Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the perfect option. This classic recipe combines the richness of butter, the savory aroma of garlic, and the freshness of shrimp to create a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or just a simple weeknight meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the hassle.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Shrimp

1 pound (500g) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Butter

3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided

Olive Oil

2 tablespoons

Garlic

5 large cloves, finely minced

White Wine or Chicken Stock

1/2 cup, for added flavor

Lemon Juice

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed

Parsley

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Red Pepper Flakes

1/4 teaspoon, optional for a hint of heat

Prep Time

This dish is incredibly fast to prepare! With only about 10 minutes of prep time, it’s a breeze to get everything ready. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp and finely chopping all your ingredients. Having everything prepped beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents you from rushing during the cooking steps.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is about 5 minutes, making it not only delicious but also time-efficient. Adding both the prep and cook times together, the total time needed is only 15 minutes, perfect for a busy day or a last-minute dinner solution. The recipe typically serves 4 people, but you can easily adjust it according to your needs.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a joy to prepare, and every bite is packed with bold, vibrant flavors. It’s a dish that brings comfort and elegance to your table, making it a favorite for any occasion.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Peel and devein raw shrimp if necessary. Leave tails on for presentation, or remove them if preferred. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Season the Shrimp

Season shrimp with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor. Sprinkle a little red pepper flakes for some extra spice, if desired.

Step 3: Heat the Butter and Olive Oil

In a large pan or skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the butter to foam slightly before proceeding.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they are opaque and just cooked through. Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Prepare the Garlic

Reduce the heat slightly. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Step 6: Deglaze the Pan

Pour dry white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Add Lemon Juice and Butter

Stir in the fresh lemon juice, along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter completely melt into the sauce.

Step 8: Return Shrimp to Pan

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and toss them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Allow them to warm through for about 1 minute.

Step 9: Garnish

Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish generously with fresh chopped parsley.

Step 10: Serving

Serve immediately, optionally with cooked pasta, crusty bread, or over a bed of rice.

Notes

Note on Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan. Pat them dry thoroughly.

Note on Cooking Time

Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they will turn rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.

Note on Wine Substitute

If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock for a similar depth of flavor.

Note on Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.

Note on Adjusting Spice

Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.

Note on Pairings

This dish pairs excellently with angel hair pasta or linguine, but also works well with mashed potatoes or vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli.
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Cook Techniques

Use Fresh or Frozen Shrimp

Fresh shrimp offer the best flavor; however, frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly. Ensure they are peeled and deveined for ease of preparation.

Dry Your Shrimp

Patting the shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking helps achieve a better sear, adding texture and flavor to the dish.

Sear Shrimp Over High Heat

Cooking the shrimp on high heat for a short time allows them to gain a golden sear without becoming rubbery.

Deglaze with White Wine

After cooking the shrimp, deglaze the pan with white wine to lift the flavorful bits and create a rich sauce.

Infuse Garlic Butter

Adding garlic to melted butter infuses the flavors deeply, creating the base for a robust and flavorful sauce.

Use Fresh Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the garlic butter sauce perfectly.

Incorporate Parsley at the End

Adding freshly chopped parsley right before serving enhances the dish with a pop of freshness.

FAQ

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?

Yes, but pre-cooked shrimp won’t absorb flavors as well as raw shrimp. Add them at the end to avoid overcooking.

What Can I Substitute for White Wine?

You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or a splash of water mixed with a little lemon juice.

How Do I Prevent Shrimp From Overcooking?

Shrimp cook quickly; only sear them for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque to avoid overcooking.

Can I Add More Ingredients?

Yes, feel free to customize the dish with added ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

What Type of Pasta Works Best?

Linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta pair well with shrimp scampi, but any variety of your choice will work.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish that makes a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe combines simplicity with indulgent flavors. The buttery garlic sauce and tender shrimp take center stage, making it a memorable experience every single time.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Shrimp

A similar variation with a creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic for added richness.

Lemon Herb Butter Salmon

A light and refreshing seafood dish using lemon and fresh herbs to complement buttery flavors.

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp

This classic Italian dish pairs perfectly with shrimp for a simple yet delicious meal.

Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Serve alongside the shrimp scampi for a hearty and comforting combination.

Crispy Garlic Bread

The perfect side to soak up all the savory garlic butter sauce.

Butter Parmesan Risotto

A creamy risotto with Parmesan and butter that pairs wonderfully as a base for shrimp scampi.

Caprese Salad

A fresh and tangy salad with tomato, mozzarella, and basil to balance the richness of the shrimp.

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon

Offering a vibrant and healthy side option, asparagus pairs excellently with garlic butter sauce.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

For a seafood feast, combine shrimp scampi with tender, buttery lobster tails.

Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb option that substitutes traditional pasta while still being flavorful.