Pin It A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp saut&ed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
I first served this for a small dinner party, and everyone loved the bright lemon and garlic flavors that made the shrimp truly stand out.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
- Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, 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 saut&e 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.
Pin It This dish quickly became a favorite at family dinners, especially when served with crusty bread to soak up the lemony sauce.
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
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (butter). If serving with bread or pasta, gluten may be present. Always check labels on store-bought ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Pin It 
This garlic shrimp scampi is not only quick to prepare but also flexible for additions, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen shrimp for this dish?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even sautéing and the best texture.
- → What can I substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth work well as non-alcoholic alternatives, adding depth without overpowering the flavors.
- → How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic briefly over medium-high heat until fragrant but not browned, stirring constantly to avoid bitterness.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It’s mild by default, but adding crushed red pepper flakes can provide a gentle heat if desired.
- → What sides pair best with this shrimp preparation?
Cooked pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread complement the lemon-butter flavors beautifully and help soak up the sauce.
- → Can I replace parsley with other herbs?
Fresh basil or chives are excellent substitutes that add different but vibrant herbal notes.