How to Make Potted Shrimps – A Quintessentially British Seafood Delicacy

 --- published by foodie Parmod.

Potted shrimps are one of Britain’s most charming traditional dishes – rich, flavourful, and wonderfully simple. Originating in coastal regions like Lancashire and Cumbria, potted shrimps were once a way of preserving shellfish before refrigeration. Today, they’re considered a luxurious treat, often served as a starter or light lunch with warm toast or crusty bread.

This classic dish features brown shrimps gently simmered in spiced butter, then set in ramekins or jars where the butter solidifies, sealing in flavour and freshness. Let’s explore how to make proper potted shrimps using British ingredients and methods.

---

🦐 What Are Potted Shrimps?

Potted shrimps are small brown shrimps, typically from Morecambe Bay, cooked in spiced butter and preserved in small pots. They’re served cold, often straight from the fridge, with hot toast or brown bread. The buttery mixture melts beautifully when spread, delivering a soft, savoury richness.

---

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2–4)

200g peeled brown shrimps (fresh or defrosted)

100g unsalted butter

1/2 tsp ground mace (or nutmeg)

Pinch of ground white pepper

Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Sea salt, to taste

Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

> Note: Brown shrimps can be found at good fishmongers or online seafood suppliers. If unavailable, you can use small prawns, though the flavour will differ slightly.

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Potted Shrimps

1. Prepare the Butter

In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. Do not let it brown or boil – you want it just melted and warm. Skim off any foam from the top for a clearer finish.

2. Add the Spices

Stir in the ground mace, white pepper, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. You can also add lemon zest here for a subtle citrus lift. Taste and adjust the seasoning – it should be savoury and delicately spiced, not overpowering.

3. Add the Shrimps

Tip the shrimps into the butter and warm gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring carefully to coat. Be cautious not to overcook – the shrimps just need to warm through and absorb the butter’s flavour.

4. Pot and Chill

Spoon the shrimp mixture into small ramekins, tea cups, or jars. Press down gently with the back of a spoon to level the surface. Pour over the remaining spiced butter to fully cover the shrimps (this acts as a natural preservative).

Allow the pots to cool slightly, then transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 1–2 hours, or until set.

---

🥖 How to Serve Potted Shrimps

Potted shrimps are best served cold, straight from the fridge, with warm toast or crusty bread to melt the butter. Add a wedge of lemon or a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.

Perfect pairings include:

Hot buttered toast

Brown bread or crackers

Pickled cucumbers or gherkins

A crisp green salad on the side

> 💡 This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or a traditional British ale.

---

🧊 Storage Tips

Potted shrimps can be stored in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, as long as they’re fully covered in butter. Keep them sealed tightly with cling film or a lid. For best flavour, eat within 48 hours of making.

They’re not suitable for freezing, as the texture of the shrimps can change once thawed.

---

✅ Top Tips for Perfect Potted Shrimps

Use good-quality butter – it forms the base of the flavour.

Don’t overheat the shrimps – warming them gently helps keep their texture soft and delicate.

Get creative with spices – a pinch of paprika, allspice, or crushed pink peppercorns can offer interesting twists.

Make ahead – perfect for prepping a dinner party starter in advance.

---

🧡 Why You’ll Love Potted Shrimps

Potted shrimps are simple to make yet feel delightfully indulgent. They’re rich, buttery, and steeped in British culinary history – a great way to bring traditional seaside flavours into your home. Whether for brunch, starters, or a light lunch, this elegant dish never fails to impress.

---

how to make potted shrimps, traditional British seafood recipe, Morecambe Bay shrimps, potted shrimp toast, easy shrimp starter UK, brown shrimps recipe, British shellfish dish

#PottedShrimps #BritishSeafood #ClassicRecipes #BrownShrimps #MorecambeBay #StarterIdeas #SeafoodLovers #TraditionalUKFood #ButterPreservedShrimps

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.