Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb medium fresh or frozen raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (thawed if using frozen); 3 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons white wine; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 teaspoons thyme; 1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon slices for garnish

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There is nothing quite as irresistibly savory and fresh as a plate of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, a dish that effortlessly brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen table. This recipe combines tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enhanced with bright lemon zest and fragrant thyme, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is guaranteed to impress with every buttery, garlicky, and citrus-kissed bite.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures. Fresh shrimp delivers a sweet, succulent base, while butter and olive oil create that silky richness. Garlic ignites the senses, and lemon juice and zest brighten everything with refreshing tang. Herbs like thyme and parsley introduce earthiness and color, rounding out the dish beautifully.

1 lb medium fresh or frozen raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh if possible; if frozen, thaw completely for even cooking.
3 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter creates the creamy, indulgent sauce that makes every bite luscious.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle, fruity depth.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with bold, aromatic flavor.
2 tablespoons white wine: Adds acidity and complexity to enhance the sauce’s richness.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Zest gives a concentrated citrus note that brightens the overall taste.
1/4 cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for vibrant tang and balance.
2 teaspoons thyme: Provides subtle herbal warmth that complements seafood perfectly.
1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped: Adds fresh color and mild peppery flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Lemon slices for garnish: For a decorative and zesty finishing touch.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Heat the Butter and Olive Oil

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter together with all of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This combination ensures your shrimp will cook evenly without the butter burning, creating a luxurious base for the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Once the butter stops bubbling, add your shrimp to the skillet. Sear it for 2 minutes on one side, then flip the shrimp. Immediately add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp are pink and opaque, with a wonderful garlicky aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Add White Wine and Remaining Butter

Pour in the white wine along with the final tablespoon of butter. Use a spatula to gently scrape up any tasty browned bits that have formed on the bottom of the pan – these are flavor gold. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens, developing that classic scampi richness.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Herbs

Remove the pan from heat, then stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and parsley. These vibrant ingredients lift the dish with brightness and aroma. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then garnish with lemon slices to add a cheerful pop of color and extra zing.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi effortlessly. Fresh parsley scattered over the top adds a burst of green freshness, while thin lemon slices or wedges on the side invite everyone to squeeze extra citrus over their serving for a zesty finish. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan can also add intriguing layers of flavor.

Side Dishes

Since Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is so rich and flavorful, pairing it with light sides is the way to go. Al dente pasta, like linguine or angel hair, perfectly catches the buttery sauce. Alternatively, serve it alongside crusty garlic bread for sopping up every last morsel, or a crisp green salad for refreshing contrast and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi into a vibrant seafood pasta bowl, layering the shrimp on top of ribbons of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to keep things lighter. You can also skewer the shrimp for an elegant appetizer presentation or pile it over creamy risotto for a comforting, dinner-party worthy dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi tastes fabulous fresh but can also be enjoyed the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure it’s cooled down before sealing to keep flavors fresh.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this dish, as shrimp can become rubbery and sauce textures may change. However, if necessary, freeze the shrimp separately without lemon and herbs, then thaw gently overnight before reheating and finishing with fresh ingredients to revive the flavors.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. You can add a splash of water or a bit more butter to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the shrimp from drying out. Avoid microwaving, which tends to cook shrimp unevenly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as you thaw it completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess moisture, which can water down your sauce.

What type of white wine is best for this recipe?

Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines add acidity and depth without overpowering the delicate flavors of the shrimp and garlic butter.

Can I make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of serving it with gluten-free pasta or without bread to keep the meal safe for those avoiding gluten.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Adding garlic after flipping the shrimp helps prevent it from burning. Also, cooking on medium-high heat rather than very high heat keeps the garlic from turning bitter.

Is Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi suitable for meal prep?

It can be, but it’s best to prepare the sauce and shrimp separately and combine just before serving. This keeps the shrimp tender and the sauce fresh-tasting for your meals.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and light, elegant yet approachable. Its vibrant flavors and buttery sauce make it a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any day of the week. I hope you give this recipe a try, because nothing beats the joy of cooking up fresh shrimp in a garlicky, lemony butter sauce that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with this classic all over again!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine, lemon, and fresh herbs. Perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed in a luscious sauce with bright lemon zest and juice, thyme, and parsley, creating a simple yet elegant dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Serve this dish as a tasty appetizer or as a main course alongside pasta or crusty bread.

Instructions

Prepare the pan: Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and all of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter stops bubbling before proceeding.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the shrimp over, add the minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the white wine and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
Finish the sauce: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and serve the shrimp immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best texture and flavor, but frozen works well if thawed properly.
You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Adjust garlic quantity according to your taste preference for a milder or more intense garlic flavor.
Make sure not to overcook the shrimp as they become rubbery if cooked too long.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian