Brown Butter Poached Shrimp with Saffron Cream delights your taste buds! This luxurious seafood dish combines the nutty flavor of brown butter with succulent shrimp for a truly unforgettable meal. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a quick and elegant way to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this exquisite dish that will elevate your culinary repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Poached Shrimp
This brown butter shrimp dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a robust flavor profile that will enchant your taste buds. Here are six reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Rich, nutty flavors from the brown butter add depth to the dish.
- Quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It pairs beautifully with various sides, enhancing any meal.
- Low in carbohydrates and gluten-free makes it a healthy choice.
- Ideal for special occasions like anniversaries or dinner parties.
- Versatile enough to be used in pasta dishes or tacos!
With its Mediterranean cuisine influence, this recipe proves to be a delightful brown butter seafood recipe.
Ingredients for Brown Butter Poached Shrimp
Gather these items:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Brown Butter Poached Shrimp Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 2: In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream and saffron threads. Heat over low heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.
- Step 3: In a large skillet, add the brown butter and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
- Step 5: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the saffron cream over the shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Poached Shrimp
Keep these in mind:
- Ensure your butter reaches a deep golden brown for the best flavor.
- Fresh shrimp makes a significant difference—opt for wild-caught if possible.
- Don’t rush the cooking; maintain medium heat to prevent burning the garlic.
Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Poached Shrimp
This dish shines when served over pasta or alongside a crisp salad. For a delightful twist, consider:
- Serving it with garlic bread to soak up the delicious saffron cream.
- Pairing it with a light, zesty lemon wedge for added freshness.
- Incorporating it into a brown butter shrimp pasta dish for a hearty meal.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Poached Shrimp
To store, place the cooled shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Poached Shrimp
What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Poached Shrimp?
The key lies in achieving the right temperature for the butter and cooking the shrimp just until they turn pink. This ensures a tender and flavorful experience, making it an excellent poached shrimp in brown butter dish.
Can I make Brown Butter Poached Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the saffron cream in advance and simply poach the shrimp just before serving. This makes it easier for special occasions.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Poached Shrimp?
To avoid overcooking, keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook. They only need a few minutes on each side to become perfectly tender and juicy.
Variations of Brown Butter Poached Shrimp You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a burst of flavor.
- For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes into the brown butter.
- Experiment with different citrus juices, like lime or orange, for a unique twist.
This dish is a delightful addition to any healthy brown butter shrimp options you may want to explore!

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try our Creamy Spinach Mushroom Shrimp for another seafood delight. If you’re interested in pasta dishes, don’t miss our Garlic Butter Lobster Bites recipe!
For more information on the health benefits of shrimp, you can visit Healthline.
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Brown Butter Poached Shrimp: A Delectable Seafood Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Brown Butter Poached Shrimp with Saffron Cream delights your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream and saffron threads. Heat over low heat until warmed through, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm on low heat.
- In a large skillet, add the brown butter and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle the saffron cream over the shrimp and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 200mg







