If you’ve been searching for a dish that hits all the right notes—rich buttery flavor, bright zesty accents, and tender succulent shrimp—you’ve just found it. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is an absolute showstopper that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect blend of garlic-infused butter, a splash of white wine, and a pop of fresh lemon, making it the ultimate weeknight dinner or a stunning dish to impress your guests. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in harmony to create a dish bursting with flavor. Each element plays a crucial role—from the fresh garlic that brings aromatic depth to the shrimp, to the butter and olive oil that provide richness and the white wine that adds a subtle tang. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined (16-20 count)): Using large shrimp ensures a nice meaty bite and they cook quickly to tender perfection.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a mild fruitiness and helps to cook the shrimp evenly without burning.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, divided): The heart of the sauce, providing creaminess and a buttery finish.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Garlic is essential here for that unmistakable scampi aroma and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, crushed): Adds just a hint of heat to balance the richness.
- Dry white wine (½ cup) or chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan, infusing brightness and depth to the sauce.
- Lemon (1, zested and juiced): Provides freshness and a citrusy zing that wakes up the whole dish.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon, or more to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds color and a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp
Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels—this step is crucial because it helps them sear nicely rather than steam. Then, season them lightly with kosher salt on both sides. A little seasoning at this stage elevates the natural sweetness of shrimp without overpowering it.
Step 2: Heat Your Skillet with Oil and Butter
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter. The combination of fat types creates a rich base and helps get a perfect sear on the shrimp. Keep an eye on the heat to get the right temperature without burning the butter.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Quickly
Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook them for just 1 to 2 minutes per side. You’ll want them to turn pink and become opaque—signaling they’re done. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery, so transferring them promptly to a plate keeps them perfectly tender.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned—browned garlic gets bitter and can overwhelm the delicate flavors of your scampi sauce.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Base
Now stir in the red pepper flakes, white wine (or chicken broth), lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let this simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly, intensifying the flavors. This part is where the magic happens—combining tang, heat, and richness in one luscious sauce.
Step 6: Reintroduce the Shrimp
Return the cooked shrimp, along with any juices that have settled on the plate, to the skillet. Toss everything gently for about a minute so the shrimp soak in all that garlicky, buttery goodness. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed to balance the brightness.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish. The parsley adds a splash of vibrant green and a fresh herbal lift, completing this irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can take your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe from delicious to dazzling. Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan for a cheesy touch or a few extra lemon wedges for those who like an added burst of citrus with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Tossed with linguine or spaghetti for a classic scampi pasta is always a winner, but serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted asparagus can make for a lighter, low-carb meal. Crusty bread is a must-have to soak up all that heavenly garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving the shrimp scampi in individual shallow bowls or over a bed of angel hair pasta nest. Adding a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers can elevate the plate visually for special occasions. For a casual dinner, simply dish it up family-style with a big bowl of sauce and plenty of lemon wedges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the fresh flavor and tender texture of the shrimp. The sauce does thicken when cold but will loosen again when reheated gently.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of shrimp may change slightly after thawing and reheating. If you do freeze it, separate the shrimp and sauce if possible, and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your scampi gently on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving for best texture, as direct heat helps prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This ensures they sear properly and don’t release excess water into the sauce.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
White wine adds a lovely depth and acidity, but if you prefer, chicken broth or even vegetable broth can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative without compromising too much on flavor.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle heat that balances the richness—nothing overpowering. You can always adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit them for a milder version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free pasta or a side free of gluten ingredients.
What wine pairs well with serving this dish?
A crisp, light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony, garlicky flavors beautifully and is an excellent choice for pairing.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is one of those dishes that warms the soul and excites the palate all at once. Its effortless elegance makes it perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor each bite of those succulent shrimp bathed in luscious garlic butter sauce—this one might just become your new favorite too!
Print
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon. Perfect for an elegant yet easy dinner, this recipe delivers tender shrimp coated in a zesty, buttery sauce garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16–20 count)
Cooking Fats
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly, then lightly season both sides with salt to enhance their flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter to melt and combine.
- Cook the Shrimp: Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer to get an even sear. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove them immediately to a plate to avoid overcooking.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown which would cause bitterness.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes, dry white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the shrimp and any juices that collected on the plate to the skillet. Toss gently for about 1 minute so the shrimp are fully coated in the flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, and serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Drying the shrimp thoroughly before cooking will help achieve a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- If you prefer non-alcoholic options, substitute dry white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Serve with cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest and freshest flavor impact.
