Simple Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that combines fresh seafood with a bright, buttery sauce. People love this meal because it tastes like food from a high-quality restaurant but takes very little time to cook at home. The dish relies on a few simple ingredients: shrimp, garlic, lemon, and butter. These flavors work together to create a sauce that is both rich and refreshing. Many people serve it over long noodles like linguine, but it also tastes great with a piece of crusty bread.

I have cooked this dish hundreds of times in professional kitchens and at home for my family. The secret to great scampi is not a complex technique. Instead, the secret lies in how you handle the garlic and the shrimp. If you cook the garlic too long, it becomes bitter. If you cook the shrimp too long, they become rubbery. This guide teaches you exactly how to balance these elements. You will learn how to get a perfect sear on the shrimp while keeping the sauce silky. This recipe is fast enough for a busy weeknight but tastes special enough for a celebration.

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Reasons to Try Shrimp Scampi

This recipe is a favorite for several reasons. First, the texture of the shrimp is snappy and firm, which contrasts well with the smooth, liquid sauce. Second, the flavor profile is balanced. The lemon juice cuts through the heavy butter, making the dish feel light rather than greasy.

Another reason to try this is the speed of preparation. Most seafood dishes require careful timing, but shrimp scampi cooks in under ten minutes. This makes it a reliable choice when you want a healthy, protein-rich meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Finally, the aroma of garlic sautéing in butter is one of the most welcoming smells in cooking. It fills your home and makes everyone hungry immediately.

Ingredients Notes

Quality ingredients make a big difference in such a simple dish. Here is what you should look for:

• Shrimp: Buy “Large” or “Jumbo” shrimp (usually labeled 16-20 or 21-25 count). Larger shrimp stay juicy better than tiny ones. Ensure they are peeled and deveined.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves. Do not use the pre-minced garlic from a jar. Jarred garlic has a metallic taste that ruins the delicate sauce.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter. This allows you to control the salt level yourself. High-quality European-style butter has less water and makes a creamier sauce.
• Lemon: Use a fresh lemon. You will need both the juice and the zest. The zest contains oils that provide a deep citrus scent.
• Parsley: Fresh flat-leaf parsley adds a pop of green and a peppery finish.

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How to Make Shrimp Scampi

Follow these steps to create the perfect dish.

1. Step 1: Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Removing moisture helps the shrimp brown instead of steaming. Season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Step 3: Lay the shrimp in the pan in a single layer. Cook them for one minute on the first side until they turn pink. Flip them and cook for one more minute. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them on a plate.
4. Step 4: Turn the heat down to medium. Add four tablespoons of butter to the same pan.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 to 60 seconds. Stop when the garlic smells good but is still pale gold.
6. Step 6: Pour in two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and a splash of chicken broth or water. Let the liquid bubble for one minute to thicken slightly.
7. Step 7: Put the shrimp back into the pan. Toss them in the sauce for 30 seconds to warm them through.
8. Step 8: Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

What You Must Know About Shrimp Scampi

The most important thing to know is that shrimp cook very fast. They are done the moment they turn from translucent to opaque and form a “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they are overcooked and will be tough.

You must also watch your heat. If the pan is too hot when you add the garlic, the garlic will burn in seconds. Burnt garlic tastes like charcoal and will make the entire sauce taste bad. If you see the garlic turning dark brown, it is better to wash the pan and start the sauce over.

Helpful Tips

• The Pasta Water Trick: If you serve this with pasta, save a small cup of the water you used to boil the noodles. If your scampi sauce looks too thick or oily, add a spoonful of that starchy water. It helps the sauce stick to the noodles perfectly.
• Cold Butter Finish: For an extra shiny sauce, stir in one cold tablespoon of butter right at the end after you turn off the heat.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Zucchini Noodles: If you want a lower-carb meal, use “zoodles” instead of pasta. Sauté them for only two minutes so they stay crunchy.
• Spiciness: If you do not like heat, skip the red pepper flakes. If you love spice, double the amount.
• Broth Choice: This recipe uses chicken broth or water to replace the traditional white wine. Vegetable broth also works well.

Serving Suggestions for Shrimp Scampi

Serve the shrimp over a bed of linguine or angel hair pasta. These thin noodles soak up the garlic butter well.

You can also serve it in a shallow bowl with a thick slice of toasted sourdough bread to mop up the extra sauce.

For a side dish, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette or roasted asparagus pairs nicely with the citrus flavors.

Garnish with an extra wedge of lemon so guests can add more juice if they like.

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Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place a skillet over low heat and add a teaspoon of water or butter. Add the shrimp and sauce. Cover the pan and heat just until the shrimp are warm. Do not use a microwave if possible, as it often makes the shrimp rubbery.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

These values are estimates. The final numbers may change slightly depending on the specific brand of butter or the size of the shrimp you purchase at your local market.

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Simple Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Learn how to make the best shrimp scampi with this simple, expert-led recipe. This dish uses fresh garlic, lemon, and butter for a perfect 20-minute meal

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Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Dry the shrimp with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook shrimp for 2 minutes per side until pink, then remove from pan.
• Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan.
• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
• Return shrimp to the pan and toss in the sauce.
• Top with lemon zest and parsley before serving.

dinner, seafood, garlic, lemon, quick meals, healthy