Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

The Perfect Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Shrimp delight promises an indulgent culinary experience that melts in your mouth with luxurious textures.

Ocean-fresh ingredients combine to create a spectacular dining sensation that feels both elegant and comforting.

Succulent seafood takes center stage in this remarkable dish, offering rich flavors and smooth sensations.

Delicate proteins merge seamlessly with velvety sauces, producing a harmonious blend of maritime magic.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this impressive recipe that looks complicated but requires minimal technique.

Subtle seasonings enhance natural marine flavors, making each bite a celebration of coastal cuisine.

Imagine serving a restaurant-quality masterpiece that impresses everyone gathered around your table.

Why Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe Is a Go-To Dinner

  • This recipe transforms simple shrimp into a luxurious, velvety dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but can be prepared quickly at home with minimal cooking skills.
  • Experience a delightful contrast between tender, succulent shrimp and the incredibly smooth, rich sauce that coats each bite with a silky, indulgent sensation.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties, this recipe delivers sophisticated flavors in under 30 minutes, making impressive cooking accessible to everyone.
  • Adaptable to various serving styles – serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread – making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining guests with different preferences.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Sweet and tender seafood that serves as the star of the dish, perfect for a luxurious meal. Wild-caught or large tiger shrimp recommended for best flavor and texture.
Sauce Base:
  • Butter, Flour: Classic roux ingredients that create a rich, smooth foundation for the creamy sauce. European-style butter provides deeper flavor.
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Creamy liquids that give the sauce its luxurious texture and velvety consistency. Whole milk ensures maximum richness.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Paprika, Salt, White Pepper: Subtle spices that add depth and warmth to the sauce without overpowering the shrimp. Freshly ground white pepper provides a more delicate heat.
  • Sherry: Elegant wine that introduces a complex, slightly nutty undertone to the sauce. Dry sherry works best for sophisticated flavor profile.

Instructions to Prepare Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp gently under cool water and pat them completely dry using paper towels.

Remove the tails, heads, and dark veins, then place the cleaned shrimp on a fresh plate.

Step 2: Craft Magical Roux Base

In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s golden and bubbly.

Whisk in the flour, paprika, salt, and white pepper.

Keep stirring until the mixture turns into a smooth and silky paste.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid any lumps.

Add a splash of sherry wine and mix everything until the sauce turns creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Simmer Sauce to Perfection

Keep the heat at medium and stir the sauce until it thickens and begins to bubble.

Lower the heat to the lowest setting and continue stirring to prevent burning.

Let the sauce sit gently so it builds a rich, deep flavor.

Step 5: Sauté Delicate Shrimp

In a separate pan, melt the remaining butter and cook the shrimp for 1 minute on each side.

Watch for a light pink color and golden edges—don’t overcook.

Step 6: Combine and Complete Dish

Move the sautéed shrimp into the cream sauce and pour in any extra melted butter from the pan.

Stir everything gently and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes.

Make sure the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce evenly coats each one.

Expert Tips for Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe Success

  • Dry Shrimp Thoroughly: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure perfect golden edges and prevent watery sauce texture.
  • Whisk Roux Constantly: Continuously whisk butter and flour mixture to create a smooth, lump-free base that guarantees a silky sauce consistency.
  • Control Sauce Temperature: Maintain medium heat while adding cream and milk, stirring gently to prevent scorching and achieve a perfect creamy texture.
  • Monitor Shrimp Cooking Time: Sauté shrimp quickly for exactly 1 minute per side to keep them tender and prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
  • Balance Seasoning Carefully: Add sherry and spices gradually, tasting as you go to create a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the delicate shrimp taste.

Reheating and Storing Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Creamy Shrimp Delight in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Freezing: Transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's creamy consistency, stirring frequently to prevent separation and ensure even heating.

What to Serve with Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich sauce and enhance the delicate shrimp flavors. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness, creating a balanced and refreshing taste experience.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect sidekick by toasting a rustic baguette with garlic butter. The bread's crunchy texture and aromatic garlic provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, velvety shrimp sauce.
  • Match with Light Herbed Salad: Toss a fresh green salad with mixed herbs like parsley, dill, and chives. The salad's crisp, clean flavors and light vinaigrette will balance the dish's decadent creaminess and add a refreshing element to the meal.
  • Complement with Lemon Risotto: Prepare a zesty lemon risotto as a side dish. Its citrusy notes and creamy texture harmonize beautifully with the shrimp, offering a complementary and sophisticated accompaniment.

Flavor Enhancements for Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

  • Spicy Seafood Fusion: Replace sherry with white wine and add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Incorporate additional cayenne pepper to boost heat levels and create a bold, zesty version of the original recipe.
  • Mediterranean Herbal Blend: Introduce fresh herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to the sauce. Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier profile and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
  • Coconut Curry Infusion: Substitute half the milk with coconut milk and add mild curry powder. Incorporate chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to create a tropical, southeast Asian-inspired variation that brings complex flavors to the classic dish.
  • Cajun Shrimp Skillet: Use Cajun seasoning instead of white pepper and paprika. Add bell peppers and onions to the shrimp during sautéing, creating a robust, New Orleans-style rendition with deep, rich undertones and a vibrant color palette.

FAQs for Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

  • How long can I store the Creamy Shrimp Delight?

The dish can be refrigerated for 1-2 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent sauce separation.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Ensure shrimp are fully defrosted to avoid excess water in the sauce.

  • What can I serve with this creamy shrimp dish?

Perfect with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables also make an excellent side.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe without sherry?

Absolutely! You can substitute with white wine or chicken broth. If avoiding alcohol, use additional cream or chicken stock for depth of flavor.

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Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe

Creamy Shrimp Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Mediterranean magic meets succulent shrimp in this creamy shrimp delight recipe, blending rich flavors with elegant simplicity. Seafood enthusiasts will savor each luxurious bite of this irresistible coastal-inspired dish that promises pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Dairy Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings and Thickeners:

  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sherry wine

Instructions

  1. Meticulously clean the shrimp by removing tails, heads, and veins, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
  2. Create a golden roux in a skillet by melting butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and spices until a smooth, fragrant paste forms.
  3. Gradually stream milk and cream into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and create a silky, uniform sauce base.
  4. Introduce sherry to the sauce, stirring continuously to integrate the flavor and maintain a consistent texture.
  5. Reduce heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer gently and thicken, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  6. In a separate pan, quickly sear shrimp in melted butter, cooking just until they begin to transform from translucent to pink, ensuring they remain tender.
  7. Gently fold the seared shrimp and any residual butter into the creamy sauce, letting them finish cooking and absorb the rich, complex flavors.
  8. Simmer the combined mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to become perfectly cooked and the sauce to reach an ideal consistency.

Notes

  • Shrimp Selection Matters: Choose fresh, high-quality medium to large shrimp for the best texture and flavor in this creamy dish.
  • Precision in Roux-Making: Whisking continuously prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce base that’s crucial for the recipe’s success.
  • Temperature Control is Key: Maintain a gentle medium heat to prevent scorching the sauce and to cook the shrimp perfectly without becoming rubbery.
  • Sherry Adds Depth: The sherry provides a subtle, sophisticated flavor that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Quick Cooking Technique: Sauté shrimp briefly to maintain their tender, juicy texture, avoiding overcooking which can make them tough and chewy.
  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the luxurious, creamy sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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