Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 4 tbspbutter
- 4 clovesgarlic
large, minced, or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 ¼ lbshrimp
large prawns, shelled with tails on or off
- 1 pinchsalt
- 1 pinchcracked pepper
- ¼ cdry white wine
or broth
- ½ tspred pepper flakes
- 2 tbsplemon juice
- ¼ cfresh parsley
chopped
Directions
- 1
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds - 1 minute). Then add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side (until just beginning to turn pink), then flip.
- 2
Pour in wine (or broth), add red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half and the shrimp is cooked through (don't over cook your shrimp).
- 3
Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately.
- 4
Serve over rice, pasta, garlic bread or steamed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini noodles).
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 241 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Imagine succulent, plump shrimp swimming in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, all ready in just 10 minutes. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe brings that restaurant-quality dish right to your kitchen, faster than takeout, making weeknight dinners or quick appetizers a breeze.
Why This Scampi Shines
The magic of this scampi lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of flavors. Aromatic garlic is infused into generous melted butter, brightened by fresh lemon juice and a hint of dry white wine. It's a quick cooking triumph that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special.
Prepare for tender, juicy shrimp coated in a luxurious, savory sauce that's both rich from the butter and vibrant from the lemon and wine. A touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate seafood. You’ll find it incredibly versatile, equally at home as a sophisticated appetizer or a satisfying main course. The quick cook time ensures the large prawns remain perfectly tender, never rubbery, soaking up every bit of that delectable garlic butter.
This dish is naturally delicious whether paired with classic pasta or kept light and low-carb with options like zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower. It’s an easy way to enjoy a decadent meal that feels gourmet but fits into any busy schedule.
- Customization & Variations
- Easily adapt this recipe to your pantry or preferences. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, vegetable or chicken broth makes an excellent substitute for the dry white wine, offering a similar depth of flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat, or omit them entirely for a milder dish that still bursts with garlic and lemon.
- While the recipe suggests large prawns, feel free to use other sizes, just be mindful of adjusting cooking time slightly for smaller shrimp to prevent overcooking.
This versatile Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fancy-yet-fast date night meal, or as an elegant appetizer for entertaining. Serve it piping hot to truly savor its vibrant flavors, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for a beautiful finish.