Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and easy seafood dish bursting with rich garlic and butter flavors, enhanced by a hint of white wine and fresh lemon. Perfect as a light meal or dinner served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe delivers tender, succulent shrimp cooked in a savory, buttery sauce in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 1/4 pounds shrimp (large prawns, shelled with tails on or off)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch cracked pepper (to taste)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 4-5 cloves garlic (large, minced, or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed, or to taste – optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the base: In a large pan or skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, seasoning with salt and cracked pepper to taste. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes on one side until the shrimp just start turning pink, then flip them over.
- Add wine and spices: Pour in the dry white wine or broth, and add red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce by about half and the shrimp to cook through fully without overcooking.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, lemon juice, and fresh chopped parsley. Remove the pan from heat immediately to preserve the delicate flavors and avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter shrimp scampi over your choice of rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or elegant appetizer.
- The garlic butter sauce is vibrant with a touch of white wine and fresh lemon, elevating the flavor profile in less than 10 minutes.
- For a low-carb meal, serve over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower instead of pasta or rice.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 303 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 276 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 258 mg
