Butter beans and shrimp come together in this delicious recipe that’s both hearty and light. This dish blends creamy butter beans with tender, flavorful shrimp for a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s a great way to enjoy a protein-packed meal that’s quick to prepare and full of Southern-inspired charm.
We love how simple ingredients can create such a satisfying dish that works for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With just a few pantry staples and fresh shrimp, you can whip up a meal that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this easy butter beans and shrimp recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients
To bring out the best in our Butter Beans and Shrimp Recipe, we gather fresh and flavorful ingredients that perfectly complement each other. Below are the essentials broken down by component for easy preparation.
For the Butter Beans
- 2 cups dried butter beans (soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
- 4 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Juice of half a lemon
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a rich smoky depth)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Salt to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness
- Lemon wedges to serve
- A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness
| Ingredient Category | Key Items | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butter Beans | Dried butter beans, onion, garlic | Soak beans overnight for best texture |
| Shrimp | Large peeled shrimp, paprika, lemon | Use fresh or thawed shrimp |
| Seasonings and Spices | Smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme | Customize heat and aroma to taste |
| Garnishes | Parsley, lemon, olive oil | Adds freshness and enhances flavor |
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Butter Beans and Shrimp Recipe efficiently, having the right equipment is essential. Each tool contributes to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance in this Southern-inspired dish.
Essential Cookware
- Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: For cooking the dried butter beans slowly and evenly. A heavy-bottomed pan helps prevent scorching.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Needed to sauté the shrimp quickly in olive oil or butter, delivering that golden sear.
- Colander or Strainer: To rinse and drain the butter beans after soaking or cooking, ensuring excess water is removed.
Preparation Tools
- Cutting Board: For chopping onions, garlic, and fresh garnish herbs like parsley or cilantro.
- Chef’s Knife: Sharp and reliable for precise chopping and mincing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy with seasoning, liquids, and beans ensures consistent flavor.
Additional Items
- Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula: Ideal for stirring beans without damaging cookware.
- Lid for Saucepan: Keeps moisture in during slow cooking of butter beans.
- Citrus Juicer or Reamer: To extract fresh lemon juice easily for the shrimp and final garnish.
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Large Saucepan/Dutch Oven | Cooking butter beans evenly | Heavy-bottomed preferred |
| Skillet/Frying Pan | Sautéing shrimp | Medium-high heat for searing |
| Colander/Strainer | Rinsing and draining | Removes excess water from beans |
| Cutting Board | Chopping ingredients | Use sturdy wood or plastic |
| Chef’s Knife | Precise chopping and mincing | Keep sharp for efficiency |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement | Essential for consistent seasoning |
| Wooden Spoon/Spatula | Stirring during cooking | Heat-resistant to avoid melting |
| Lid | Retaining moisture during cooking | Helps cook beans thoroughly |
| Citrus Juicer/Reamer | Extracting fresh lemon juice | Enhances shrimp flavor and freshness |
“Using the proper equipment not only simplifies the cooking process but also helps us achieve that authentic flavor and texture that make this Butter Beans and Shrimp recipe truly outstanding.”
Having these tools ready will allow us to focus on creating a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing.
Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create our hearty and flavorful Butter Beans and Shrimp Recipe. Each part focuses on bringing out the best texture and taste for this Southern-inspired dish.
Preparing the Butter Beans
- Rinse dried butter beans thoroughly under cold water using a colander.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed butter beans with water or low-sodium vegetable broth (use a ratio of 1 cup beans to 3 cups liquid).
- Add 1 chopped onion, 3 crushed garlic cloves, and 1 bay leaf to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid.
- Simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt to taste during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Once cooked, drain any excess liquid, reserving a small amount for combining later.
Cooking the Shrimp
- While the beans cook, pat dry large peeled shrimp with paper towels.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season shrimp evenly with paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (optional), thyme, and black pepper.
- Add seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 2 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over shrimp before combining to enhance brightness.
Combining Butter Beans and Shrimp
- Return the drained butter beans to the saucepan on low heat.
- Add the sautéed shrimp gently on top.
- Pour in reserved cooking liquid from the beans if the mixture feels dry.
- Stir carefully to combine, allowing flavors to meld for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat.
Final Seasoning and Adjustments
- Taste the combined dish and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, or more lemon juice as desired.
- For extra freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Optionally drizzle with a little olive oil for added richness.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over before eating.
| Step | Key Details | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Preparing Butter Beans | Rinse, simmer with aromatics | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Cooking Shrimp | Season, sauté until pink | 4 minutes total |
| Combining Ingredients | Mix beans and shrimp gently | 2 to 3 minutes |
| Final Seasoning & Garnish | Adjust salt, pepper, lemon, herbs | To taste |
Directions
Follow these step-by-step directions to create our flavorful Butter Beans and Shrimp dish. We break down the process to ensure a smooth cooking experience and the best results.
Prep Work
- Rinse 1 cup of dried butter beans thoroughly under cold running water.
- Peel and devein 1 pound of large shrimp if not already prepared.
- Chop 1 medium onion finely.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Measure spices: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Juice 1 lemon and set aside the wedges for garnish.
- Finely chop fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish.
Cooking Steps
| Step | Action | Details | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soak the butter beans | Optional, soak 4 hours in water | 4 hours or omit |
| 2 | Simmer the beans with aromatics | In a large saucepan add beans, 4 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth, chopped onion, garlic, 1 bay leaf, and salt. | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| 3 | Prepare shrimp seasoning | Toss shrimp with olive oil or melted butter, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper | 5 minutes |
| 4 | Sauté the shrimp | Heat a skillet over medium heat, cook shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side | 4-6 minutes |
| 5 | Combine shrimp and beans | Drain beans, discard bay leaf, add shrimp to beans, gently stir in lemon juice and thyme | 2 minutes |
| 6 | Final seasoning and garnish | Adjust salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, drizzle with olive oil, serve with lemon wedges | Immediate |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Butter Beans and Shrimp over steamed rice or creamy grits for a Southern-inspired meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens for texture contrast and added freshness.
