Quick & Zesty Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Flavorful Seafood Delight

Whipping up a delectable shrimp scampi brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Garlic and butter dance together, creating an irresistible melody of flavors.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspired this elegant yet simple dish that anyone can master.

Succulent shrimp glisten with a golden butter sauce that whispers comfort and sophistication.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary, and this recipe delivers pure excitement.

Fresh herbs sprinkled across the plate add a vibrant touch that elevates every bite.

Summer evenings call for light, refreshing meals that spark conversation and delight the senses.

Trust you will fall in love with this classic Italian-American favorite that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Shrimp Scampi Brings Big Flavor in Little Time

• Packed with zesty garlic, bright lemon, and a touch of white wine, this recipe delivers incredible taste complexity that will impress family and dinner guests alike.
• Easily adaptable to serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this shrimp scampi transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet-style dish that works for casual dinners or special occasions.
• Requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients, allowing even novice home chefs to create a professional-looking meal with straightforward techniques and minimal prep time.

What You’ll Need to Make Shrimp Scampi Shine

• Shrimp: Classic protein with delicate flavor, best when fresh and deveined, wild-caught preferred for richer taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base with light Mediterranean essence.
• Butter: Adds rich, creamy depth to sauce, enhances overall flavor profile.

• Garlic: Aromatic core ingredient that brings robust savory notes, fresh cloves recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element for subtle heat kick.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste, freshly ground preferred.

• White Wine: Creates elegant sauce base with subtle acidity, dry varieties work best.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy component that lifts overall dish brightness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh herb notes and visual appeal, finely chopped.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and provides vibrant flavor accent.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty complement that enhances dish complexity.

• Pasta, Rice, Crusty Bread: Perfect accompaniment to soak up delicious sauce.

How to Sauté Shrimp Scampi Without Overthinking It

Step 1: Prep Succulent Seafood

Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels. Generously season with salt and black pepper, ensuring each piece gets coated with flavor.

Step 2: Sear Shrimp to Perfection

• Each side for 1-2 minutes
• Until shrimp turn pink and look translucent

Remove shrimp and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 3: Create Magical Garlic Sauce

• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• White wine

Let liquid simmer and reduce by half, creating an aromatic base.

Step 4: Bring Flavors Together

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Gently toss everything, allowing ingredients to meld for one minute.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Pasta
• Rice
• Crusty bread

Top with Parmesan cheese and extra lemon wedges for zesty finish.

Simple Tips for Buttery, Garlicky Shrimp

• Pat Shrimp Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy and perfectly seared shrimp without steaming.
• Control Heat Carefully: Cook shrimp quickly over medium heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Wine Selection Matters: Choose a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc for the most complementary flavor profile.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to extra spicy.
• Fresh Ingredients Make Difference: Use fresh garlic and recently purchased shrimp for the most vibrant and authentic scampi flavor.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking for maximum freshness.
• Allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before sealing and storing to prevent condensation.
• Gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or white wine to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
• Enjoy refrigerated leftovers within 1-2 days for the best taste and quality, discarding if any off odors or signs of spoilage appear.

Great Pairings for Shrimp Scampi Night

• Choose crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the buttery garlic sauce.
• Use a rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious white wine and butter sauce, creating an extra layer of flavor and texture experience.
• Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the shrimp scampi and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Prepare a creamy parmesan risotto with fresh herbs like basil and thyme to provide a luxurious base that absorbs the scampi's tangy sauce.

Fun Spins on the Classic Shrimp Scampi

• Gluten-Free Seafood Delight: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Dairy-Free Ocean Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil to create a dairy-free version that maintains the rich, savory flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or plant-based seafood alternatives, marinated in garlic and lemon to mimic the original scampi's taste and texture.
• Spicy Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh basil or cilantro instead of parsley, and increase red pepper flakes for a bolder, more intense flavor experience.

FAQs About Making Shrimp Scampi at Home

• How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?

Look for pink color and opaque texture. The shrimp should curl slightly and take about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough, so watch carefully.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Ensure you remove all excess moisture to help shrimp sear properly and prevent steaming instead of browning.

• What wine works best for shrimp scampi?

Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay are excellent. They add brightness and acidity without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.

• Is it necessary to remove shrimp before making the sauce?

Yes, removing shrimp prevents overcooking and ensures they remain tender. You’ll add them back briefly at the end to reheat and coat with sauce.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean magic shines through this classic Shrimp Scampi, delivering succulent seafood kissed with garlic, lemon, and white wine. Delicate shrimp nestle among silky pasta strands, promising a restaurant-worthy meal you can savor at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)

Fats and Oils:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Serving Suggestions:

• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving

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Instructions

1. Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried using paper towels, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
2. Warm olive oil and partial butter amount in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
3. Gently introduce seasoned shrimp into the hot pan, allowing each piece to cook quickly for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink hue and become translucent.
4. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their tenderness and preventing overcooking.
5. Within the same skillet, melt remaining butter and introduce finely chopped garlic, creating an aromatic base that will infuse the entire dish with rich flavor.
6. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, then deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate the underlying flavors.
7. Incorporate fresh lemon juice and delicate zest into the sauce, creating a bright, citrusy undertone.
8. Return shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them in the luxurious sauce and warming them through for an additional minute.
9. Finish the dish by folding in freshly chopped parsley, which adds a vibrant green color and herbaceous note.
10. Plate immediately over preferred accompaniment like pasta or rice, garnishing with grated Parmesan and optional lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are thoroughly patted dry to achieve perfect golden-brown sear without excess moisture.
• Choose large or jumbo shrimp for best texture and presentation, avoiding small sizes that might overcook quickly.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch and increase according to spice preference.
• Transform into gluten-free version by using tamari instead of white wine and serving over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg