Zesty Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Tender Seafood Magic in Minutes

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this classic garlic shrimp scampi hits every flavor note with effortless charm.

Butter and white wine create a luxurious sauce that coats each plump, tender shrimp perfectly.

Fresh herbs add a vibrant green touch to the golden, garlicky seafood delight.

Lemon brings a bright, zesty accent that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Serve this restaurant-quality meal over pasta or crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of sauce.

The entire preparation takes less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-style elegance.

Prepare to impress everyone at the table with this irresistible seafood sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

Shrimp Scampi Ingredients That Pack the Garlic and Butter

• Shrimp: Sweet, tender seafood that's the star of the dish, best when fresh or high-quality frozen with firm texture and bright color.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and brightness, choose firm garlic with no sprouts and vibrant green parsley.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice booster that adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.

• White Wine: Provides acidic depth and creates a delicate sauce base, select a dry variety like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Lemon: Brings zesty brightness and balances the richness, pick firm lemons with smooth, glossy skin.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates rich, silky sauce and helps develop golden color for shrimp, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential seasonings that heighten natural flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds salty, nutty richness to complete the dish.

Tools You’ll Want for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Timing

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing shrimp and creating the garlic sauce.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling shrimp while cooking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic, parsley, and zesting lemon.
• Sharp knife: Required for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
• Grater or zester: Useful for creating lemon zest.
• Paper towels: Necessary for drying shrimp before cooking.

Cooking Shrimp Scampi That’s Bright and Satisfying

• Dry and Season Shrimp

Gently pat shrimp with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.

• Sizzle Seafood

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, creating a golden cooking surface. Cook shrimp quickly until they turn pink and look plump, about 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

• Create Zesty Sauce

In the same pan, melt remaining butter and add minced garlic, releasing aromatic flavors. Splash white wine and let it simmer, reducing liquid by half. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

• Combine and Finish

Return shrimp to the pan, adding fresh lemon juice and zest. Gently toss everything together, allowing ingredients to mingle and warm through. Scatter chopped parsley for brightness.

• Plate and Enjoy

Serve immediately over pasta or alongside crusty bread. Optional: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh lemon wedges for extra pizzazz.

Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste in Shrimp Scampi

• Refrigerate raw shrimp in an airtight container on ice for maximum freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Replace traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes from a pinch to a full teaspoon based on personal heat preference, allowing everyone to enjoy their perfect spice balance.
• Easily transform this recipe by substituting shrimp with chicken or scallops for a versatile seafood-style main course that keeps dinner exciting.
• When white wine isn't available, use chicken broth or dry vermouth as a comparable liquid that maintains the sauce's rich, complex flavor profile.

Serving Shrimp Scampi Over Pasta or on Its Own

• Pasta Paradise: Toss the scampi over linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic Italian-style meal that brings restaurant flavors right to your dining table.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with toasted garlic bread or a crusty sourdough to soak up the delicious buttery, lemony sauce – perfect for mopping up every last drop.
• Zesty Side Salad Pairing: Create a light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, garlicky shrimp and provide a fresh contrast.
• Mediterranean Platter Option: Arrange the shrimp scampi alongside roasted vegetables, olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired feast that elevates the dish.

Store Shrimp Scampi Without Overcooking on Reheat

• Transfer leftover shrimp scampi to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Gently warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to prevent drying. Avoid microwave to maintain shrimp's tender texture.
• Replace fresh shrimp with frozen options by thawing completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure perfect searing and prevent excess moisture.
• Chop garlic, zest lemons, and clean shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Store ingredients separately in sealed containers to streamline cooking and reduce day-of kitchen stress.

Succulent Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean-style Shrimp Scampi dances with garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs, creating a luxurious coastal dining experience. Delicate shrimp nestle in a silky sauce that whispers of sunshine and sea breezes, inviting passionate cooks to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
• ½ cup white wine, dry (or chicken broth)
• 3 tbsps butter, unsalted
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juice and zest
• ¼ cup parsley, fresh, chopped
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional, for serving)
• Pasta, rice, or crusty bread, cooked (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Shrimp Preparation: Thoroughly dry shrimp using paper towels, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Sautéing Process: Warm olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce shrimp and cook swiftly until they transform to a vibrant pink and become translucent, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.
3. Aromatic Sauce Creation: Utilize the same skillet, adding remaining butter and fragrant minced garlic. Quickly sauté until garlic releases its enticing aroma. Incorporate red pepper flakes and pour white wine, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce by half, concentrating the flavors.
4. Flavor Refinement: Introduce fresh lemon juice and zest into the skillet. Return shrimp to the pan, gently tossing to ensure complete coating with the luxurious sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Elegant Presentation: Plate immediately over your preferred accompaniment like pasta, steamed rice, or alongside crusty artisan bread. Optional garnish includes grated Parmesan cheese and additional lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s brightness.

Notes

• Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure perfect searing and prevent steaming, which creates rubbery texture.
• Medium heat prevents overcooking shrimp and burning garlic, maintaining delicate flavors and tender protein.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and recently purchased garlic for maximum flavor and optimal taste profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference, making the dish mild or zesty according to individual taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg