Description
This elegant recipe features tender poached asparagus spears served with succulent brown shrimp bathed in a warm spiced butter infused with cayenne, mace, and crushed pink peppercorns. Enhanced by fresh herbs and a bright splash of lemon juice, it’s a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect as a starter or light meal, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful buttery sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Spiced Butter
- 60g unsalted butter
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp ground mace
- ¼ tsp pink peppercorns, lightly crushed using a pestle and mortar
Main Ingredients
- 500g asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed
- 200g peeled brown shrimp
- 2 wild garlic leaves, plus a few to serve (optional), or handful finely shredded chervil or chives
- 1 lemon, juiced
- A few chive flowers (optional)
- Chunks of crusty white bread, to serve
Instructions
- Warm the Platter and Prepare Spiced Butter: Place a large platter in the oven to keep warm. In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in sea salt, cayenne pepper, ground mace, and crushed pink peppercorns. Remove the saucepan from the heat to let the flavors infuse.
- Poach the Asparagus: Bring about 5cm of salted water to a boil in a wide saucepan, large enough to lay the asparagus flat without crowding. Add the asparagus spears and poach for 2 to 3 minutes, or until a knife can be easily inserted and removed from the thickest part without resistance. Drain the asparagus once cooked.
- Cook Shrimp in Spiced Butter: Return the saucepan with spiced butter to low heat. Add the peeled brown shrimp, wild garlic leaves or chosen herbs, and the lemon juice. Gently baste the shrimp in the spiced butter, allowing them to cook through and absorb the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the drained asparagus on the warmed platter. Spoon the shrimp and spiced butter over the asparagus evenly. Garnish with chive flowers or additional herbs if desired. Serve immediately with chunks of crusty white bread to enjoy with the flavorful butter sauce.
Notes
- An alternative to brown shrimp: North Atlantic prawns work just as well if you cannot find brown shrimp or prefer a more economical option.
- Vegetarian variation: Substitute brown shrimp with toasted hazelnuts for a nutty texture and flavor.
- Poaching asparagus briefly keeps it tender yet crisp, preserving vibrant color and nutrients.
- Use crusty white bread to soak up the delicious spiced butter for a satisfying finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: asparagus, spiced butter, brown shrimp, appetizer, poached asparagus, seafood, spring recipe, easy, lemon juice, wild garlic
