Save A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
This shrimp scampi quickly became a family favorite whenever we need a fast but satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, finely minced, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth), Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons), Zest of 1 lemon
- Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- To Serve: Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
- Step 3:
- Add the garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4:
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1 2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 1 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 6:
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Save Making this recipe always brings my family together at the table, enjoying fresh seafood flavors.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes. Substitute fresh basil or chives for parsley if desired. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Large skillet, Wooden spoon or spatula, Measuring spoons and cups, Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 24 g per serving.
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This garlic shrimp scampi is the perfect quick dinner when you want elegance and speed.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, thaw shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even sautéing and prevent excess moisture.
- → What can I substitute for white wine in the sauce?
Chicken broth or vegetable stock work well as a non-alcoholic alternative, maintaining moisture and flavor balance.
- → How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic over medium heat for a short time until fragrant, avoiding browning which can create bitterness.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes during sautéing adds a gentle heat that complements the garlic and lemon.
- → What pairings work best with this shrimp preparation?
Serving with pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread helps soak up the flavorful lemon-butter sauce and creates a balanced meal.