Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts love a classic shrimp scampi recipe that delivers bold flavors in minutes.

Tender shrimp dance through a silky, garlic-infused sauce that captures Mediterranean magic.

Butter melts into golden pools, creating a luxurious base for perfectly seasoned shellfish.

Fresh herbs and white wine add sophisticated notes to this elegant dish.

The quick shrimp scampi recipe promises restaurant-quality results without complex techniques.

Succulent shrimp emerge from the pan with a delicate golden crust and irresistible aroma.

You’ll savor every bright, zesty bite of this simple yet impressive meal.

Quick Shrimp Scampi Taste Profile

• This shrimp scampi recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.
• Flexible preparation allows you to personalize the dish by choosing shrimp tail preferences, adjusting heat levels with red pepper flakes, and selecting your favorite wine or broth.
• From thawing shrimp to serving, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal in just a few minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick yet impressive dinner solution.
• Incredibly adaptable, this shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it an ideal choice for casual family dinners or spontaneous entertaining.

Shrimp Scampi Ingredients

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this quick and delicious dish.
• Butter: Rich dairy ingredient that creates a luxurious base and adds depth to the scampi sauce.
• Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps deglaze the pan and builds a complex sauce.

• Garlic: Minced aromatic that provides a pungent and savory base note to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy ingredient that adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, clean taste and vibrant green color to the final dish.

• Lemon Juice: Citrus element that adds a bright, tangy zest to balance the rich butter sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that help enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.

Quick Shrimp Scampi Method

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Shrimp

Rinse frozen shrimp under cool running water in a colander until completely thawed.

Remove veins if desired.

Decide whether to keep tails on or off based on your serving preference.

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper cooking.

Step 2: Melt Butter

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Melt half the butter carefully, watching for gentle bubbling.

Avoid browning the butter to maintain a clean, smooth base for the scampi.

Step 3: Cook Shrimp

Carefully place shrimp in the buttery skillet.

Cook for approximately one minute on each side using cooking tongs.

Look for a beautiful pink color as an indicator of proper cooking.

Ensure shrimp are evenly heated without overcooking.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Ingredients

Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet.

Sauté for about 30 seconds.

Watch for the garlic to become fragrant and just start to turn slightly golden.

Be cautious not to burn the garlic, which could create a bitter taste.

Step 5: Deglaze with Liquid

Pour in dry white wine or chicken broth.

Allow the liquid to simmer and bubble, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan bottom.

Let the sauce reduce for approximately two minutes, developing a rich and complex flavor profile.

Step 6: Create Final Sauce

Add remaining butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped parsley to the skillet.

• Remaining butter
• Lemon juice
• Fresh parsley

Blend until butter melts completely and creates a smooth, glossy sauce.

Step 7: Season and Plate

Taste the scampi and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Remove from heat immediately.

• Pasta
• Crusty bread
• Rice

Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy the vibrant, zesty flavors of your homemade shrimp scampi.

Pro Tips for Shrimp Scampi

• Rinse frozen shrimp under cool water for quick, even thawing without compromising texture or quality.
• Monitor butter carefully while melting, removing from heat just as it begins to bubble to maintain a golden, silky base without browning.
• Use tongs for precise flipping, ensuring each shrimp cooks evenly and turns a perfect pink without becoming rubbery.
• Add minced garlic at the right moment, watching it become fragrant but not browned to avoid bitter undertones.
• Deglaze pan with wine or broth to capture caramelized bits, creating a richer, more complex sauce with concentrated flavors.

Store Shrimp Scampi for Later

• Transfer leftover shrimp scampi to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Carefully pack the cooled shrimp scampi in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month, remembering that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Gently stir until heated through, typically 3-4 minutes, to maintain the shrimp's tender texture.

Shrimp Scampi Sides

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the lemony, garlicky shrimp scampi, balancing its rich buttery flavors with bright acidity.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Rustic sourdough or french baguette slices work wonderfully for soaking up the delicious wine-butter sauce, adding extra texture and flavor to the meal.
• Match with Light Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the shrimp, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the decadent main dish.
• Enhance with Herbed Rice Pilaf: Prepare a delicate rice side with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, which echoes the herb notes in the scampi while providing a subtle, complementary starch base.

Shrimp Scampi Variations

• Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi: Replace wheat-based pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free rice noodles for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil to create a rich, creamy sauce without dairy, perfect for those with lactose intolerance or dairy restrictions.
• Low-Carb Seafood Swap: Trade traditional pasta for cauliflower rice or roasted spaghetti squash, keeping the shrimp and aromatic garlic sauce while reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace shrimp with king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm, maintaining the scampi's signature garlic and white wine sauce for a plant-based protein option.

FAQs

• What ingredients are essential for shrimp scampi?

The key ingredients are shrimp, butter, garlic, white wine (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and fresh parsley. These components create the classic flavor profile of a traditional scampi.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and slightly curl up, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, so watch them closely during cooking.

• Can I make this recipe without wine?

Absolutely! You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or even seafood stock. The goal is to create a flavorful liquid that helps build the sauce and adds depth to the dish.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein, making them a nutritious option. However, the butter and sauce make it a moderately rich dish, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Quick Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Shrimp Scampi delivers a Mediterranean coastal charm, blending garlic-kissed prawns with buttery wine sauce. Delicate pasta nestles perfectly beneath succulent shrimp, promising a romantic dinner that transports you straight to an Italian seaside.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) uncooked extra large shrimp, thawed & peeled, tails optional

Fats and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, divided
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Thaw frozen shrimp under cool running water for a few minutes. Optional: Remove veins and decide whether to keep or remove tails based on dining preference.
2. Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium heat until it bubbles gently, avoiding browning.
3. Add shrimp to the buttery skillet, cooking approximately one minute per side using tongs. Watch for pink color indicating proper cooking.
4. Introduce minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
5. Deglaze pan with dry white wine or chicken broth, allowing liquid to simmer and reduce for two minutes. This creates a rich sauce while capturing pan drippings.
6. Incorporate remaining butter, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir until butter melts completely and ingredients blend smoothly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately alongside pasta, crusty bread, or rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Thaw shrimp quickly by running cool water over frozen seafood, ensuring even and fast defrosting without compromising texture.
• Remove shrimp veins for a cleaner eating experience, which enhances overall dish presentation and taste.
• Avoid browning butter to maintain a smooth, silky sauce base that doesn’t develop bitter undertones.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent rubbery, overcooked seafood that loses its delicate texture.
• Use fresh garlic and avoid burning to preserve the aromatic, subtle flavor profile of the scampi.
• Select dry white wine or chicken broth that complements the shrimp’s natural sweetness without overpowering.
• Add lemon juice at the end to brighten flavors and prevent potential bitterness from extended cooking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 300mg