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
Scale
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.
