Save A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
This dish has become a staple in my kitchen for last-minute dinners and impressing guests alike.
Ingredients
- Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic, finely minced, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth), Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons), Zest of 1 lemon
- Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- To Serve: Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
- Step 3:
- Add the garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4:
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 6:
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Save This recipe always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes. Substitute fresh basil or chives for parsley if desired. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring spoons and cups, knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 240, Total Fat 13 g, Carbohydrates 4 g, Protein 24 g.
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This garlic shrimp scampi is a perfect blend of simplicity and taste, ideal for any occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of shrimp works best for this dish?
Large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal as they cook evenly and absorb the garlicky lemon butter flavors well.
- → Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?
Yes, dry white wine can be replaced with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version without sacrificing flavor.
- → How can I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
This dish goes well with cooked pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the dish?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes during sautéing adds a subtle heat, adjustable to taste.
- → Are there alternatives to parsley for garnish?
Fresh basil or chives can be used instead of parsley to provide a different herbal note that complements the lemon and garlic.