Shrimp Scampi

There’s something so wonderfully simple and elegant about Shrimp Scampi. This dish combines succulent shrimp with a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened with fresh lemon and herbs, creating a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Shrimp Scampi brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a crisp green salad for a lighter option. Ready to dive into a dish that’s bursting with zesty, garlicky goodness? Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that’s beloved for its simplicity and bold flavors. What makes this recipe stand out is the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and lemon that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp without overpowering it. The shrimp cook quickly, locking in their juicy texture, while the sauce clings to every bite, making each mouthful utterly satisfying. This recipe is also very versatile — you can dress it up with fresh herbs, add a touch of spice, or keep it straightforward and elegant. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect even for novice cooks or anyone short on time. If you’ve never tried making shrimp scampi at home, this recipe will change your mind about seafood dishes being complicated or time-consuming.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving

How To Make Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sear better and develop a nice texture. If your shrimp aren’t already peeled and deveined, take a moment to do this now.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil. Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side without stirring to get a nice sear. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes. This concentrates the flavor and forms the base of the sauce.

Step 5: Add Lemon and Butter

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce becomes silky. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp. Give everything a gentle toss to combine.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your shrimp scampi immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad on the side makes a lovely, balanced meal.

Expert Tips

• Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shrimp can work but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp. Cook in batches if necessary, so they sear instead of steam.
• Always zest the lemon before juicing it to capture the bright oils from the peel.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
• For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream at the end, but it’s delicious as is.
• Serve immediately — shrimp scampi tastes best fresh and hot.

Variations and Customizations

• Garlic Herb Shrimp Scampi: Add fresh basil or thyme along with parsley for an herbal twist.
• Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for added color and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Serve over gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving.
• Low Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to keep this dish heart-healthy.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Shrimp can lose texture if kept too long, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you served the dish with pasta or rice, store those separately to maintain the best texture.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking. This helps to prevent excess moisture that can steam the shrimp instead of searing them.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat level. If you want it mild, simply omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Shrimp cook very quickly and taste best fresh, so it’s recommended to prepare this dish right before serving. However, you can prep the garlic, lemon juice, and zest ahead, and cook the shrimp quickly when ready to eat.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi is a timeless dish that brings together the best of simple ingredients to create something truly special. It’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. With its garlicky, buttery sauce and bright lemon notes, this recipe perfectly highlights the natural sweetness of shrimp. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad, it’s a meal that’s sure to delight. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home!