Growing up in the South, I have countless memories of my grandma’s famous Henny Butter Shrimp. It was the dish that brought our whole family together, no matter the occasion. I can still smell the intoxicating aromas wafting through the air as she’d stand over the stove, masterfully sautéing the shrimp in that rich, golden butter sauce.
One of my favorite memories is when she made Henny Butter Shrimp for my high school graduation party. I’ll never forget the look of pure joy on everyone’s faces as they took that first bite – the way the savory-sweet flavors danced on their tongues. It was like a flavor explosion in your mouth! To this day, that Henny Butter Shrimp is the dish that reminds me of home, family, and all the love that goes into great Southern cooking.
Table of Contents
Why This Henny Butter Shrimp Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Henny Butter Shrimp
Now, I know what you’re thinking – how can I possibly recreate Grandma’s famous Henny Butter Shrimp at home? Well, I’m about to let you in on the secret. This recipe takes all the rich, decadent flavors of the original and streamlines the process, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality Henny Butter Shrimp any night of the week. Trust me, once you taste this dish, it’ll become a permanent fixture in your dinner rotation.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to amazing Henny Butter Shrimp starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. You’ll need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Henny (or cognac)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Henny Butter Shrimp Instructions
Preparing Your Henny Butter Shrimp
Alright, let’s get cooking! Henny Butter Shrimp comes together quickly, in just about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan, a sharp knife, and a few basic kitchen tools. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Southern classic.
1- First, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact for a beautiful presentation.
2- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3- Carefully pour in the Hennessy cognac and let it sizzle for 30 seconds to burn off the alcohol.
4- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re opaque and cooked through. Look for that gorgeous pink-orange hue.
5- Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp in the rich, buttery sauce.
6- Serve your Henny Butter Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
The key to nailing this Henny Butter Shrimp recipe is all about the timing and technique. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, or they’ll turn rubbery. And don’t be shy with the Hennessy – it’s what gives this dish its signature punch of flavor. One common mistake is using too much butter, which can make the sauce overly rich and greasy. Start with the 4 tablespoons called for in the recipe and adjust to your taste.
Serving and Storing Your Henny Butter Shrimp
Perfect Pairings for Henny Butter Shrimp
Henny Butter Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing main course. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or creamy grits for the ultimate comfort food experience. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh, crisp salad or roasted vegetables. For the perfect pairing, pour a glass of your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing sparkling wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, Henny Butter Shrimp reheats like a dream. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop. You can even make the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This makes Henny Butter Shrimp an excellent make-ahead option for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Henny Butter Shrimp
Creative Henny Butter Shrimp Variations
Want to switch things up? Try swapping the shrimp for scallops or even chicken for a completely different spin on Henny Butter. You could also add in some diced bell peppers or onions for extra color and flavor. For a touch of heat, stir in a bit of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless!
Making Henny Butter Shrimp Diet-Friendly
Looking to make Henny Butter Shrimp a bit healthier? Try using ghee or olive oil instead of butter. You can also reduce the amount of Hennessy or omit it altogether. Serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. This dish is naturally gluten-free, so it’s easy to adapt for any dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of liquor besides Hennessy?
A: While Hennessy cognac is the traditional spirit used in Henny Butter Shrimp, you can experiment with other types of brandy or even dark rum. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Q: How long should I cook the shrimp?
A: Overcooked shrimp can quickly become rubbery, so it’s important to keep an eye on them. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re opaque and cooked through.
Q: Can I make Henny Butter Shrimp ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Henny Butter Shrimp is an excellent make-ahead dish. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: What sides go best with Henny Butter Shrimp?
A: Henny Butter Shrimp pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from fluffy white rice to creamy grits. It also complements fresh salads and roasted vegetables.
Q: Help! My sauce is too thick. What can I do?
A: If your Henny Butter Shrimp sauce ends up thicker than you’d like, simply stir in a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to thin it out. You can also add a bit more lemon juice for brightness.
Henny Butter Shrimp
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Henny Butter Shrimp – a quick and easy 20-minute recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Succulent shrimp are smothered in a luxurious, creamy Henny-infused sauce for a decadent seafood treat.
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Henny (or cognac)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. 1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. 2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. 3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate.
4. 4. Deglaze the pan with the Henny, scraping up any browned bits. Allow the Henny to simmer for 1 minute.
5. 5. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
6. 6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the Henny butter sauce.
7. 7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a richer sauce, use all butter instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute brandy or cognac for the Henny. Serve over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There you have it – the secrets to making the most decadent, flavor-packed Henny Butter Shrimp right in your own kitchen. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, no matter the occasion. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of Henny Butter Shrimp. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
