Shrimp Scampi: A Quick and Elegant Seafood Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just over half an hour, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.

• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a bright and savory sauce that complements the shrimp perfectly.

• Freezer-Friendly: Using frozen shrimp makes this recipe convenient and budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound wild-caught large shrimp with shells

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 4 tablespoons butter

• ⅓ cup white wine or chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Directions

1. Prep the Shrimp: Thaw the shrimp in cool water, remove the shells, and devein. Rinse and drain the shrimp, then transfer to a small bowl.

2. Marinate the Shrimp: Drizzle the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add half of the garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat and let sit for 20 minutes to build flavor.

3. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic mixture, spacing them evenly in the pan. Cook for 1 to 1½ minutes, then flip the shrimp over when they begin to become opaque. Cook for another minute or so, ensuring the shrimp turn golden but don't brown too much. Transfer the shrimp to a small bowl or plate.

4. Make the Sauce: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet over medium heat and add the remaining garlic. Cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, then stir in the white wine and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and reduces by half, stirring occasionally.

5. Finish the Dish: Add the shrimp with any juices back to the pan and stir in the last tablespoon of butter and ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste. Sprinkle with the minced parsley, stir, and cook for 1 more minute. Serve warm with sourdough bread for dipping, or over pasta or rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Marinate Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Pasta Addition: Serve the shrimp and sauce over your favorite pasta, such as linguine or angel hair, for a heartier meal.

• Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier version.

• Herb Substitutions: Try using fresh basil or tarragon instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Wild-caught large shrimp, such as Key West pink shrimp, are recommended for their sweet flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It's best to use raw shrimp for this recipe to ensure they absorb the flavors and don't become overcooked.

Is it necessary to marinate the shrimp?

Marinating enhances the flavor, but if short on time, you can skip this step and proceed directly to cooking.

Can I substitute the white wine?

Yes, you can use chicken stock as a non-alcoholic alternative to white wine.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it closely, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

What sides pair well with shrimp scampi?

Crusty bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely.

Can I freeze shrimp scampi?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the shrimp may change upon thawing.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The dish is gluten-free if served without pasta or with gluten-free pasta options.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes can enhance the dish's nutritional value and flavor.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and lemon with succulent shrimp. Its quick preparation and versatile serving options make it a go-to recipe for both casual dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this elegant yet simple meal that is sure to impress.

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Shrimp Scampi: A Quick and Elegant Seafood Delight

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Shrimp Scampi is a quick and elegant seafood dish made with succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce, brightened with lemon juice and white wine. This flavorful and easy 35-minute recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of delicious sauce.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Marinating Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Stovetop Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 lb wild-caught large shrimp, with shells

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

1 tsp kosher salt, divided

½ tsp red pepper flakes

4 tbsp butter, divided

⅓ cup white wine or chicken stock

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp minced parsley

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Instructions

• Prep Shrimp: Thaw shrimp in cool water, peel, devein, rinse, and drain.

• Marinate: Combine shrimp with 2 tablespoon olive oil, half the garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Marinate for 20 minutes.

• Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 1–1½ minutes per side until opaque and lightly golden. Remove shrimp.

• Make Sauce: Melt 3 tablespoon butter in the skillet. Add remaining garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in wine (or stock) and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.

• Finish: Return shrimp and juices to the skillet. Stir in remaining butter and salt to taste. Cook 1 more minute. Garnish with parsley.

• Serve: Serve warm with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.

Notes

• Use raw shrimp for better flavor absorption.

• For a spicy kick, increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.

• To keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or skip pasta entirely.

• Avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.