Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of citrusy brightness. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties.

this Recipe

I first made this dish when I needed a quick yet impressive meal for unexpected guests. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled the kitchen, and before I knew it, everyone was gathered around, eager for a taste. It's now a go-to favorite in my home, and I know it will be in yours too!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest, most flavorful shrimp recipes you'll ever make. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors that pair beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or even on its own.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in about 20 minutes. That means less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.

The bold garlic and butter sauce is truly the star of the show. It coats each shrimp with a rich, savory flavor, balanced perfectly by the brightness of fresh lemon juice and a hint of white wine.

Plus, this dish is versatile and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a fancy dinner or a simple meal at home, you can easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste and pantry.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet high-impact ingredients. Every element plays a role in creating a perfectly balanced dish.

The shrimp is the heart of this recipe. I recommend using large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture and presentation. If using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

Garlic is the flavor powerhouse here. Freshly minced garlic is essential for that deep, aromatic taste. If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two.

For the sauce, butter and olive oil work together to create a rich yet not overly heavy base. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning, while the butter adds that signature silky texture.

A splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) enhances the sauce with a subtle acidity. If you prefer to skip the wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.

To finish, lemon juice and fresh parsley add the perfect touch of brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

How To Make This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Making this dish is incredibly simple, yet the results are stunning. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by preparing your shrimp. If they’re not already peeled and deveined, take a few minutes to do so. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear beautifully in the pan.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then place the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and slightly golden. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, lower the heat and melt butter, then add your minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Now, pour in your white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step deglazes the pan, picking up all those delicious browned bits left from the shrimp.

Add the shrimp back to the pan and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Toss everything together, letting the shrimp absorb the flavors for another minute or two. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because shrimp cook so quickly, they can become rubbery when reheated, so it’s best to warm them gently over low heat with a splash of broth or butter.

I don’t recommend freezing this dish once cooked, as shrimp can lose their tender texture. However, you can freeze the raw shrimp with garlic butter sauce and cook it fresh when needed.

Variations and Substitutions

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is incredibly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Want to make it low-carb? Skip the pasta and serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Prefer a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a bit of heat.

If you don’t have white wine on hand, chicken broth is a great substitute. It still provides a flavorful, slightly tangy element to the sauce.

For a creamy twist, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream at the end to create a richer sauce.

This dish is also delicious with other proteins—try swapping out the shrimp for scallops or even chunks of firm white fish for a different take on this classic.

Experiment, have fun, and enjoy every bite of this simple yet decadent dish!

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