Go Back
Easy Instant Pot Indian Butter Shrimp photo

Instant Pot Indian Butter Shrimp

A quick, creamy Indian-style butter shrimp made in the Instant Pot with yogurt-marinated shrimp and a tomato-cream sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt for the marinade
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated (use a microplane if you have one)
  • 1 garlic clove garlic grated with a microplane or minced (for the marinade)
  • 2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 4 tablespoons butter divided
  • 2 shallots minced
  • 2 garlic cloves garlic grated or minced (for the sauce)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated (for the sauce)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt for the sauce (plus extra pinch while cooking)
  • 28 ounce canned diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon lime zest finely grated
  • cooked basmati rice for serving
  • chopped fresh cilantro for serving

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Microplane or grater
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, cumin, paprika, garam masala, lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 1 grated garlic clove to make the marinade.
  2. Add the shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat, then refrigerate for 15 minutes up to 1 hour.
  3. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add 2 tablespoons butter. When melted, add the minced shallots and a pinch of salt and cook until golden, about 4 to 6 minutes.
  4. Add 2 garlic cloves (grated or minced), 1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the heavy cream, bring the mixture to a simmer, then cancel Sauté, cover, and set to High Pressure for 8 minutes with the valve set to Sealing.
  6. Manually release the pressure when the cook time is done, then remove the lid.
  7. Turn the Instant Pot back to Sauté and simmer the sauce for 4 to 7 minutes to thicken slightly.
  8. Add the marinated shrimp and any accumulated marinade, the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, and the lime zest; cook, stirring gently, for 2 to 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
  9. Serve the butter shrimp over cooked basmati rice and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Marinate shrimp at least 15 minutes for best flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly in the sauce.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to your spice preference.
  • Use full-fat yogurt and cream for the creamiest sauce.