Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent shrimp dance elegantly in a classic shrimp scampi recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

Mediterranean flavors burst through every tender bite of seafood.

Garlic and butter create a luxurious sauce that coats each delicate morsel.

The aroma wafts through the kitchen, signaling an irresistible meal in the making.

Bright lemon zest adds a refreshing spark to this timeless dish.

Quick and simple techniques bring restaurant-quality seafood right to your dinner table.

Prepare to savor every mouthwatering forkful of this seafood sensation.

What Makes Shrimp Scampi So Tempting

• Packed with zesty garlic, bright lemon, and a hint of white wine, this recipe delivers a taste adventure that tingles your taste buds and leaves you craving more.
• Perfect for busy families and home cooks who want a delicious meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, providing maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Adaptable to various serving styles – enjoy over pasta, with rice, or alongside crusty bread, making it a crowd-pleasing option for different preferences and occasions.

What’s in Classic Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star of this delightful dish.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and slight heat to the shrimp.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the shrimp.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking medium that helps cook and flavor the shrimp.
• White Wine: Adds complexity and acidity to the sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the richness.

How to Cook Shrimp Scampi Simply

Step 1: Thaw and Clean Shrimp

Immerse the shrimp in cool water to defrost them gently.

Once thawed, carefully remove the shells and devein each shrimp.

This process ensures a clean, appetizing seafood experience.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Rinse the shrimp and thoroughly pat them dry.

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Red pepper flakes

Coat the shrimp evenly with these ingredients and let them marinate for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned shrimp in the pan, ensuring even spacing.

Cook for 1 to 1½ minutes, watching for opacity.

Flip the shrimp when they start turning translucent, aiming for a golden color without browning the garlic.

Step 4: Set Aside Cooked Shrimp

Transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Remove any overly browned garlic bits from the skillet to prevent a bitter taste.

Step 5: Craft the Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Add remaining garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Pour in white wine and fresh lemon juice.

Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half and thickens nicely.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, including any collected juices.

Add a final pat of butter and season with additional salt to taste.

Sprinkle chopped parsley and gently stir, allowing everything to meld together for another minute.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Plate the shrimp scampi with your choice of accompaniments.

• Warm sourdough bread
• Pasta
• Rice

Enjoy the aromatic and flavorful dish immediately while it’s hot and fresh.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Use cool water to gently defrost shrimp, avoiding microwave or hot water which can compromise texture and taste.
• Let shrimp sit with seasonings for 20 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and ensure every bite is deliciously seasoned.
• Cook garlic just until fragrant to prevent burning, which can turn the sauce bitter and ruin the entire dish.
• Sauté shrimp quickly for 1-1½ minutes per side, stopping when they turn opaque to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Simmer wine sauce until it reduces by half, creating a rich, concentrated flavor that perfectly coats the shrimp.

Storing and Rewarming Shrimp Scampi

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days, keeping the sauce and shrimp together to maintain moisture.
• Transfer cooled shrimp scampi to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of white wine or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed, being careful not to overcook the delicate shrimp.

Shrimp Scampi Side Ideas

• Perfectly Matched Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the buttery, lemony flavors of the shrimp scampi. These white wines enhance the seafood's delicate taste and cut through the richness of the sauce.
• Ideal Bread Pairing: Select crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the luxurious white wine and butter sauce. The bread's tangy, robust texture creates a perfect vehicle for capturing every delicious droplet of the scampi's incredible flavor profile.
• Recommended Side Dish: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shrimp. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery, garlicky main course.
• Herb-Infused Accompaniment: Create a simple herbed rice pilaf with parsley and lemon zest to serve alongside the shrimp scampi. The herb-forward side dish will echo the recipe's fresh ingredients and provide a delightful complementary texture.

New Takes on Shrimp Scampi

• Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi: Replace sourdough bread with gluten-free bread or serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil to create a lactose-free version while maintaining rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or hearts of palm, using similar seasoning and cooking techniques for a plant-based option.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Increase red pepper flakes and add fresh chopped cilantro instead of parsley for a bolder, more vibrant flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for shrimp scampi?

The key ingredients are shrimp, garlic, olive oil, white wine, butter, lemon juice, parsley, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. These ingredients create the classic, flavorful sauce that makes shrimp scampi so delicious.

• How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Cook the shrimp for 1 to 1½ minutes per side. They should look opaque and golden, not brown. When they turn from translucent to opaque, they’re done. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them gently in cool water, then remove the shells and devein before cooking. Make sure to pat them dry to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess moisture.

• What type of wine works best for shrimp scampi?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best. The wine adds acidity and depth to the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavor of the shrimp.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Shrimp Scampi, blending garlic, white wine, and tender prawns in a zesty pasta embrace. Succulent shrimp nestled over linguine will transport you to coastal Italian kitchens with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) wild caught large shrimp with shells

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Liquid and Fat Components:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) white wine or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice, or 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

1. Defrost shrimp gently under cool running water, then carefully remove shells and devein, ensuring clean and pristine seafood for cooking.
2. Rinse shrimp and thoroughly pat dry. Combine shrimp with half the garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Allow mixture to marinate for 20 minutes, enabling flavors to infuse.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Carefully place marinated shrimp in pan, spreading evenly. Cook for 1-1.5 minutes until shrimp turn opaque, flipping once to achieve golden color without browning garlic.
4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate. Remove any overly browned garlic pieces from skillet to prevent bitter undertones.
5. Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add remaining garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine and fresh lemon juice, simmering for 5 minutes until sauce reduces by half and thickens.
6. Reintroduce shrimp and accumulated juices to the sauce. Incorporate final butter tablespoon, adjusting salt seasoning. Sprinkle minced parsley and stir, allowing ingredients to meld for an additional minute.
7. Plate shrimp scampi alongside warm sourdough bread, pasta, or rice. Drizzle remaining sauce over the dish and serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the most authentic and flavorful scampi experience.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching closely and removing from heat the moment they turn opaque and slightly curled.
• Let shrimp sit in olive oil, garlic, and seasonings to enhance their natural sweetness and absorb more flavor.
• Swap traditional bread with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg