Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi is one of those dishes that dances on the palate and instantly transports you to a cozy trattoria along the Amalfi Coast. I remember the first time I tried it—sitting by the window, the sun setting, and the intoxicating scent of garlic and butter wafting through the air. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share the magic with you. This dish is not just easy; it’s an experience. So, grab your apron and prepare for some culinary delight!

Why you’ll love this recipe

This Shrimp Scampi is a celebration of simple ingredients that come together in a symphony of flavor. The buttery sauce is enriched with garlic and a splash of white wine that transports you to a seaside dinner. You’ll love that it’s quick to make—perfect for a weeknight meal or a special date night. The tenderness of the shrimp, paired with the zing of fresh lemon and the elegance of parsley, creates a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable.

And let’s talk about versatility! You can spoon this over al dente pasta, mix it with fluffy rice, or simply serve it with crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce. Plus, it’s a dish that not only pleases the palate but also lights up your kitchen with warmth and inviting aromas. Imagine looking forward to dinner while knowing that your family or guests will be swooning over this classic favorite.

Gather these ingredients

You’ll need some key players for this dish. Let’s break it down, shall we?

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined: This is the star of the show! Opt for fresh shrimp when you can, but frozen will do in a pinch. Look for beautiful pink ones if you can; they add such a vibrant pop of color.

• 4 tablespoons butter: Butter is that magical ingredient that adds a rich, creamy depth to the dish. Feel free to use a blend of butter and olive oil if you want a slightly lighter touch.

• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Ah, garlic—the aromatic charm that brings everything to life! Don’t skimp on this; fresh is best. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of garlic powder can add an extra layer of flavor.

• 1/4 cup white wine: This is where the magic really begins! Choose a dry white wine for authenticity. Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. If you prefer to go alcohol-free, a splash of broth or even lemon juice can step in.

• 1 lemon, juiced: Fresh lemon juice adds that zing that wakes up your tastebuds. Don’t forget to zest it if you want a more intense lemony flavor!

• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple staples, but don’t overlook them. Seasoning elevates your dish from good to extraordinary.

• Parsley, chopped (for garnish): This is not just a pretty garnish—it adds freshness and color, rounding out your dish beautifully.

• Pasta, rice, or crusty bread (for serving): Choose your vehicle for this delicious sauce. Each option has its charm—pasta pairs perfectly, rice soaks up all that delightful sauce, and bread is perfect for dipping!

How this recipe comes together

Time to roll up those sleeves and get cooking! Here’s how to transform these simple ingredients into a show-stopping dish.

1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet, melt your butter over medium heat. Let it foam just slightly; you want it to be hot enough to sauté but not to brown just yet.

2. Sauté the garlic: Toss the minced garlic into that buttery goodness. Sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, but watch it closely—garlic can go from golden to burnt in the blink of an eye!

3. Add the shrimp: Now, add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them until they turn a lovely pink color, approximately 3-4 minutes. The shrimp should be opaque and slightly curled.

4. Pour in the wine and lemon juice: This is where the magic happens! Gently pour in the white wine and squeeze the juice of your lemon. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture bubble away for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken just a touch.

5. Serve and garnish: Once it’s all beautifully combined, serve over your choice of pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread. Don’t forget to finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness!

Best way to enjoy it

The best way to enjoy Shrimp Scampi is to make it a celebratory meal. Serve it with a side of lemon-garlic roasted vegetables or a fresh arugula salad to lighten things up. If you’re feeling fancy, pull out a crisp white wine to sip while you enjoy your creation. And don’t even think about skipping the bread—you’ll want to soak up every drop of that luxurious sauce!

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you find yourself with leftovers (though I can’t imagine it being likely!), store your Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll last for about 2-3 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed fresh. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to keep it from drying out.

Pro chef tips

• Fresh is always better! If you can, buy live shrimp or fresh-caught when they are in season.
• For an extra kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for some heat!
• Herbs like basil or chives can give your dish a different twist.

Creative Twists

Feel free to switch things up! You can add chopped tomatoes for a summer vibe or even toss in some spinach for a pop of green. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, swap shrimp for scallops or even cooked chicken—each variation tells a different story!

Ingredients list

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta, rice, or crusty bread (for serving)

Directions to follow

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
3. Toss in shrimp; cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread; garnish with parsley.

Common questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just ensure they’re thawed properly before cooking.
2. What if I don’t have white wine? No worries! You can substitute broth or extra lemon juice.
3. How long will it take to make? From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 15-20 minutes.
4. Can this dish be made ahead? It’s best fresh, but you can prep ingredients and toss everything together right before serving.
5. What should I serve with it? Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread—it’s a lovely combo!

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, warmth, and a chance to gather around the table with loved ones. So, don’t hold back! Get in the kitchen, let the aromas whisk you away, and indulge in this delightful dish. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out, so be sure to share your thoughts, tweaks, and triumphs! Happy cooking!

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Shrimp Scampi

Cooking Method: Sauteing Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: E Easy High Protein Non Vegetarian Pescetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 450

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Shrimp Scampi is a delightful combination of shrimp, garlic, butter, and white wine, served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (Opt for fresh shrimp when possible.)
• 4 tablespoons butter (May use a blend of butter and olive oil.)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup white wine (Choose a dry wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.)
• 1 lemon juiced (Zest for more lemon flavor if desired.)
• Salt and pepper to taste (Essential for seasoning.)
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish) (Fresh parsley enhances presentation.)
• Pasta, rice, or crusty bread (for serving) (Customize your serving option.)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Melt Butter

   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until foamy.
   Do not allow it to brown.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté Garlic

   Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Watch closely to prevent burning.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Shrimp

   Toss in the cleaned shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
   Shrimp should curl slightly.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Wine and Lemon Juice

   Pour in white wine and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.
   Let it bubble and thicken for another 2-3 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve and Garnish

   Serve over your choice of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, garnishing with parsley.
   Enjoy this dish fresh!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Cholesterol 220mg74%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin B12 3 mcg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 50 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Fresh ingredients yield the best results. Optional to add red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Keywords: Shrimp, Scampi, Italian, Garlic, Butter, Quick Meal