Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe You’ll Love

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe That Will Wow Your Taste Buds!

Food lovers worldwide hold a special place in their hearts for shrimp scampi. With its succulent shrimp, luscious garlic butter sauce, and vibrant flavors, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Shrimp scampi is a recipe that consistently impresses, regardless of your level of experience in the kitchen. By the end of this post, you’ll know how to recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home – no reservations required!

Get ready to whip up a simple yet elegant Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi meal that’s sure to become a favorite on your dinner table. Let’s explore the origins of this classic dish, discuss its ingredients, and guide you step-by-step so you can make it yourself!

A Little History Behind Shrimp Scampi

Seafood lovers may wonder where shrimp scampi gets its name. “Scampi” refers to a type of small crustacean in Europe, which Italians often prepared with garlic, olive oil, and wine. When Italian immigrants arrived in America, they adapted the dish using local shrimp, and the modern version of shrimp scampi was born.

Over the years, this humble yet flavorful dish has evolved into a worldwide favorite. Today, garlic butter shrimp scampi is beloved for its marriage of rich buttery flavors, citrusy zing, and tender shrimp—bringing heartwarming Italian-American heritage straight to your plate.

The Key Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity! Here’s what you’ll need:

Essentials for the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp (1 lb): Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen works equally well.
• Butter (4 tablespoons): Unsalted works best so you can control the salt level.
• Garlic (5 cloves): Finely minced for maximum flavor (go ahead, use extra if you’re a garlic lover!).
• Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed for that perfect tangy brightness.
• White Wine (1/3 cup): Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. (If you don’t cook with wine, substitute chicken or vegetable broth!)
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds depth to balance the richness of the butter.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Optional, but a hint of spice can take this dish up a notch.
• Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Chopped, for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste.

Optional Ingredients for Variety

• Pasta or Crusty Bread: Serve your shrimp scampi over pasta, or use bread to soak up that glorious sauce!
• Cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Here’s how to bring all those delicious ingredients together. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes!

Step 1 – Prep Your Shrimp

Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels—this will help them cook evenly. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper on each side.

Step 2 – Heat Things Up

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3 – Create the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Pour in the white wine (or broth) and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors.

Step 4 – Bring It Together

Return the shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are coated evenly in the sauce. Allow them to cook for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5 – Finish with Fresh Parsley

Garnish generously with chopped parsley, and give the shrimp a good toss to combine everything.

Step 6 – Serve and Swoon!

Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is ready! Serve it immediately over linguine, spaghetti, or with a side of crusty bread. Don’t forget an extra wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top.

Read more: Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos

Tips & Tricks for Elevating Your Shrimp Scampi

• Wine Pairing: Garlic butter shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with a refreshing white wine like Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Make dinner feel even more special with the perfect pour. 
• Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: Frozen shrimp work perfectly for this recipe! Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water for a quick option. 
• Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Key tip—shrimp cook fast, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, and we definitely don’t want that! 
• Presentation: Take your scampi’s presentation to the next level by adding a sprinkling of lemon zest and extra parsley before serving. It’s all about those finishing touches. 

The Health Benefits of Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp scampi, a feel-good indulgence, also offers some surprising health benefits! Shrimp is a nutrient-rich protein that’s low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids for heart and brain health 
• Vitamin B12 for energy production 
• Selenium for antioxidant support 

Plus, shrimp has a low environmental impact if sourced sustainably, so it’s a win for your plate and the planet.

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