Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp scampi is a timeless dish, beloved for its simplicity and elegance. With succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce, kissed with lemon and white wine, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating the ultimate shrimp scampi dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy evenings.
2. Restaurant-Quality: Impress your family or guests with a dish that feels fancy yet is effortless to make.
3. Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
4. Customizable: Adjust spices and ingredients to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Peel and Devein: If your shrimp haven’t been prepped, remove the shells and veins. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Season the Shrimp: Sprinkle with salt and pepper for a light seasoning base.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta (Optional)

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp in a single layer. Sauté for 1–2 minutes on each side, just until pink and slightly curled. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add white wine (or chicken broth) and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Add lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Stir to combine.
3. If serving with pasta, add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the shrimp scampi over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread.
2. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

1. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley elevate the dish’s flavor.
3. Choose the Right Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best.
4. Balance the Sauce: Adjust the acidity and seasoning to your preference by adding more lemon juice or salt.
5. Avoid Burnt Garlic: Keep the heat medium-low when cooking garlic to prevent bitterness.

Variations

Creamy Shrimp Scampi

Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a rich and creamy version.

Spicy Shrimp Scampi

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.

Gluten-Free Option

Serve over gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free meal.

Add Vegetables

Incorporate vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes! Thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water before cooking.

What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?

Chicken broth or vegetable broth are great non-alcoholic substitutes.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I Make Shrimp Scampi Ahead of Time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the shrimp just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Pasta: Toss the scampi with spaghetti or linguine for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
2. Over Rice: Serve atop fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty option.
3. With Bread: Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
4. As a Topping: Use the shrimp and sauce as a topping for polenta or mashed potatoes.

The History of Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a dish with roots in Italian-American cuisine. Traditionally, “scampi” refers to a type of small lobster common in Italian waters. In the U.S., shrimp became a substitute, and the name stuck. The dish evolved to feature buttery, garlicky flavors, making it a timeless favorite in households and restaurants alike.

Conclusion

Shrimp scampi is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Try it today and experience the rich, buttery flavors paired with the freshness of lemon and garlic. It’s a dish you’ll return to time and time again!

Yield: 4

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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Shrimp scampi is a timeless dish, beloved for its simplicity and elegance. With succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce, kissed with lemon and white wine, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In this article, we’ll guide you through creating the ultimate shrimp scampi dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 8 ounces cooked pasta, such as linguine or angel hair (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Heat the Oil and Butter

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add butter and allow it to melt, mixing with the oil.

3. Sauté the Garlic

• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
2. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.

5. Make the Sauce

1. Lower the heat and add red pepper flakes (if using), followed by the white wine.
2. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and a tablespoon of chopped parsley.

6. Combine

1. Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until heated through.
2. If serving with pasta, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.

7. Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan cheese (if using).
2. Serve immediately with pasta or crusty bread.

Notes

• Choose fresh shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp.
• Adjust heat: Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
• Non-alcoholic option: Replace the wine with chicken broth for a family-friendly version.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a creamy twist.