- Accompany the dish with crusty artisan bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Offer extra lemon wedges on the side to brighten flavors just before eating.
Make-Ahead Tips
To enjoy the Butter Beans and Shrimp Recipe with minimal hassle, proper make-ahead strategies are essential. Here’s how we prepare components ahead without compromising flavor or texture.
Preparing Butter Beans in Advance
- Rinse and soak the dried butter beans for up to 4 hours or overnight.
- Simmer the beans with aromatics (onion, garlic, bay leaf) until tender, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Cool the cooked beans to room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This allows us to focus on quick shrimp sautéing just before serving.
Storing Cooked Shrimp
- Peel and devein shrimp if not already prepared.
- Season shrimp with paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
- For make-ahead, keep raw shrimp refrigerated and cook fresh on the day of serving.
- Avoid cooking shrimp too early to prevent rubbery texture.
Combining and Reheating
- When ready to serve, sauté shrimp in olive oil or butter until just pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Gently fold in warm butter beans.
- Add lemon juice and fresh thyme to brighten flavors.
- Reheat gently over low heat if necessary; avoid boiling.
| Component | Make-Ahead Step | Storage Duration | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter Beans | Cook fully then cool and refrigerate | Up to 3 days | Reheat gently to avoid mush |
| Shrimp (raw) | Peel, devein, and season | 1 day | Cook fresh for best texture |
| Combined dish | Mix just before serving | Not recommended | Reheat gently on stovetop |
Additional Tips
- Freeze cooked butter beans in portioned bags for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Use fresh herbs and lemon juice at the last minute to maintain brightness.
- Avoid reheating shrimp repeatedly; cook shrimp last to preserve tenderness.
By following these make-ahead tips, we streamline meal prep while keeping our Butter Beans and Shrimp Recipe fresh, flavorful, and perfectly textured every time.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage and reheating are essential to maintaining the vibrant flavors and textures of our Butter Beans and Shrimp Recipe. Here’s how we ensure this dish stays fresh and delicious for later enjoyment.
Storing Butter Beans and Shrimp
- Cooked butter beans should be allowed to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store beans in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to retain their creamy texture and rich flavors.
- Keep raw, seasoned shrimp separate and refrigerated until the day of serving. This preserves their delicate texture and prevents overcooking during reheating.
- Alternatively, you can freeze cooked butter beans in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
| Item | Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked Butter Beans | Airtight container | 3 days (refrigerator) |
| Raw Seasoned Shrimp | Covered container | 1-2 days (refrigerator) |
| Cooked Butter Beans | Freezer-safe bag | 3 months (freezer) |
Reheating Tips
- Reheat butter beans gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying and stir occasionally for even warming.
- Heat shrimp just before serving by sautéing briefly in a hot skillet with a small amount of olive oil or butter until pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Avoid reheating shrimp together with beans to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Once both components are hot, combine them gently with fresh lemon juice and herbs for the best flavor.
- Use fresh garnishes such as parsley or cilantro when serving to enhance brightness.
Quick Reheating Summary Table
| Step | Method | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter Beans | Stovetop, low heat | 5-7 minutes | Add liquid to avoid drying |
| Shrimp | Sauté in skillet | 4-6 minutes total | Cook until pink and opaque, avoid overcooking |
| Combining Beans and Shrimp | Toss gently after heating | Immediate | Add lemon juice and fresh herbs |
“Reheating with care keeps the butter beans creamy and the shrimp tender—key to a successful dish every time.”
By following these storage and reheating guidelines, we keep our Butter Beans and Shrimp tasting just as vibrant as when first cooked.
Conclusion
This Butter Beans and Shrimp recipe offers a perfect blend of comfort and elegance that’s easy to prepare any night of the week. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, we can create a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. It’s a versatile meal that pairs wonderfully with sides like rice or greens, making it ideal for casual dinners or entertaining guests. Give it a try, and you’ll see how quickly it can become a staple in our kitchen rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for the Butter Beans and Shrimp recipe?
You need dried butter beans, water or low-sodium vegetable broth, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, large peeled shrimp, olive oil or butter, paprika, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, and black pepper. Optional garnishes include fresh parsley or cilantro, lemon wedges, and olive oil.
How long does it take to cook the butter beans?
Simmering butter beans with aromatics takes about 1 to 1.5 hours until tender. Soaking them for up to 4 hours beforehand can help reduce cooking time.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can soak and cook the butter beans up to three days in advance. Store beans refrigerated, but keep shrimp raw and seasoned until just before serving.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Gently reheat cooked butter beans in a saucepan, then quickly sauté shrimp separately. Combine shrimp and beans just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
What dishes pair well with Butter Beans and Shrimp?
Serve over steamed rice or creamy grits, with a crisp green salad or sautéed greens. Crusty artisan bread is great to soak up juices, and lemon wedges add extra brightness.
What kitchen equipment is recommended to prepare this recipe?
Use a large saucepan or Dutch oven for butter beans, a skillet for shrimp, and a colander for rinsing beans. Cutting board, chef’s knife, measuring tools, wooden spoon, lid, and citrus juicer help streamline preparation.
How should I season the shrimp for this recipe?
Season shrimp with olive oil or butter, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, thyme, and black pepper for balanced heat and flavor.
Are there any tips to improve the flavor of the dish?
Use fresh aromatics like garlic and onion when cooking beans. Add lemon juice and fresh herbs at the end for brightness, and adjust seasonings to taste for a perfect balance.