Equipment
Ingredients
Seafood and Dairy Base
- 250 g cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 115 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 55 g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
Flavorings and Aromatics
- 15 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 g smoked paprika
- 1 g cayenne pepper
- 2 g kosher salt
- 1 g black pepper, freshly ground
- 20 g green onions, finely chopped
Nutrition (per serving)
Method
Roughly chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Reserve a few whole pieces or larger chunks if you desire a garnish for the final dish.
In the bowl of a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Process until completely smooth and homogeneous.
Add the roughly chopped shrimp to the food processor. Pulse a few times just until the shrimp is incorporated into the dairy mixture. The texture should remain slightly chunky, not fully pureed.
Transfer the mixture to a mixing bowl using a silicone spatula. Add the finely chopped green onions and fold them gently into the spread until evenly distributed.
Transfer the spread into your chosen serving dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the butter to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Chef's Notes
- For the best flavor, use wild-caught shrimp and cook them gently just until opaque to ensure they remain tender in the spread.
- If you want an extra layer of flavor, lightly roast the shrimp with a touch of olive oil before chopping, but be sure to let them cool completely before mixing with the dairy.
- The resting period in the refrigerator is crucial. It gives the fat molecules time to absorb and carry the fat-soluble flavor compounds from the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
- To elevate the presentation, garnish the top with a tiny sprinkle of extra smoked paprika, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and some micro-greens or reserved shrimp.
Storage
Refrigerator: 3 days — Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface to prevent oxidation.
