Print

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is a quick and elegant dish combining buttery garlic sauce, fresh shrimp, and zesty lemon for a restaurant-quality meal ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining, this recipe balances rich flavors with speedy preparation, making it a versatile favorite served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed if frozen)

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnishes & Serving

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Fresh pasta, rice, or crusty bread, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp if not already done. Mince garlic, chop parsley, and measure butter, olive oil, lemon juice, white wine (if using), and seasonings so everything is ready.
  2. Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from pan and set aside to avoid overcooking.
  3. Build the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add more butter and minced garlic to the skillet, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds) without browning. Pour in white wine if using and cook until it reduces by half.
  4. Combine & Finish: Return shrimp to pan, toss to coat in the sauce. Add lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle chopped parsley and toss well. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Notes

  • Do not overcook shrimp to prevent rubbery texture; remove them as soon as they turn pink and firm.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor and aroma.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to sear shrimp quickly while keeping them tender.
  • Deglaze pan with white wine or broth to capture flavorful browned bits for a rich sauce.
  • Fresh lemon juice is essential to brighten and balance the rich buttery sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, quick shrimp recipe, garlic butter shrimp, lemon shrimp, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian seafood