Shrimp Scampi

Short description

A timeless and elegant dish, Shrimp Scampi brings succulent shrimp together with a vibrant blend of garlic, lemon, and butter. It delivers a perfect balance of richness and brightness, making it both quick to prepare and impressively flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp Scampi is a culinary standout because it’s effortless to make and yet feels luxurious—ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The garlicky, lemony sauce infuses the shrimp with irresistible depth, and it takes just minutes from pan to plate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Unsalted butter

• Extra-virgin olive oil

• Garlic cloves, finely minced

• Dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

• Fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Pasta of choice (such as linguine or angel hair), or crusty bread for serving

Directions

1. Prepare and dry the shrimp thoroughly.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil.

3. Add garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

4. Increase heat to medium-high and add the shrimp. Sauté until pink on both sides and just cooked through—around 2 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.

5. Pour in white wine and scrape the skillet’s browned bits; let it simmer until the wine reduces slightly—roughly 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Add lemon juice and return the shrimp to the skillet; stir to coat well. Remove from heat.

7. Stir in parsley and season with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serve shrimp and its sauce over pasta or with crusty bread.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 4 people.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

(Note: These details are typical estimates based on standard proportions for Shrimp Scampi.)

Variations

• Garlic Lovers’ Twist: Increase the garlic to 4–5 cloves for a bolder punch.

• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream (½ cup) after adding the lemon juice and simmer briefly to create a silky sauce.

• Spicy Kick: Add chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne instead of or alongside red pepper flakes.

• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh thyme, basil, or tarragon along with parsley for extra herbaceous complexity.

• Tomato Addition: Mix in halved cherry tomatoes toward the end of cooking for freshness and a pop of color.

Storage / Reheating

• To Store: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of olive oil, butter, or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for extended periods, as shrimp can become rubbery.

FAQs

What can I substitute for white wine?

You can replace white wine with low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth for a similarly flavorful sauce without alcohol.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking to ensure even browning.

How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Cook shrimp on medium-high heat just until they turn pink and opaque—about 2 minutes per side. They continue cooking briefly after being removed from heat, so err on the side of slight undercooking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Serve the scampi sauce over gluten-free pasta, rice, or alongside toasted gluten-free bread.

How can I make ahead this dish?

Cook the sauce separately (without shrimp) and refrigerate. Reheat gently and then add freshly cooked shrimp just before serving.

Can I freeze Shrimp Scampi?

It’s best stored fresh. Freezing can change the texture of the shrimp and make the sauce watery upon thawing.

What side dishes pair well with Shrimp Scampi?

Serve with a light mixed-green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes—simply substitute butter with an extra-virgin olive oil or a non-dairy butter alternative.

Can I increase the flavor without adding more garlic?

Add a dash of lemon zest, a spoonful of capers, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of taste.

How do I keep the sauce from being too thin?

Let the wine reduce more before adding shrimp, or whisk in a small slurry of flour or cornstarch dissolved in water for a thicker consistency.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi strikes the perfect harmony between simplicity and sophistication. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can produce a restaurant-quality dish that is both fast and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe delivers. Enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite!