Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a garlicky, buttery sauce with a hint of lemon, making every bite irresistible. Serve it with crusty bread, pasta, or rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound wild caught large shrimp with shells
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thaw the shrimp in cool water, then remove the shells and devein. Discard the shells, rinse the shrimp, drain well, and transfer to a small bowl.
2. Step 2: Drizzle the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat and let marinate for 20 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Step 3: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic mixture in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, then flip shrimp as they turn opaque. Cook for an additional minute, ensuring shrimp turn golden without burning the garlic. Transfer shrimp to a bowl. Remove any browned garlic bits from the skillet to avoid bitterness.
4. Step 4: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the white wine and lemon juice, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces by half, stirring occasionally.
5. Step 5: Return the shrimp and their juices to the skillet. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and adjust salt to taste. Sprinkle with minced parsley, stir, and cook for 1 more minute. Serve warm with sourdough bread, pasta, or rice.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture, but frozen shrimp thawed properly works well too.
• Substitute white wine with chicken stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist.
• Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a classic shrimp scampi pasta dinner.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just thaw them thoroughly in cool water, drain well, and proceed as instructed for the best results.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty sourdough bread, cooked pasta, rice, or even steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 68 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe features wild-caught large shrimp sautéed in a flavorful blend of garlic, butter, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. Marinated briefly with olive oil and spices, the shrimp are cooked to tender perfection in a skillet, then coated in a rich, aromatic sauce. Perfect served with crusty sourdough bread, pasta, or rice, this dish combines bold flavors with a quick, easy stovetop cooking method.

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Ingredients

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Shrimp and Marinade

• 1 pound wild caught large shrimp with shells
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for marinade)
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced (half for marinade)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for marinade)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced (remaining half for sauce)
• 4 tablespoons butter (divided: 3 tablespoons for sauce, 1 tablespoon for finishing)
• 1/3 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided: 1/2 teaspoon for finishing, remainder as needed)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp: Thaw the shrimp in cool water, then remove the shells and devein them. Discard the shells, rinse the shrimp thoroughly, drain well, and transfer to a small bowl.
2. Marinate the shrimp: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the pressed garlic, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and red pepper flakes over the shrimp. Toss everything to coat the shrimp evenly. Set aside and let the flavors meld for 20 minutes.
3. Cook the shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic mixture, spreading them evenly in the pan. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until they start to turn opaque, then flip each shrimp and cook for another minute. Be careful to avoid burning the garlic or over-browning the shrimp. Transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl or plate. If browned garlic bits remain in the skillet, remove them to prevent bitterness.
4. Make the sauce: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or chicken stock) and lemon juice. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces by half, stirring occasionally.
5. Finish the dish: Return the shrimp along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, adjusting seasoning to taste. Sprinkle with minced parsley, stir well, and cook for an additional minute to blend flavors. Serve warm with sourdough bread for dipping, or over your choice of pasta or rice.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are fresh or completely thawed for best texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes for heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
• If white wine is not preferred, use low-sodium chicken stock as a substitute.
• Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture—cook just until opaque.
• Serve immediately for best flavor and warmth.
• Pair with crusty bread or al dente pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Garlic Butter Shrimp, Shrimp Scampi, Easy Shrimp Recipe, Quick Dinner, Seafood Pasta Sauce, Lemon Garlic Shrimp