Traditional British Potted Shrimps: A Delightful Seafood Treat

Ingredients

  • 225g unsalted butter
  • 300g brown shrimp
  • 1/4 tsp mace
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Grated rind of 1 small lemon
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Four ramekin dishes

Steps and instructions

  1. Melt 175g of the butter in a saucepan over a medium-low heat.
  2. Add the shrimp, mace, white pepper, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, salt, lemon rind, and lemon juice to the melted butter. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
  3. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Divide the shrimp mixture equally among the ramekin dishes, pressing down lightly to ensure they're evenly distributed.
  5. Melt the remaining butter in a clean saucepan. Pour it over the shrimp-filled ramekins to create a seal, ensuring all the shrimps are covered.
  6. Allow the ramekins to cool at room temperature. Once they're cool, transfer them to the fridge to set for at least 4 hours, or until the butter is firm and set.
  7. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and allow to stand at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Serve the potted shrimps with warm crusty bread or toast.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute brown shrimp with prawns or other small seafood like crab or lobster.
  • Add a splash of white wine or brandy to the shrimp mixture for a richer flavor.
  • Experiment with different spices or herbs such as garlic, tarragon, or paprika to customize the flavor profile.
  • Replace the lemon juice with lime juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Try using different types of butter, such as clarified butter or flavored butters, to enhance the taste.
  • Create a crust topping by mixing breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and herbs, then sprinkle it over the potted shrimps before chilling.
  • Make it vegetarian by using a plant-based butter substitute and replacing the shrimp with cooked and seasoned mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
  • Serve the potted shrimps with a side of pickles, chutneys, or a dollop of tangy cocktail sauce to add extra flavor and variety.

Recipe overview

This traditional British dish, Potted Shrimps, is a delightful treat, perfect as a starter or a light lunch. The recipe involves simmering brown shrimps in a rich and spicy butter sauce, then potting them in ramekins and sealing with a layer of clarified butter. This technique not only preserves the shrimps, but also allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. While the recipe requires some time for the potted shrimps to set in the fridge, the actual cooking time is quite minimal. Once set, the potted shrimps have a fantastic spreadable texture and an incredible depth of flavor, making them a perfect spread on warm, crusty bread or toast. Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated recipe that's sure to impress your guests.

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
  2. No, it is preferable to use unsalted butter in this recipe to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
  3. Can I substitute brown shrimp with other types of shrimp?
  4. While brown shrimp is traditional for potted shrimps, you can use other types of small, sweet shrimp if brown shrimp is not available.
  5. How long can I keep potted shrimps in the fridge?
  6. Potted shrimps can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, as long as they are properly sealed with butter.
  7. Can I freeze potted shrimps?
  8. It is not recommended to freeze potted shrimps as it may affect the texture and taste of the dish.
  9. Can I serve potted shrimps warm?
  10. Traditionally, potted shrimps are served at room temperature or slightly chilled. However, if you prefer, you can gently warm them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Saucepan - Used for melting butter and cooking the shrimp mixture.
  • Ramekin dishes - Small individual serving dishes for potted shrimps.
  • Clean saucepan - Used for melting additional butter to create a seal on top of the ramekins.
  • Refrigerator - Used to cool and set the potted shrimps.
  • Crusty bread or toast - Served alongside the potted shrimps for a delicious combination.

Origin stories

Potted shrimps have a long-standing history within British culinary tradition, particularly in the area of Morecambe Bay, Lancashire. The custom of potting shrimps in a spiced butter was originally a preservation method, dating back to the days before refrigeration. The delightful seal of butter not only helped keep the shrimps fresh, but also heightened their flavour. One of the most famous purveyors of potted shrimps was James Lees, who began selling them in 1828. His recipe, including exotic spices like mace and nutmeg, remains unchanged to this day, a testament to its delightful and enduring quality. This dish, simple in its preparation, carries with it the taste of history and tradition, served best with warm, crusty bread, a hearty nod to its humble origins.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.