If you love dishes that are bursting with bold, fresh flavors and come together in a flash, you are going to adore this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It’s a true celebration of succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a touch of heat and brightness from lemon and red pepper flakes. This recipe is a perfect weeknight winner or an impressive dish for company, all while keeping things simple and satisfying. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your go-to for a quick yet indulgent seafood dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in using quality, straightforward ingredients that each add something special—whether it’s rich butter, zesty lemon, or fresh shrimp. Every item you pick plays a role in crafting that perfect balance of savoriness, tang, and just the right amount of spice.
- 1 lb wild-caught large shrimp, shells on: Using wild-caught shrimp ensures tender, flavorful seafood that cooks up juicy.
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided: Adds a smooth, fruity base that complements the butter and garlic beautifully.
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced: The heart of this recipe—it delivers that signature punch of bold, aromatic garlic.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the dish perfectly.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes: Introduces a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 4 tbsp butter: Brings richness and a silky texture to the sauce that coats every shrimp.
- â…“ cup white wine or chicken stock: Adds depth and a little acidity to brighten the sauce; wine brings a subtle fruitiness, stock keeps it savory.
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or juice from ½ lemon): Injects fresh citrus flavor that cuts through the richness and lifts the whole dish.
- 1 tbsp minced parsley: A burst of color and fresh herbal notes to finish off the plate beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
First things first, give your shrimp a quick rinse under cold water and then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps them sear perfectly in the pan, locking in their juicy flavor and preventing steaming.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—this step infuses the oil with that intoxicating garlicky aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn a beautiful pink and become opaque. This quick cooking ensures they stay tender. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside so they don’t overcook.
Step 4: Build the Scampi Sauce
To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with the butter. Stir gently as the butter melts, then pour in the white wine or chicken stock, followed by the fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly into a luscious glaze.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, giving them a good toss to coat in that flavorful sauce. Let everything heat together for an additional minute so the shrimp can absorb all that buttery, lemony goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the minced parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the rich flavors, but you can also try sprinkling with a little grated Parmesan cheese or some finely chopped chives for an extra touch of elegance and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce, or it can be served atop a bed of linguine or spaghetti for a hearty, comforting meal. Light, crisp salads or steamed vegetables also complement the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve the shrimp over garlic-infused quinoa or a creamy polenta base. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles make a fabulous bed for this saucy dish, adding texture and freshness to each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—and it’s unlikely—you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure the shrimp is cooled completely before refrigerating to keep the texture intact.
Freezing
While the sauce’s texture may change slightly after freezing, you can freeze the cooked shrimp in their sauce in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi slowly on low heat in a skillet to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce from separating. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery and the butter oily.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture, which can interfere with searing and sauce texture.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you’d rather skip the wine, chicken stock or even vegetable broth works beautifully, maintaining the savory depth without adding alcohol.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that gently warms the palate—it’s balanced enough for most tastes but easy to adjust by adding more or less according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid serving it with wheat pasta or bread. Opt for gluten-free pasta or a fresh salad for a safe and delicious alternative.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley won’t give the same fresh flavor, but if that’s all you have, add a pinch at the end for color. Otherwise, fresh basil or cilantro can be interesting alternatives depending on your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and quick cooking come together to create a dish that feels special every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it delivers that perfect balance of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Don’t hesitate to dive in—once you make it, it might just become your new favorite weeknight indulgence.
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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
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent wild-caught shrimp sautéed in a fragrant garlic and butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and bright lemon juice, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion. Served hot with fresh parsley, it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb wild-caught large shrimp, shells on
Seasoning and Sauce
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 tbsp butter
- â…“ cup white wine or chicken stock
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or juice from ½ lemon)
- 1 tbsp minced parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and better browning.
- Sauté garlic and seasonings: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pressed or minced garlic, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture until it becomes fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the butter to the skillet. Stir in the white wine or chicken stock and the fresh lemon juice. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and meld the flavors.
- Combine shrimp with sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook together for an additional 1 minute to heat through and coat the shrimp in the flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the minced parsley over the shrimp scampi. Serve immediately while hot, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- To avoid overcooking, keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken stock or vegetable broth.
- Peeling the shrimp is optional; leaving shells on helps retain moisture and flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, though not traditional.
