Henny Butter Shrimp

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Henny Butter Shrimp: A Flavorful Twist on Shrimp You Won’t Forget! 🍤🔥

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction:

Ready to kick your shrimp game up a notch? Look no further than Henny Butter Shrimp, a unique and flavorful dish that combines the smooth richness of butter with the boldness of Hennessy cognac. This savory-sweet creation gives you tender shrimp bathed in a luscious sauce with a hint of caramelized notes from the Henny. It’s fancy enough to impress at dinner parties but easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.

Pair it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a household favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for presentation, if desired)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ÂĽ cup Hennessy cognac (or your favorite brandy)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ÂĽ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Gourmet Flavor in Minutes: Combining Hennessy with buttery shrimp brings out a rich, decadent flavor that feels restaurant-quality but can be made in under 30 minutes.
  • Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can elevate shrimp into a dish that will wow your family or dinner guests.
  • Versatile: Serve over rice, pasta, or even grits for a Southern-style meal. The sauce is so delicious you’ll want to pair it with something to soak it all up!

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Sauté the Shrimp

  • Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
  • Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Henny Butter Sauce

  • In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). SautĂ© for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Carefully pour in the Hennessy, allowing it to simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly and burn off the alcohol. Be careful as the alcohol might ignite slightly for a brief flame-up—this is normal!

3. Add Sweetness and Citrus

  • Stir in the soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine Shrimp with Sauce

  • Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss them in the Henny butter sauce, making sure each shrimp is coated. Cook for another minute to warm through and combine the flavors.

5. Garnish and Serve

  • Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the shrimp. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up all that mouthwatering sauce!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Over Rice: White rice, jasmine, or basmati rice make the perfect base to soak up all the delicious Henny butter sauce.
  • Pasta Night: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine or fettuccine for a sophisticated take on shrimp pasta.
  • With Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of French bread or garlic bread to mop up the flavorful sauce.
  • Southern Style: Pair with creamy grits or mashed potatoes for a Southern twist that’s downright comforting.

Pro Tips for Perfect Henny Butter Shrimp:

  1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. They should be pink and opaque, but not rubbery.
  2. Deglaze Like a Pro: Pouring in the Hennessy while the pan is hot allows you to pick up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s where the flavor lives!
  3. Control the Heat: For a little extra kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

FAQs:

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them first by placing them in the fridge overnight or running them under cold water. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking.

What can I substitute for Hennessy?
You can use any brandy or cognac you have on hand. Even a splash of bourbon can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be a little different.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While shrimp are best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce and toss in freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve.

Customization Ideas:

  • Spicy Lover: Add extra heat with a few dashes of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes.
  • Veggie Boost: Stir in some sautĂ©ed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
  • Creamy Twist: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end to make a creamy version of this dish that’s just as indulgent.

Why This Henny Butter Shrimp Will Wow Your Taste Buds:

The combination of Hennessy’s smooth, caramel-like notes with rich butter and savory shrimp creates a flavor explosion that’s both sophisticated and soul-satisfying. It’s an impressive dish that feels fancy but is quick and easy to whip up. Whether you’re looking for a fun date-night recipe or an exciting twist on shrimp for family dinners, Henny Butter Shrimp will be a hit every time!

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