Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This classic shrimp scampi recipe delivers incredible flavor in minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules. You only need a few simple ingredients to create a rich, garlicky, lemon-infused dish. Learn to master this fantastic shrimp scampi recipe that tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Making delicious shrimp scampi at home has never been easier. Here are just a few reasons why this recipe will become a staple:
- Fast and Simple: This dish goes from pan to plate in under 15 minutes.
- Pantry Staples: You likely have most of the ingredients already.
- Incredible Flavor: Rich butter, fragrant garlic, and bright lemon create a perfect balance.
- Impressive Results: Serve this elegant meal for weeknights or special guests.
- Healthier Choice: Control your ingredients for a fresh, lighter option than dining out.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi
Gather these simple ingredients for your quick shrimp scampi:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic (large, minced, or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic)
- 1 1/4 pounds shrimp (large prawns, shelled with tails on or off)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch cracked pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed, or to taste – optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Notes & Substitutions
- Shrimp: Always choose large, raw shrimp. Peel and devein them, leaving the tails on or off based on your preference. For guidance on safe seafood practices, the USDA provides helpful tips for buying, storing, and preparing shrimp.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best, most aromatic flavor for this garlic butter shrimp.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the overall sodium in the dish.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to complement the butter.
- White Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best. Chicken or vegetable broth are excellent non-alcoholic alternatives.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount to control your desired level of spice.
- Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dish and is truly essential.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant color and fresh herbaceous note.
Equipment Needed
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this quick and delicious dish.
- A large skillet or frying pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A sharp knife and cutting board
- A citrus juicer (optional, for fresh lemon juice)
How to Make Shrimp Scampi (Step-by-Step Instructions)
This step-by-step guide makes cooking shrimp scampi simple for any home cook. Follow these clear instructions for a perfectly cooked dish every time.
- Step 1: Prep Ingredients.
First, gather all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley. This preparation saves time later.
- Step 2: Sauté Garlic.
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add your minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Cook Shrimp.
Add the shrimp to the hot pan. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the shrimp for 1-2 minutes on one side until they just begin to turn pink. Then, flip them over to cook the other side briefly. Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Step 4: Deglaze with Wine.
Pour in the white wine or broth, and add the red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the wine reduces by about half. Ensure the shrimp is cooked through but still tender.
- Step 5: Finish Sauce.
Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until it melts into the sauce. Immediately add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Mix everything well to coat the shrimp thoroughly. Remove the pan from the heat right away.
- Step 6: Serve Immediately.
Plate your hot shrimp scampi and enjoy. It is best served fresh, so don’t delay!
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Mastering this simple garlic butter shrimp dish means paying attention to a few details.
- Mise en Place: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. This recipe moves quickly.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Take it off the heat as soon as it turns opaque and pink to avoid rubbery texture. Perfectly cooked shrimp is tender and juicy.
- Butter & Oil Blend: Using both olive oil and butter prevents the butter from burning too quickly at higher heat.
- Quality Wine: Choose a dry white wine you would enjoy drinking. Alternatively, good quality chicken broth works perfectly.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and parsley; they make a significant difference in flavor for this garlic butter shrimp.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes gradually to achieve your preferred level of heat.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile shrimp scampi can be enjoyed in many ways.
How to Serve
- Classic: Serve it over a bed of linguine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Low-Carb: Pair it with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.
- Appetizer: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
- Side Dishes: Enjoy it with steamed green beans, asparagus, or a simple side salad.
Recipe Variations
- Wine-Free: Simply swap the white wine for an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
- Spicier: Amp up the heat by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the very end with the butter and lemon for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Extra Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like chopped chives, basil, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Boost: Add some cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, or thinly sliced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Information
This quick garlic butter shrimp recipe offers a balanced and flavorful meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 303 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 258 mg |
| Sodium | 276 mg |
| Potassium | 434 mg |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Sugar | 0.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 741 IU |
| Vitamin C | 9 mg |
| Calcium | 107 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Nutritional values are estimates based on standard serving sizes and may vary depending on specific ingredients and preparation methods. This information is for general guidance only and not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are common questions about making delicious garlic butter shrimp.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Yes, absolutely. Just ensure you thaw the shrimp completely under cold running water or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- What type of wine works best in this recipe?
Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay (unoaked) are ideal. They add a crisp, acidic note to the sauce.
- How do I avoid rubbery shrimp when cooking?
The key is quick cooking over medium-high heat. Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, so remove it from the heat as soon as it turns opaque and pink.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepped partially, but cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
- How long do leftovers last?
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the shrimp. For more information on food storage, the FDA provides comprehensive guidelines for safely storing cooked seafood.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen! This garlic butter shrimp scampi is truly a testament to how simple and quick delicious food can be. The rich garlic-butter sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and bright lemon make an irresistible combination. Whether you serve it with pasta or a low-carb alternative, mastering a quick shrimp scampi recipe means more delightful meals for you and your family. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Quick & Easy Recipe
Equipment
- large pan or skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 cloves garlic large, minced, or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 1/4 pounds shrimp large prawns, shelled with tails on or off
- 1 pinch salt to taste
- 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed, or to taste – optional
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until just beginning to turn pink.
- Pour in white wine (or broth) and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces by half and the shrimp are cooked through, avoiding overcooking.
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley, then remove from heat immediately.