Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

A celebration of ocean treasures in the making, Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe transforms humble shrimp into succulent delights bathed in a garlic butter sauce accented by white wine and bright lemon juice. Perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings, it promises a memorable dining experience that excites the palate and sparks joyful conversation.

I’ve always been a fan of bold, savory flavors and this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi really delivers. I stumbled upon this recipe when I needed a quick, satisfying meal and it’s now one of my go-to dishes.

I use 1 lb of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, along with 4 cloves of garlic, minced to perfection, and 4 tbsp of unsalted butter for that rich, decadent taste. The splash of 1/2 cup dry white wine and the juice of 1 lemon take it to a whole new level of fresh and tangy.

I also add 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. The chopped fresh parsley sprinkled at the end not only adds a nice pop of color, but it enhances the overall flavor.

This quick and easy dish comes together in less than 10 minutes and its simplicity is what makes it the best shrimp scampi I’ve ever had.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love how quick and easy this recipe is to make, like it only takes me less than 10 minutes from start to finish. I also adore how the garlic and butter come together to create a rich, flavorful sauce that just makes my taste buds go wild. The mix of lemon and white wine gives it a bright, tangy twist that I never get tired of, and honestly, it’s super versatile – whether I’m serving it as an appetizer or tossing it with pasta for dinner, it always hits the spot. Plus, even though it has so few ingredients, it manages to feel gourmet, which totally impresses anyone I cook for.

Ingredients

• Shrimp: Rich protein, low fat, tender and succulent, gives a satisfying meaty burst of flavor.
• Garlic: Bold flavor booster loaded with health perks, adding aroma and depth in every bite.
• Butter: Creamy and indulgent; offers smooth, rich mouthfeel and a little extra decadence.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats for the heart, with a fruity note that helps balance the dish.
• White Wine: Infuses gentle acidity and deepens flavor, contributing a subtle tang when reduced.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Ideal spice for slight heat, intensifying taste without overwhelming the flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh and vibrant, adds color and subtle earthiness that balances the rich flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make this

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the 4 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil together.

2. Once the butter starts to melt, toss in the 4 minced garlic cloves and the red pepper flakes if you are using them. Stir ’em around for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Season your 1 lb shrimp with salt and freshly ground black pepper before adding them to the skillet.

4. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through.

5. Pour in the 1/2 cup dry white wine and the juice of one lemon, letting the mixture bubble up.

6. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 1-2 minutes, so that the flavors really combine.

7. Be sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

8. Sprinkle over the 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley into the pan for a nice burst of color and freshness.

9. Give it all a quick stir, then remove from heat.

10. Serve immediately as an appetizer, a light meal, or pour it over pasta for a hearty dinner. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup
3. Knife and cutting board
4. Stirring spoon (or spatula)
5. Tongs
6. Citrus juicer (optional for the lemon)

FAQ

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Dry white wine: if you dont have any, you could use chicken broth mixed with a splash of white grape juice to keep that tangy flavor
• Unsalted butter: you can substitute salted butter but be sure to lower the extra salt in the recipe a bit
• Olive oil: in a pinch, avocado oil or even canola oil works just fine
• Fresh parsley: if you dont have fresh, dried parsley is an option (just use less since it’s more concentrated)
• Red pepper flakes: if you’re not into spicy food, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can do the trick

Pro Tips

1. Always pat the shrimp dry before cookin’ so they sear nice and dont steam in the pan, makin’ them tender and full of flavor.
2. Watch the garlic real careful – if it burns, it adds a bitter taste to the dish, so maybe lower the heat just a bit if its gettin’ too brown.
3. Use a good dry white wine – a cheap one can mess up the flavor, so invest a little bit in one you actually like to drink.
4. Be careful takin’ the shrimp off the heat; overcookin’ them makes ’em rubbery. They only need a quick sear so they stay juicy.