flavors further.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, allow the shrimp to marinate in the honey and Old Bay mixture for 15 minutes before cooking
- Always use fresh shrimp; frozen ones should be fully thawed first
- A splash of lime juice right before serving brightens up the dish beautifully
I remember the first time I made Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp for a dinner party. My friends devoured it and claimed I was secretly a culinary genius!
FAQs :
What is Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp?
Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is a delectable seafood dish featuring shrimp cooked in a rich honey butter sauce, enhanced with Old Bay seasoning. This recipe combines sweetness and savory flavors, making it a perfect dish for seafood lovers. The shrimp are sautéed until tender and coated in a sticky, flavorful glaze that highlights the spices of Old Bay. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer, main course, or even in tacos for a delightful twist.
How do I make Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp spicy?
To add some heat to your Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp, consider incorporating ingredients like red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the honey butter mixture. You can also substitute the regular Old Bay seasoning with its spicier variant or add some cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preference to create a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and heat.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp to make Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp. Just ensure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking. This will help achieve that perfect sear and allow the honey butter sauce to cling beautifully to the shrimp.
What are some side dishes that pair well with Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp?
Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce or a fresh green salad for balance. Roasted vegetables or coleslaw would also complement the richness of the shrimp nicely. For a hearty meal, serve it over rice or pasta, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Conclusion for Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp :
In summary, Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp offers a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress any seafood lover. This dish is simple to prepare and can be customized with varying spice levels to suit your personal taste. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or paired with sides like rice or salad, it promises a satisfying experience. Try this recipe today and indulge in its deliciousness!
Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp
Honey Butter Old Bay Shrimp is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that will elevate any dining experience. This quick and easy recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a rich honey butter glaze, enhanced by the iconic Old Bay seasoning. Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, serve these shrimp warm over rice or with crusty bread to savor every bit of the luscious sauce. Your guests will be clamoring for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp pure honey
- 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat until bubbly.
- Stir in honey until combined; then add shrimp, cooking for 2 minutes on one side until pink.
- Flip shrimp, sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the shrimp before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate shrimp in honey and Old Bay for 15 minutes before cooking. - Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for variety. - Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.