If you love bold flavors that come together in a flash, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a dazzling combination of tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich, buttery sauce with bright notes of garlic and lemon, just the right amount of heat, and a splash of white wine that elevates every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, this dish brings a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in crafting the vibrant flavors and luscious texture of the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe. From the fresh garlic that builds the base of the sauce to the bright lemon juice that lifts it all, these essentials come together seamlessly.
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor; medium-large sizes cook perfectly in just minutes.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps cook the shrimp evenly without sticking.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Creates that irresistible buttery sauce and lets you control the saltiness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star aromatic that infuses the whole dish with mouthwatering depth.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, crushed): Gives a subtle kick to balance the richness without overpowering.
- Dry white wine (½ cup) or chicken broth: Adds complexity and a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Lemon (zested and juiced): Essential for fresh, tangy brightness that contrasts beautifully with the butter.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon or to taste): Enhances all flavors—season carefully to keep balance.
- Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh, herbaceous finish that adds color and a clean note.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Lightly seasoning both sides with salt helps bring out their natural sweetness and sets the foundation for the sauce to cling perfectly.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Melt Butter
Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat before adding the olive oil along with half of the butter. This combo boosts the flavor and creates an inviting, velvety foundation for your shrimp.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Once your pan is hot, lay the shrimp in a single layer. Cook them just 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque—remember, shrimp cook fast and will overcook if you’re not careful. Quickly transfer them to a plate so they’re ready for the sauce without getting rubbery.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining butter to the pan. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a quick 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it will taste bitter, which we definitely want to avoid.
Step 5: Add Wine and Lemon
Stir in the red pepper flakes, white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice, letting the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step reduces the sauce slightly and marries all those vibrant flavors into a rich, silky glaze.
Step 6: Return Shrimp to the Pan
Put the shrimp and any juices back in the skillet, coating them gently in the luscious sauce for about a minute. Taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed; this ensures every bite bursts with perfectly balanced flavor.
Step 7: Finish with Parsley and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This final touch adds a beautiful splash of color and a fresh, herbal pop that brightens the whole dish — and then it’s ready to enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but feel free to add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a creamy twist or a few extra lemon wedges on the side to brighten each mouthful exactly to your taste. A dusting of cracked black pepper also adds a nice bit of texture and spice.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up every bit of that buttery sauce. For a lighter option, serve it on a bed of sautéed spinach or with garlic bread to scoop up the delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your scampi in individual shallow bowls topped with crusty bread for dipping. Alternatively, turn this dish into an elegant appetizer by serving the shrimp on toasted crostini or skewered with toothpicks for easy party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will stay tender and the sauce maintains its flavor, just keep in mind that shrimp can become a bit firmer after refrigeration.
Freezing
While fresh is always best with shrimp, you can freeze the cooked scampi in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the scampi on low in a skillet or microwave briefly in short bursts to preserve the buttery sauce and tender texture. Avoid high heat or prolonged cooking to keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking to get the best sear and avoid excess water in the pan.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer to skip the wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth is a great alternative that keeps the sauce flavorful without the alcohol.
How spicy is the dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but it’s easily adjustable—use less if you want mild or add a little more for a bolder kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it naturally is! Just double-check your broth or wine if you’re buying store-bought versions, but shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon are all gluten-free essentials.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid crowding the pan so each shrimp cooks evenly and gets that perfect sear.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe enough — it’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious yet comes together in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy dinner for two to a crowd-pleasing meal. So grab those shrimp and get cooking; once you try this, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring large shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of spice and tangy lemon. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines succulent shrimp with a buttery, garlicky sauce enhanced by white wine and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp: Pat the shrimp very dry using paper towels and season lightly with salt on both sides to bring out their natural flavor.
- Heat skillet and add fat: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter, allowing the butter to melt and combine with the oil.
- Cook shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the hot skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until the shrimp just turn pink and opaque. Quickly transfer the shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Toss gently for about 1 minute until the shrimp are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use dry white wine for the best flavor; chicken broth is a good non-alcoholic substitute.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to maintain their tender texture.
- You can serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce if desired.
