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Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Easy Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in a luscious sauce of garlic, white wine, butter, and fresh lemon juice. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on or off)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or low-sodium chicken broth)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (plus wedges for serving)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prep shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
  2. Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp immediately to a plate to prevent overcooking.
  3. Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce by half. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
  4. Finish: Return the cooked shrimp along with any accumulated juices from the plate back into the skillet. Toss them gently to coat with the buttery garlic sauce. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately over your favorite pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish for an extra burst of citrus freshness.

Notes

  • To keep shrimp tender and juicy, avoid overcooking by removing them from heat as soon as they turn opaque.
  • You can substitute low-sodium chicken broth for the white wine for a non-alcoholic version.
  • Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta for a traditional presentation.
  • Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness if desired.
  • For spicier scampi, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.