The scent of garlic sizzling in butter, mingling with the salty ocean breeze, creates an irresistible aroma that beckons you to the kitchen. When you hear the words “Shrimp Scampi,” your taste buds start dancing with anticipation, imagining juicy shrimp coated in a luscious garlic and herb sauce.
As I prepare this delightful dish, I’m reminded of family gatherings where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the wine. Shrimp Scampi isn’t just a meal it’s a celebration of flavors that transforms an ordinary evening into something special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Shrimp Scampi is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests
- The harmonious blend of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs tantalizes your taste buds
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this dish adds elegance to any plate
- It’s versatile enough to serve over pasta or on its own with crusty bread for dipping
I vividly recall the first time I made Shrimp Scampi for friends their delighted faces ignited my passion for cooking even more.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, raw shrimp with shells on for maximum flavor they’ll be sweeter and juicier.
- Garlic: Use plenty of fresh garlic cloves – about 4-6 – for that rich, aromatic punch that defines the dish.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best it allows you to control the saltiness of your sauce.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while helping the butter achieve a perfect sauté.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish beautifully bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness chop it finely for best results.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch gives a subtle heat that elevates the whole dish without overwhelming your palate.
- Pasta (optional): Linguine or spaghetti works wonderfully if you choose to serve this classic dish over pasta.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if needed. Mince the garlic finely and chop parsley, setting them aside for easy access during cooking.
Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter with one tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic until fragrant but not browned about 30 seconds should do.
Add Shrimp and Seasoning: Toss in the shrimp and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until they turn pink and opaque around 2-3 minutes per side creating that beautiful golden crust.
Create the Sauce: Remove shrimp temporarily from the pan. Pour in half a cup of white wine or chicken broth along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Scrape up those flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
Toss Everything Together: Return shrimp to the skillet along with remaining butter and chopped parsley. Cook everything together for another minute until well combined the aroma will be heavenly
Serve It Up : If using pasta, toss cooked linguine right into the skillet before serving. Garnish with more parsley and lemon wedges for that picture-perfect finish
With every step, you’re not just cooking you’re creating memories filled with delightful flavors that will make your taste buds sing Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi as you revel in compliments from friends and family alike
You Must Know
- Shrimp scampi is all about timing
- Perfectly cooked shrimp should be tender, not rubbery
- Avoid overcooking to maintain that delightful bite
- The aroma of garlic and butter makes the kitchen feel like a fancy restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the pasta since it takes the longest. While it’s cooking, sauté garlic in butter, then add shrimp for that perfect sear. This sequence keeps everything fresh and prevents overcooked shrimp.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize with ingredients like crushed red pepper for heat or fresh herbs like parsley for color. You can even substitute zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist on traditional pasta.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to keep shrimp tender and prevent drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When cooking shrimp, always look for a bright pink hue it signals freshness and doneness
- Keep your oil hot before tossing in shrimp to achieve that nice golden sear without steaming them
- Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference
I once made shrimp scampi for my best friend’s birthday dinner, and everyone raved about how delicious it was The compliments just kept coming as they devoured every last bite.
FAQ
What type of shrimp is best for shrimp scampi?
Large, fresh shrimp work best, but frozen shrimp is also a good option if thawed properly.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely Linguine is classic, but spaghetti or even gluten-free pasta can work wonderfully.
How can I make shrimp scampi spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat
Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp Scampi is a quick, elegant dish that bursts with flavor! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic and herb sauce, creating a delightful meal perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration. Serve it over pasta or enjoy it on its own with crusty bread for dipping. This dish is sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 1 lb large raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 4–6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining if necessary. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until pink and opaque, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove shrimp from the pan. Pour in wine or broth and lemon juice; scrape up browned bits from the pan.
- Return shrimp to the skillet with remaining butter and parsley. Cook for an additional minute until combined.
- If using pasta, toss cooked linguine into the skillet before serving. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
