If you are ready to fall in love with shrimp all over again, this Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe will sweep you off your feet. Imagine sweet, tender shrimp gently cooked in a luxurious bath of bubbly Prosecco and rich, velvety butter, accented by bright lemon and aromatic garlic. It’s an elegant yet surprisingly simple dish that feels indulgent but lets the fresh flavors shine through. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe turns an everyday ingredient into something truly unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many raw shrimp placed closely together on a white marbled surface. Each shrimp is curved in a crescent shape with shells on, featuring greenish-grey and brown tones mixed with a shiny, translucent texture. The shrimp tails have dark brown tips with hints of orange and yellow near the joints. The shrimp flesh underneath the shells is pale white and slightly glossy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the succulent shrimp to the sparkling Prosecco and luscious butter, all enhanced by fragrant aromatics that bring depth and brightness.

16 ounces Specially Selected Black Tiger Shrimp, thawed: These shrimp are plump and meaty, perfect for poaching without losing their delicate texture.
One 750mL bottle Belletti Prosecco: A dry, crisp Prosecco adds subtle fruitiness and acidity that balances the richness of the butter.
1 1/4 cup (2 1/2 sticks) Simply Nature Organic Salted Butter, cut into tablespoons: Butter creates that silky body and mouthfeel, essential to the poaching liquid’s luxurious texture.
1 small lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice brightens and lifts the entire dish, cutting through the richness.
1 small lemon, thinly sliced: Lemon slices infuse the poaching liquid with gentle citrus aroma and add visual appeal.
8 cloves garlic, smashed: Garlic lends a warm, savory depth that balances the seafood’s natural sweetness.
Optional: 2 teaspoons Stonemill Parsley Flakes: Parsley adds a touch of earthiness and a pop of green color.
Kosher salt & ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor in the dish.

How to Make Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by thawing your shrimp if they’re frozen, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Pat them dry thoroughly—this step is key to ensuring they poach evenly and don’t steam. Dry shrimp also help the butter poaching liquid coat beautifully.

Step 2: Reduce the Prosecco

Pour the entire bottle of Prosecco into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil and let it reduce by roughly half, stirring occasionally. This concentration intensifies the Prosecco’s flavors and creates the perfect base for poaching. It usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Prosecco Butter Poaching Liquid

Lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Now, whisk in the butter gradually, adding it a few tablespoons at a time while whisking constantly to achieve a smooth, emulsified mixture. This emulsification is what gives the poaching liquid its silky richness. Next, add the lemon juice and lemon slices along with the smashed garlic and optional parsley flakes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to bloom the aromatics. Taste and adjust seasoning at this point.

Step 4: Poach the Shrimp

Work in batches, adding 5 to 6 shrimp into the poaching liquid at a time, making sure they are fully submerged. Let them gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn bright pink and the flesh becomes opaque. This quick poaching locks in all the moisture, resulting in shrimp that are tender and juicy. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and repeat with the remaining batches.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the shrimp are poached and cool enough to handle, peel them and prepare to serve. You can serve these as a sophisticated appetizer with crusty bread, drizzled with the Prosecco butter poaching liquid. Alternatively, they pair wonderfully as a main dish atop creamy risotto, buttered pasta, or fluffy mashed potatoes, where the poaching liquid acts as a divine sauce.

How to Serve Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe

A black bowl filled with creamy risotto forms the base layer, showing a soft, slightly textured white and pale yellow surface with scattered green herbs mixed in. On top, there are several bright orange cooked shrimp with a glossy, slightly curved shape, arranged centrally and slightly overlapping. A wedge of lemon with its yellow rind and pale inside sits among the shrimp. The dish is sprinkled with finely grated white cheese and small green herb flakes, with a light drizzle of oil adding shine to the overall presentation. The bowl rests on a dark surface scattered with crumbs, beside a piece of torn bread, a gold-capped bottle lying on its side, and a clear glass of water, all set on a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a few lemon wedges brighten the plate and add a fresh, herbal finish. A sprinkling of flaky sea salt just before serving adds a delightful crunch and highlights the dish’s savory nuances.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs perfectly with sides that soak up the gorgeous poaching liquid. Creamy risotto, lemony or garlic butter pasta, or mashed potatoes make excellent companions. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad or sautéed seasonal veggies balance richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancy gathering, arrange the shrimp on a beautiful shallow bowl or platter, then spoon over some of the warm Prosecco butter sauce. Serve with toasted baguette slices to mop up every last drop. Alternatively, thread the shrimp onto skewers for an elegant finger food option that looks stunning on a party platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separated from the poaching liquid to avoid the shrimp becoming overly soft or soggy.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftover shrimp without sauce for up to one month. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag to maintain texture. The delicate butter sauce does not freeze well, so it’s recommended to make fresh sauce upon reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftover shrimp by briefly warming in a skillet over low heat with a splash of fresh butter or olive oil. Avoid overheating, as shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery. Reheat the poaching liquid separately on low heat, then combine just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp directly without thawing?

It’s best to thaw shrimp completely and pat them dry before poaching for even cooking and better flavor absorption. Using frozen shrimp directly can result in uneven cooking and watery poaching liquid.

What is the role of Prosecco in this recipe?

Prosecco adds a subtle sparkling acidity and fruity notes that brighten the shrimp, balancing the richness of the butter. It also helps tenderize the shrimp gently during poaching.

Can I substitute wine or champagne for Prosecco?

Yes, dry sparkling wines or a dry white wine can be used as alternatives. However, Prosecco’s delicate sweetness and bubbles make it uniquely suited to this recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in the Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for shrimp that have turned bright pink with opaque flesh. They should be firm to the touch but still tender and juicy inside. Overcooking will make them tough, so 2 to 3 minutes of gentle simmering is ideal.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe, it will become your go-to for both simple weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining. The marriage of sparkling Prosecco with creamy butter and fresh shrimp creates an irresistibly flavorful experience. So grab that bottle of Prosecco, some fresh shrimp, and let this indulgent yet easy recipe brighten your table. You’re going to love how effortlessly impressive it tastes!

Prosecco Butter Poached Shrimp Recipe