Lemon-Lime Shrimp Scampi Appetizer Recipe

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi Appetizer is a bright and flavorful dish perfect for entertaining. Combining citrus, garlic, and butter with succulent shrimp, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon
• 2 limes
• 2 Tbsp. light white wine
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 and ¼ lb. large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¾ tsp. salt, plus more to taste
• 8 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest the lemon and limes. Juice the fruit to yield 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Combine the zest, juices, and wine in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter until melted and shimmering.
3. Step 3: Add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the shrimp and ¾ teaspoon salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are just opaque in the center, about 3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the sliced scallions and the citrus-wine mixture. Cook, stirring, until the liquid just begins to boil.
6. Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Adjust salt to taste.
7. Step 7: Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish and serve warm with toothpicks for easy appetizer-style enjoyment.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a subtle heat.
• Serve with toasted baguette slices to soak up the buttery sauce.
• Substitute lime with additional lemon if limes are unavailable.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This appetizer is best enjoyed fresh but can also be served cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I serve with shrimp scampi as an appetizer?

It pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping into the flavorful sauce.

Lemon-Lime Shrimp Scampi Appetizer Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 143 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 as an appetizer 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Shrimp Scampi Appetizer is a vibrant and flavorful starter featuring large shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and lime zest and juice, white wine, and scallions. Perfectly sautéed in a skillet, this dish combines the brightness of citrus and the richness of butter for a quick, elegant appetizer that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Citrus Mixture

• 1 lemon (zested and juiced to yield 2 Tbsp. lemon juice)
• 2 limes (zested and juiced to yield 2 Tbsp. lime juice)
• 2 Tbsp. light white wine

Cooking Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) butter, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 and ¼ lb. large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¾ tsp. salt, plus more to taste
• 8 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Prepare Citrus Mixture: Zest the lemon and limes, then juice the fruits to collect 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Combine the zests, the lemon and lime juices, and the white wine in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Heat Fat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil together with 2 tablespoons of the butter until melted and hot.
3. Sauté Garlic: Add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
4. Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with ¾ teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque in the center, about 3 minutes.
5. Add Scallions and Citrus Mixture: Stir in the sliced scallions and the prepared citrus-wine mixture. Continue cooking while stirring until the liquid barely comes to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Finish Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
7. Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish and provide toothpicks for easy appetizer-style serving. Serve warm.

Notes

• Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for best texture and flavor.
• Use fresh lemon and lime for bright, natural citrus notes.
• If white wine is unavailable, dry vermouth or a mild white grape juice can be substituted.
• Adjust salt levels based on dietary preferences.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: shrimp scampi, appetizer, garlic shrimp, citrus seafood appetizer, easy shrimp recipe, stovetop shrimp, quick appetizer