Chili Butter Head On Shrimp Recipe

This delightful recipe for chili butter head-on shrimp is not only incredibly delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. You can have a mouthwatering dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes!

If the idea of cooking shrimp with their heads on makes you a bit nervous, fear not! It’s actually quite simple to do at home, and the flavor is outstanding, thanks to the shells being left intact. Cooking shrimp in their shells enhances their rich, shrimpy taste, making them a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Our recipe involves baking the shrimp in a delightful mixture of melted butter, soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil.

Key Ingredients

• Shrimp: Opt for fresh extra-large head-on shrimp if possible, or use fresh or thawed shrimp without the heads.
• Butter: Salted butter is recommended, but unsalted works too. If using unsalted butter, simply add a pinch of salt to the mix.
• Soy Sauce: Light soy sauce or light tamari adds a touch of umami and seasoning.
• Chili Paste: Sambal Oelek is a favorite, made from crushed raw red chilies, vinegar, and salt. It’s usually available in most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, Sriracha or Gochujang are good substitutes. Sambal oelek is also great for our spicy garlic ginger edamame recipe.
• Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil lends a wonderful flavor. A small amount goes a long way in enhancing the shrimp. If you don’t have any on hand, feel free to omit it.

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

How to Cook Chili Butter Head-On Shrimp

While our recipe serves two with a pound of shrimp for dinner, these shrimp also make a fantastic appetizer for entertaining or parties!

Tip 1: Prepare the chili butter. Combine melted butter with soy sauce, chili paste, and sesame oil, then coat your shrimp with this mixture. If the butter starts to solidify (especially if the shrimp are cold from the fridge), don’t worry – just spread the shrimp on a baking sheet.

Tip 2: Opt for a high oven temperature. To bake the shrimp quickly, a high oven temperature like 400°F works best. At this heat, the shrimp will be ready in about 8 minutes. Look for bright red shells and firm shrimp to know they’re done. Serve promptly, as the shrimp will continue to cook in their shells.

Tip 3: Eating the shrimp. Remove the heads to enjoy the flavorful juices inside (it’s delicious), then peel and eat the shrimp as usual, just like peel-and-eat shrimp.

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