Save A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
I first served this 15-minute garlic shrimp scampi on a busy weeknight and my family loved how fast and flavorful it was.
Ingredients
- Seafood: 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic , finely minced , 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sauce: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter , 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil , 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth) , Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) , Zest of 1 lemon
- Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley , 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 sauté 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.
Save This recipe always brings my family together for a quick dinner that feels special and satisfying.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240 , Total Fat: 13 g , Carbohydrates: 4 g , Protein: 24 g per serving
Save
Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at their best texture and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of shrimp is best for this dish?
Large shrimp that are peeled and deveined work best, as they cook quickly and evenly while absorbing the sauce flavors.
- → Can I substitute the white wine used in the sauce?
Yes, dry white wine can be replaced with chicken broth or seafood stock to retain moisture and flavor.
- → How do I prevent garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add the shrimp promptly to avoid bitterness.
- → Is it necessary to add lemon zest along with lemon juice?
Yes, lemon zest provides a bright citrus aroma that enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
- → What sides pair well with this shrimp preparation?
Cooked pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread complement the dish by soaking up the flavorful lemon-butter sauce.