Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before dredging in flour. Frozen shrimp are often a great option as they're typically frozen right after being caught, preserving their freshness.

What can I substitute for the white wine?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the acidity of the wine. You'll get a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a similar effect. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dish less buttery?

Yes, you can reduce the butter to 8 tablespoons total and increase the olive oil slightly. The sauce won't be quite as rich, but will still have wonderful flavor. You could also substitute 2-3 tablespoons of the butter with chicken broth.

One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Name: One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chardonnay or dry white wine; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; Lime wedges and more cilantro, for garnish

This vibrant One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi transforms the classic Italian favorite with bright, zesty flavors of lime and fresh cilantro. Ready in just 15 minutes, this restaurant-worthy dish combines plump, tender shrimp with a buttery, aromatic sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or serving over pasta. It’s the ultimate weeknight luxury that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need something impressive but have zero time.
Restaurant Quality: This dish tastes like something you’d order at a fancy seafood restaurant, but at a fraction of the cost.
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your evening! Everything cooks in a single pan.
Versatile Serving Options: Works beautifully over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping in that incredible sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: Creates a light coating on the shrimp that helps them brown beautifully and thickens the sauce slightly.
Olive oil: The base for sautéing, providing a fruity note that complements the seafood perfectly.
Jumbo shrimp: The star of the show! Large shrimp cook quickly while remaining juicy and tender.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and body to the sauce – using unsalted lets you control the seasoning level.
Garlic: Provides that classic scampi aroma and flavor; fresh is non-negotiable here.
Chardonnay/dry white wine: Adds complexity and a subtle acidity that balances the rich butter. The alcohol cooks off, leaving just flavor.
Lime juice: The twist that makes this scampi special – brightens everything with zesty, fresh flavor.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a vibrant, herbaceous quality that transforms this dish into something extraordinary.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spicy Cilantro Lime Scampi

Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a delicious heat that complements the lime and cilantro.

Coconut Cilantro Lime Scampi

Replace half the butter with coconut milk for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the lime and cilantro.

Garlic Lovers’ Version

Double the garlic for an extra punch of flavor if you’re a true garlic enthusiast.

Herb Explosion

Add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives along with the cilantro for a more complex herbal profile.

How to Make One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoned flour will create a delicate coating on the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss your shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, and add them to the hot pan in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, being careful not to let it brown.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Slowly pour in the white wine, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the alcohol to cook off.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Whisk in the remaining butter a few tablespoons at a time, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. This creates a silky, emulsified sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing to coat them in the luscious sauce. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and lime wedges before serving immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly and continue cooking slightly after being removed from heat. Aim for just opaque—overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Room Temperature Butter: Having your butter at room temperature helps it incorporate smoothly into the sauce without breaking.
Prep Everything First: This recipe moves quickly, so have all ingredients measured and ready to go before you start cooking.
Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are few ingredients, splurge on large, fresh shrimp and good quality butter for the best flavor.
Perfect Your Sauce: If your sauce seems too thin, let it reduce a bit longer; if too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.

How to Serve

This versatile dish can be presented in multiple ways depending on your mood and pantry:

As a Main Course

Serve over al dente pasta (linguine or angel hair work beautifully) or fluffy white rice to soak up all that incredible sauce.

For a Lighter Meal

Pair with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option that still captures all the flavors.

As an Appetizer

Provide crusty bread for dipping and serve the shrimp family-style in the center of the table for a sophisticated starter.

Perfect Pairings

A chilled glass of the same Chardonnay used in cooking, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, and perhaps some grilled asparagus make this a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, though the shrimp texture is best when freshly cooked.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze well as the shrimp can become tough and the butter sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Add a tablespoon of butter if the sauce needs refreshing. Avoid the microwave which can make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before dredging in flour. Frozen shrimp are often a great option as they’re typically frozen right after being caught, preserving their freshness.
What can I substitute for the white wine?

If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth plus 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the acidity of the wine. You’ll get a slightly different flavor profile, but it will still be delicious.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a similar effect. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish less buttery?

Yes, you can reduce the butter to 8 tablespoons total and increase the olive oil slightly. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but will still have wonderful flavor. You could also substitute 2-3 tablespoons of the butter with chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi brings together the best of classic Italian cooking with bright, fresh flavors that transform an everyday protein into something truly special. I love how something this impressive requires so little effort – perfect for treating yourself on a busy weeknight or wowing dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of buttery, garlicky goodness with zesty lime and fresh cilantro creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I hope this becomes a go-to recipe in your home the way it has in mine!