Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring juicy shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter and wine sauce, perfect over pasta or with bread. Effortless to make yet elegant enough to impress, it's a versatile favorite that balances indulgence and simplicity in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 to 5 large garlic cloves minced (or about 1 1/2 tablespoons of pre-minced garlic)
- 1 1/4 pounds of large shrimp or prawns shelled, with tails on or removed based on preference
- A pinch of salt to taste
- A pinch of freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of dry white wine or broth depending on your preference
- 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, and cook for 1–2 minutes on one side, just until they start turning pink. Flip the shrimp to cook the other side.
- Next, pour in the white wine (or broth) and add the red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by about half and ensuring the shrimp are fully cooked—but be careful not to overcook them.
- Stir in the remaining butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Immediately remove the pan from the heat to preserve the fresh flavors.
- Serve hot over your choice of rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.