Irresistible Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Tantalizing aromas of garlic and butter mingle with zesty lemon in this irresistible shrimp scampi recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Seafood enthusiasts will fall in love with the delicate, perfectly seasoned shrimp swimming in a velvety white wine sauce.

Each bite delivers a burst of herbal freshness and rich, marine goodness.

The dish comes together in mere minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.

Tender shrimp soak up complex layers of flavor from fragrant herbs and bright citrus notes.

Simple ingredients transform into a sophisticated meal that will impress even the most discerning palates.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this classic Italian-American favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Shrimp: Select fresh, firm shrimp with a sweet ocean aroma and no fishy smell, preferably wild-caught for richer flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of shrimp and provide a balanced flavor profile.

• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth that complements seafood perfectly and creates an irresistible base for the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat that brightens the overall dish and adds complexity to the flavor.
• White Wine: Provides acidic brightness and helps create a silky, sophisticated sauce with depth.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings vibrant citrus notes that cut through richness and elevate the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbaceous finish that adds color and light, clean taste to the final dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a luxurious, golden cooking medium that adds richness and helps develop beautiful caramelization.
• Pasta, Rice, Crusty Bread: Serves as a delicious vehicle for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that adds salty, nutty complexity to the final presentation.

Tools That Help With Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing shrimp and creating sauce, preferably non-stick or stainless steel.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for patting shrimp dry to ensure proper searing.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing garlic, lemon zest, and parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Required for mincing garlic, chopping parsley, and zesting lemon.
• Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurately measuring butter, salt, and pepper.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
• Grater or Microplane: Helps create fine lemon zest for added flavor.

Steps To Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe Quickly

• Dry and Season Shrimp

Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

• Sizzle Seafood

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook shrimp quickly for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn beautifully pink and look perfectly opaque. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate.

• Create Aromatic Sauce

In the same skillet, melt additional butter and add minced garlic. Let the garlic dance in the pan for about 30 seconds until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Splash in white wine and let it simmer, reducing by half and concentrating the flavors.

• Bring Everything Together

Return shrimp to the skillet, then squeeze fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. Gently toss everything so each shrimp gets coated in the delicious sauce. Scatter fresh parsley across the top and give a quick final stir.

• Plate and Enjoy

Serve this delectable dish immediately over pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty bread. Optionally top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and extra lemon wedges for those who love an extra zesty kick.

Tips To Add Flavor To Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Shrimp Scampi Mastery: Expert Tips & Flavor Twists
• Seafood Selection Savvy: Choose fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, translucent shrimp without any strong fishy smell.
• Butter Brilliance: Use high-quality unsalted butter to control salt levels and enhance the rich, creamy sauce. European-style butter adds extra richness and depth.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley. Add a splash of white wine or extra red pepper flakes to boost the flavor profile and give the dish a personal touch.
• Protein Power Play: Replace shrimp with chicken or scallops for a versatile protein option that works perfectly with the classic garlic-butter sauce.

Serving Shrimp Scampi Recipe Made Simple

• Pasta Paradise: Toss the succulent shrimp scampi over al dente linguine or spaghetti for a classic Italian-inspired meal that brings restaurant flavors right to your dining table.
• Bread Boat Delight: Serve the shrimp and its zesty garlic sauce alongside warm, crusty artisan bread for perfect dipping that soaks up every delicious drop of the flavorful sauce.
• Mediterranean Plate Spread: Create a beautiful Mediterranean-style platter with the shrimp scampi nestled on a bed of fluffy herbed rice, accompanied by a crisp Greek salad and lemon wedges for bright, fresh contrast.
• Salad Topper Twist: Transform a simple green salad into a protein-packed gourmet dish by placing the warm, garlic-infused shrimp on top of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette dressing.

How To Store Shrimp Scampi Recipe For Later

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let shrimp scampi cool completely at room temperature within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth, spreading the dish on a wide plate to enhance faster cooling.
• Smart Refrigeration Plan: Store leftover shrimp scampi in airtight containers, keeping them in the refrigerator for 1-2 days maximum to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Separate shrimp from sauce before freezing, placing in freezer-safe containers with minimal air exposure, which can keep the dish safe for up to 3 weeks.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated shrimp scampi gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of white wine or water to restore moisture and prevent rubbery seafood texture.

Succulent Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Delectable shrimp scampi recipe brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to kitchen tables with elegant simplicity. Succulent shrimp swim in garlic-butter sauce, promising restaurant-quality dining that delights palates and creates memorable meal experiences.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat shrimp completely dry using paper towels, then season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to amplify inherent flavors.
2. Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, quickly cook shrimp until turning pink and slightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes per side. Transfer to a holding plate.
3. Sauce Development: Leverage remaining skillet heat to melt additional butter, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle kick, then deglaze with white wine, reducing liquid volume by half to concentrate complex flavor profile.
4. Finishing: Incorporate lemon juice and zest into the reduced sauce, reunite shrimp with the aromatic liquid, gently tossing to ensure complete coating and uniform temperature. Garnish with chopped parsley for fresh herbaceous notes.
5. Serving: Plate over preferred accompaniment like pasta or rice, crown with grated Parmesan cheese and additional lemon wedges for personalized citrus enhancement.

Notes

• Dry Shrimp Completely: Pat shrimp with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring perfect searing and preventing steaming instead of browning.
• Control Heat Precisely: Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes per side to prevent rubbery texture, watching for pink color transformation.
• Balance Sauce Intensity: Adjust red pepper flakes and white wine reduction to personalize heat and depth, tasting as you go for perfect flavor balance.
• Avoid Overcooking Seafood: Remove shrimp immediately when they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture, preventing tough and chewy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg