Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shrimp scampi is an easy, delicious, and versatile recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The tender shrimp combined with the savory garlic butter sauce and a touch of lemon zest makes this dish irresistible. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, elegant gatherings, or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails intact
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons minced parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil together.
- Add the minced shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes, or until the shrimp begin to turn pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Pour the wine into the skillet and simmer for 1 minute.
- Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and return the shrimp. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked through.
- Season with additional salt and pepper, then remove the skillet from heat. Top with parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicier dish, or omit them if you prefer mild flavors.
- Herb choices: While parsley is traditional, you can substitute with minced tarragon or thinly sliced chives.
- Add greens: Stir in some spinach leaves just before finishing to sneak in some healthy greens.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works great! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
2. Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable broth, but the flavor might be slightly different.
3. Can I serve shrimp scampi with pasta?
Absolutely! Toss the shrimp and sauce with your favorite cooked pasta for a hearty meal.
4. How do I know when the shrimp is fully cooked?
Shrimp is done when it turns pink and has an opaque center. It should be firm but not rubbery.
5. Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and then add the shrimp right before serving.
6. What type of wine should I use for shrimp scampi?
A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is ideal for this dish.
7. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
8. Can I freeze shrimp scampi?
Freezing is not recommended, as the shrimp may become rubbery once thawed.
9. What should I serve with shrimp scampi?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pasta, rice, or a light salad.
10. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion
Shrimp scampi is a delightful and quick dish that everyone can enjoy. With tender shrimp and a delicious garlic butter sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. Customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, and sides for a meal that’s always satisfying.
Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Shrimp scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy shrimp in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. This quick recipe can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or paired with pasta for a complete meal. Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings, this dish is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails intact
- ½ cup dry white wine
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons minced parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil.
- Add minced shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3 minutes or until pink. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Pour wine into the skillet and simmer for 1 minute.
- Melt the remaining butter and return the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until shrimp are fully cooked.
- Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and top with parsley and lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Spice it up by adding more red pepper flakes or omit for a milder flavor.
- Use tarragon or chives in place of parsley for a variation in herbs.
- Add spinach leaves just before finishing for a healthy addition.
