Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Craving a classic seafood dish that’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion? This Shrimp Scampi is a buttery, garlicky delight, loaded with tender shrimp and a tangy lemon-wine sauce. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but easy enough for a weeknight meal. 🍤🍋🧄

Shrimp Scampi is one of those timeless dishes that never fails to impress. It’s all about simplicity: shrimp sautéed in a garlic-butter sauce with a touch of white wine and lemon, creating a vibrant and savory meal. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for seafood lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi is bursting with flavor from the combination of garlic, butter, and lemon. The shrimp are tender and juicy, while the sauce is rich yet balanced by the brightness of lemon juice and white wine. It’s quick, easy, and can be served over pasta for a full meal or enjoyed with bread as a lighter option.

Main Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi

Each ingredient in this recipe works together to create a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp:

• Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a sweet, tender seafood flavor.
  • Large shrimp work best for this dish, but medium shrimp can also be used.
• Butter (4 tablespoons, unsalted): Butter is the base of the scampi sauce, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
  • Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil helps sauté the garlic and shrimp, adding a subtle richness.
  • Combining olive oil with butter prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor that’s essential for shrimp scampi.
  • Fresh garlic works best for maximum flavor.
• White Wine (½ cup, dry): White wine adds acidity and depth of flavor to the sauce.
  • If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
• Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed): Lemon juice adds brightness and a tangy balance to the richness of the butter and garlic.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick of heat to balance the richness of the sauce.
  • You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp and sauce.
• Pasta or Crusty Bread (optional, for serving): Serve the shrimp scampi over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Benefits of Ingredients

• Shrimp are low in calories and high in protein, making this dish both nutritious and satisfying.
• Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and adds a bold flavor to the sauce.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp are not already peeled and deveined, do so before starting. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with a little salt and pepper.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
   • The combination of olive oil and butter gives the dish richness without burning the butter.
3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
   • Cooking the shrimp just until they turn pink ensures they stay tender and juicy.
4. Add the Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour the white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate the garlic and butter. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
   • Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
5. Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp and toss everything together to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
6. Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and parsley if desired.
   • This dish is best served hot and fresh to enjoy the full flavor of the sauce and shrimp.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely. They only need about 2-3 minutes per side to become perfectly cooked and tender.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
• Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed right away while the shrimp are tender and the sauce is fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Scampi

Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes! You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer not to use alcohol. The broth will still add depth to the sauce without the wine.

What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi is delicious over pasta, but you can also serve it with rice, quinoa, or a side of roasted vegetables. Don’t forget the crusty bread to soak up the sauce!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.