Satisfy Your Cravings with this Delicious Shrimp Pate Recipe
As the saying goes, “Food is love,” and there’s no greater pleasure than sharing a delicious meal with friends and family. As a home chef who loves throwing parties, I’m always on the lookout for easy-to-make but impressive appetizers to feed my guests. That’s why I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for Easy Shrimp Pate with you today.
This shrimp pate is a crowd-pleaser that will make you the star of any gathering. Creamy, tangy, and full of savory seafood flavor, it’s a versatile spread that works equally well on crackers, bread, or even pasta. And best of all, it’s effortless to whip up in just a few minutes with only a handful of affordable ingredients.
So whether you’re planning a dinner party, hosting a game night, or simply craving a quick snack, this Shrimp Pate Recipe is the one you need in your cooking arsenal. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you someone who loves to throw parties, impress your guests with a delicious spread or simply enjoy a good seafood dish? Then look no further than this easy shrimp pate recipe. Trust me, once you try it, there’s no going back.
Firstly, this recipe is incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for the busy home chef who doesn’t want to compromise on flavor. All you have to do is mash cooked shrimp with cream cheese, butter, light mayonnaise, and spices like nutmeg and cayenne pepper. The end result is a creamy, flavorful mixture that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Secondly, shrimp pate is an incredibly versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it as a dip with crackers or vegetables for an appetizer, spread it on toast for an upscale brunch dish or even use it as a filling for sandwiches like a banh mi. The possibilities are endless!
Lastly, the use of fresh ingredients in this recipe make it a healthier alternative to other rich pate dishes out there. Using light cream cheese and mayonnaise instead of heavy cream ensures that you can indulge without feeling guilty.
So go ahead and give this easy shrimp pate recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this easy shrimp pate recipe:
- 1 lb peeled and cooked shrimp
- 2 ounces light cream cheese
- 1 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ garlic clove, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Note: You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp. If you are using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before using. Also, you can adjust the amount of garlic, lemon juice, and seasoning according to your taste preference.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients needed to make the pate. This includes one pound of cooked and peeled shrimp, two cups of light cream cheese, four tablespoons of light mayonnaise, one tablespoon of lemon juice, two teaspoons of minced garlic, one-fourth teaspoon of nutmeg, two tablespoons of unsalted butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Mash the Shrimp
Start making the pate by mashing the cooked shrimp in a mixing bowl with a fork. Don’t mash them too much; just until they are roughly shelled. Set aside.
Step 3: Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter
Next,beat the light cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. This can be done using a hand mixer or mixing by hand with a fork depending on your preference.
Step 4: Add in Mayonnaise and Lemon Juice
Add four tablespoons of light mayonnaise and one tablespoon of lemon juice into the bowl containing the cream cheese mixture. Thoroughly mix all these ingredients using a spoon.
Step 5: Combine Minced Garlic and Nutmeg
Combine minced garlic(2 tsp)and nutmeg(1/4 tsp)in a smaller bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the shrimp paste while mixing them continuously.
Step 6: Add Cheese-Butter Mixture to Shrimp Paste & Serve
Finally, add the smooth cream cheese-butter mixture into the shrimp paste whilst gradually stirring it in.
Mix everything until well blended before seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Scoop out into small serving dishes and serve diagonally with an artisan cracker as an accompaniment.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re someone who likes to mix things up, don’t be afraid to try some substitutions and variations with this easy shrimp pate recipe!
Firstly, if you don’t have access to fresh shrimp, don’t stress- cooked and peeled frozen shrimp will work just as well in this recipe. It’s a quick and effortless alternative that won’t sacrifice the taste of the pate.
Additionally, if you are not a fan of light cream cheese and mayonnaise, regular cream cheese and mayo can be used as substitutes. Keep in mind that this may increase the richness of the dish.
To add more flavor to your pate, trying incorporating some smoked salmon or garlic shrimp into it. This variation can give your spread an extra burst of savory goodness.
Are you looking for a way to jazz up your hors d’oeuvres? Try spreading your pate on top of crostini or crackers for an added crunch! You could also use this pate as a dip by adding cocktail sauce or other seafood sauces.
Another fun idea is to transform this shrimp pate into a pasta sauce for a unique twist on traditional spaghetti! Simply thin down the pate with some milk or cream and toss it over your favorite pasta for an unforgettable meal.
Ultimately, there are plenty of versatile ways you can use this easy shrimp pate recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations- your taste buds will thank you later!
Serving and Pairing
This easy shrimp pate is a versatile recipe that can be served as both an appetizer or an accompaniment to a light lunch. The creamy pate pairs well with crisp, flavorful crackers, toast points, or Crostini. You can also serve it as a side dish with pasta, shrimp scampi or Banh Mi sandwiches for a unique twist.
If you are planning to host a party, the shrimp pate is the perfect snacking option that will leave your guests delighted. Serve it with some tangy cocktail sauce, sliced lemons, and fresh herbs for added flavor.
For those seafood lovers who love to experiment with new recipes, try pairing the shrimp pate with smoked salmon, garlic-shrimp or liver pate. The nutmeg and lemon juice seasoned filling of this pate contrasts well with their rich and bold flavors making it a robust seafood entree on the table.
A chilled glass of white wine perfectly complements the shrimp-based dishes by cutting through the cream cheese’s rich texture and boosting the flavors of the shrimp pate. It is best to opt for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Overall, an easy shrimp pate makes an elegant presentation and tastes delicious with any pairings you choose. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing food in advance can save you a lot of time and hassle when entertaining guests. Luckily, this easy shrimp pate recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to keep it fresh.
When reheating, transfer the pate to a microwave-safe dish and heat it on medium power for about 1 minute. Stir the pate halfway through the heating process to ensure that it heats evenly throughout. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
However, please note that this dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese and light mayonnaise used in the recipe. Freezing may cause them to separate and affect the texture of the pate. Therefore, it is best to only make what you need for your party or gathering.
Overall, this easy shrimp pate recipe is perfect for entertaining, as it can be made ahead of time and taken out when needed. Just remember to store it properly and reheat with caution to maintain its delicious flavors and unique texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your Easy Shrimp Pâté recipe turns out perfectly delicious, here are some tips you need to follow:
1. Don’t skimp on the butter: Allow the butter to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use. Softened butter is easier to mix with other ingredients and helps create a smooth and creamy texture for your pâté.
2. Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp have a delicate and sweet flavor that adds depth and complexity to the pâté. Avoid using pre-cooked shrimp, as they may not blend well with other ingredients.
3. Don’t overcook the shrimp: To achieve the best results, cook shrimp until just pink, then immediately transfer them to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process. If you overcook the shrimp, they become tough and rubbery, making them difficult to mash with other ingredients.
4. Process the shrimp finely: For smooth and uniform pâté texture, process the cooked shrimp in a food processor until it’s finely chopped but not pureed into paste.
5. Seasoning carefully: Taste your mixture before serving it and adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. A dash of ground nutmeg can be added for extra flavor.
6. Chill it well before serving: Once combined, chill the pâté in an airtight container for at least two hours before serving. This allows time for flavors to meld together and the pâté to reach its ideal texture.
By following these tips, you will have a delicious shrimp pâté that will earn you numerous compliments during your next party or gathering with friends and family!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this easy shrimp pate recipe is perfect for any seafood lover who wants to add some tasty elegance to their party platter. With its creamy texture, bold flavor, and simple ingredients, this pate recipe is an easy crowd pleaser that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you choose to serve it with crackers, toast, or vegetable sticks, your guests will admire your culinary skills and keep coming back for more.
Don’t hesitate to try this recipe today and start exploring different variations such as salmon or shrimp scampi pate or even a creamy shrimp spread for your next Vietnamese bahn mi sandwich. Take the liberty of experimenting with added flavors such as nutmeg or cheese. The possibilities are endless!
So gather all the ingredients and follow the simple steps above to create a dish that will undoubtedly rival any seafood pate recipe out there. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed!
Easy Shrimp Pate Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 1/2 ounces cooked shrimp, shelled & deveined
- 1 1/2 ounces butter
- 2 ounces light cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 3 drops hot sauce (I prefer Tabasco)
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese, butter and mayo with a fork.
- Process prawns finely and combine with other ingredients.
- Serve on diagonally sliced, toasted baguette.
- Keep warm in oven until ready to serve.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!