Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that feels restaurant special but is lightning-fast and fuss-free, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi might just become your new go-to. It’s bursting with zesty garlic flavor, juicy shrimp, and a buttery, lemony sauce that’s perfect for swirling over pasta or mopping up with crusty bread. Best of all, this dish comes together in under 35 minutes—including marinating time! Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or you’re hoping to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe delivers big reward for minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get cooking, here’s what you’ll want on hand.

• Wild Caught Shrimp: Large, shell-on shrimp give the best texture and sweetness. Peeling and deveining helps the flavors soak in, and wild-caught just tastes richer than farmed, trust me.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For marinating and sautéing. Choose your good olive oil here—a little goes a long way for flavor!
• Garlic: Cloves, pressed or minced. More is better; garlic brings everything together and is the calling card of scampi.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all savory notes and balances the richness.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to make things interesting. Scale up or down to suit your spice level—personally, I love a light kick.
• Butter: Adds pure silkiness to the sauce. Don’t be shy—the right amount of butter makes the scampi irresistible.
• White Wine or Chicken Stock: For deglazing and giving body to the sauce. White wine creates a deeper, elegant flavor. Use chicken stock for an alcohol-free version.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances—every scampi needs a pop of citrus.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, herby contrast and color right at the end.

Variations

If you feel like putting your own spin on shrimp scampi (and you should!), here are some ideas:

• Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream just before tossing in the shrimp for a luscious, rich sauce.
• Grain-Free: Serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
• Garlicky Greens: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula right at the end, letting the greens wilt into the sauce.
• Protein Swap: Try with scallops or cubed chicken breast for a different protein twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, or just enjoy the shrimp and sauce as-is!

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Thaw your shrimp in cool water (this takes a few quick minutes), then peel, devein, and rinse well. This little bit of prep makes all the difference—the shrimp will cook evenly and soak up those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

In a bowl, combine your cleaned shrimp with half the garlic, a sprinkle of kosher salt, the red pepper flakes, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Toss thoroughly and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Don’t rush this—it’s the secret to deeply flavorful shrimp!

Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat more olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp along with all that garlicky marinade. Arrange them in a single layer, and cook for about a minute to a minute and a half per side until they just turn opaque and golden at the edges. Keep an eye out—the garlic should toast but not burn. Transfer shrimp to a plate.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt most of your butter, then add the rest of the garlic. Let it get fragrant (about 30 seconds), then pour in your wine or chicken stock and lemon juice. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by half. That luxurious smell? Pure anticipation.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the shrimp and any of their juices to the pan. Toss well, then add the last pat of butter, plus salt to taste. Shower with minced parsley, warm through for one more minute, and you’re ready to serve up the magic.

How to Serve

There’s almost no wrong way to enjoy shrimp scampi, but here are a few favorites:

• Sourdough or Rustic Bread: The best way to savor every drop of buttery sauce—just tear and dip.
• On Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce over linguine or spaghetti. The strands soak up all the lemony, garlicky goodness.
• On Rice: ladle shrimp and sauce over plain rice or a lightly herbed pilaf.
• With Veggies: Serve over roasted zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower steaks for a lighter option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shrimp are best fresh, but the flavor still shines the next day!

Freezing

Freeze the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, or microwave in short intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce if needed—shrimp can turn rubbery with overcooking, so heat just until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is the very definition of fast-meets-fabulous cooking. With juicy, tender shrimp nestled in a garlic-lemon-butter sauce, it’s weeknight-friendly yet fancy enough for company. Gather your ingredients, trust your taste, and enjoy every adventurous forkful. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to create something special, right in your own kitchen.

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