Shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty dish filled with juicy shrimp, garlic, and a splash of lemon. It’s often served over pasta or with bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Making this dish feels fancy, but it’s super easy! I love to whip it up when friends come over—it always impresses them and makes me look like a chef! 🧄🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are ideal for this dish. If fresh isn’t available, frozen shrimp work beautifully; just make sure to thaw them first. If you’re allergic, try using chicken or tofu as an alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the dish a lovely richness. You could substitute half of it with olive oil for a lighter version, or use vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the shrimp. If you don’t have olive oil, canola or avocado oil are good substitutes that won’t distract from the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that robust flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, though fresh has more depth.
White Wine: It enhances the sauce beautifully, but chicken broth is a great substitute. For a non-alcoholic option, use vegetable broth and a little extra lemon juice.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp just right can be tricky. They cook quickly, so it’s important to watch them closely! Here’s how to get them perfectly tender:
- Start by patting the shrimp dry to ensure a good sear. Excess moisture can lead to steaming.
- Cook them in a single layer for even heat distribution—this helps them cook through without getting mushy.
- Look for a vibrant pink color with a slight curl in their shape—typically 2 minutes per side does the trick.
- Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so as soon as they’re pink and opaque, remove them from the skillet!
Remember, cooking shrimp requires just a little attention, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious shrimp scampi recipe will take about 10 minutes of preparation time and 10 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying your meal in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry using paper towels. This step is essential for getting a good sear! Season them with a little salt and black pepper for flavor.
2. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter is fully melted and begins to bubble before moving on to the next step.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the hot skillet in a single layer. It’s important not to crowd the shrimp, as this can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the skillet. Sauté these for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant, being careful not to let them burn.
5. Add Liquid and Simmer:
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly. This helps concentrate the flavors!
6. Make the Sauce:
Now, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Allow the butter to melt and combine with the other ingredients to create a smooth, delicious sauce.
7. Toss in the Shrimp:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp are well coated in the tasty sauce. Heat everything through for about 1 minute so that the shrimp absorb the flavor.
8. Finish and Serve:
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley. Serve the shrimp scampi immediately with lemon wedges on the side and some crusty bread, if you like, to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your bright, garlicky, buttery shrimp scampi!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before cooking. The best way to thaw them is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great alternative. For a non-alcoholic option, you can use vegetable broth combined with a bit of extra lemon juice for added flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftover shrimp scampi, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender and juicy!
