If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to pull together, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is the perfect answer. Imagine tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious buttery garlic sauce, with just the right hint of brightness from fresh lemon and a gentle kick from crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a classic that feels indulgent but comes together in a flash, making it an absolute weeknight winner or an impressive dish for guests. Every time I whip up this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe, it feels like a little celebration in the kitchen, and I’m excited to share the magic with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role: olive oil and butter create a rich base, garlic offers intense aroma and flavor, while white wine and lemon add layers of brightness and acidity that balance the buttery goodness perfectly.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, 16-20 count): The star of the dish, juicy and tender to soak up all the flavors.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps keep the shrimp from sticking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Creates a velvety, rich sauce that hugs the shrimp.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the entire dish with a bold and savory aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle heat that awakens your taste buds without overpowering.
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth): Offers acidity and depth, helping to create the signature scampi sauce.
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced): Adds freshness and a vibrant punch that brightens every bite.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the shrimp and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: A fresh herbal finish to add color and a mild grassy note.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp very dry with paper towels—that dryness makes a huge difference because it helps the shrimp sear beautifully instead of steaming. Lightly season both sides with salt to improve the overall flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Melt Butter
Warm up a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter. This combination not only prevents sticking but also builds the rich buttery base the shrimp will be cooked in.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer once the pan is hot, cooking them for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery fast. Once done, transfer them to a plate right away.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic in Butter
Turn the heat down to medium and toss in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, followed quickly by the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with that intoxicating garlic fragrance but don’t let it brown or it will turn bitter.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes, white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce just a bit, enhancing its intensity.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the shrimp along with any juices that accumulated on the plate back to the skillet. Toss everything gently for about a minute so the shrimp are evenly coated with the silky, flavorful sauce. Taste now and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Finish with Parsley and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley across the top. This final touch adds freshness and a pop of green, making your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe look as vibrant as it tastes. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley is always a lovely idea to brighten the plate and introduce a fresh aroma. Lemon wedges on the side invite your guests to add an extra zing just before digging in. For an elegant finish, a light dusting of grated Parmesan can complement the garlicky butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs like a dream with perfectly cooked pasta, especially linguine or angel hair, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Crusty bread is also fantastic for mopping up any leftover buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopper presentation, serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of creamy polenta or brightly colored cauliflower rice. You could also create individual servings in shallow bowls topped with fresh herbs. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, dish it out over toasted baguette slices for elegant shrimp bruschetta bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will remain juicy but the sauce may thicken as it chills; a quick reheat with a splash of water or broth helps loosen it up.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp scampi isn’t ideal because the shrimp can become tough and rubbery when thawed. However, if you want to freeze it, place the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers and consume within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little olive oil or butter to refresh the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving for best results to keep the shrimp tender and the garlic butter sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent a good sear and water down the sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer to avoid wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes that still provide the necessary acidity and depth of flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium or medium-low when sautéing garlic and watch it closely. Garlic cooks quickly and turns bitter if it brown too much, so stir it for just about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! To make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe spicier, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.
What’s the best way to serve this for dinner parties?
Serve it over pasta or risotto in large, elegant platters or individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Adding a side of crusty bread and a crisp green salad creates a complete, inviting meal.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is truly one of those timeless dishes that feels comforting and sophisticated all at once. Simple ingredients come together for an amazing burst of flavor that you will want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe guarantees a delicious, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with shrimp all over again!
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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
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring succulent large shrimp cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe yields tender, juicy shrimp coated in a zesty, buttery sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound shrimp (large, peeled and deveined, 16–20 count)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
Cooking Base
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp. Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season lightly with kosher salt on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat the Skillet and Add Fat. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow the butter to melt and the skillet to get hot.
- Cook the Shrimp. Place the shrimp in a single layer in the hot skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer the shrimp to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the Garlic. Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure the garlic does not brown.
- Add Flavorings and Reduce Sauce. Stir in red pepper flakes, dry white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to allow it to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce. Return the cooked shrimp and any juices to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the sauce. Cook together for about 1 minute, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Finish and Serve. Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the shrimp, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess water diluting the sauce.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred or to avoid alcohol.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor; powdered garlic will not yield the same aroma.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with pasta, crusty bread, or over rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
