Pin It 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.
This recipe has become my go-to for an elegant yet fast dinner that impresses every time.
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.
Pin It My family loves to gather around this dish on busy weeknights, enjoying both the taste and the speed it comes together.
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.
Allergen Information
Contains shellfish (shrimp), dairy (butter). If serving with bread or pasta, gluten may be present. Always check labels on store-bought ingredients if allergies are a concern.
Pin It This simple garlic shrimp scampi brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table in just 15 minutes.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of shrimp works best?
Large peeled and deveined shrimp ensure quick cooking and tender texture.
- → Can I substitute white wine in the sauce?
Yes, dry white wine can be replaced with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- → How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté garlic briefly on medium-high heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds, avoiding browning.
- → What side dishes complement this preparation?
Pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread all pair well and absorb the flavorful sauce.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Adding or omitting crushed red pepper flakes allows control over the dish’s heat.