Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp butter; 1½ tbsp garlic; 1¼ lbs large shrimp prawns; salt and fresh ground black pepper; ¼ cup dry white wine; ½ tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup parsley

Dive into a mouthwatering dish that blends the richness of butter and the zest of garlic with succulent shrimp. This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare.

Photos of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

While most ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, you may need to source dry white wine, which adds a delightful depth of flavor, and large shrimp prawns, the star of the dish. Additionally, fresh parsley and lemon juice will enhance the freshness and brightness of the final presentation.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

olive oil: A staple cooking oil that helps to sauté the ingredients.

butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.

garlic: Provides a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.

large shrimp prawns: The main protein, chosen for their size and texture.

salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

fresh ground black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.

dry white wine: Introduces a subtle, sophisticated flavor.

red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of spice to the dish.

lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity.

parsley: Freshens the dish with its herbaceous notes.

One reader, Faythe Hackney says:

This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is fantastic! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the shrimp is cooked to perfection. It's quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Highly recommend!

Faythe Hackney

Techniques Required for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

How to sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil and butter in a pan, then add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. How to cook shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink. How to reduce wine: Pour in the wine and bring it to a simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it reduces by about half. How to finish a sauce: Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley, then remove from heat immediately.

How To Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Whip up a serving of this buttery shrimp scampi for your next dinner party. This white wine and butter infused dish takes only 10 minutes to make.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2tbspolive oil
4tbspbutter
1½tbspgarlicminced
1¼lbslarge shrimp prawnsshelled with tails on or off
salt and fresh ground black pepperto taste
¼cupdry white wineor broth
½tspred pepper flakescrushed, or to taste, optional
2tbsplemon juice
¼cupparsleychopped

Instructions

Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet.
Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes on one side until just beginning to turn pink, then flip.
Pour in the wine, then add red pepper flakes.
Bring to a simmer for 1 to 2 minutes or until the wine reduces by about half and the shrimp is cooked through.
Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley, then take then off the heat immediately.
Serve over rice or pasta, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 283.71kcal
Fat: 19.79g
Saturated Fat: 8.62g
Trans Fat: 0.49g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.18g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.58g
Carbohydrates: 3.93g
Fiber: 0.39g
Sugar: 0.45g
Protein: 19.83g
Cholesterol: 209.13mg
Sodium: 807.64mg
Calcium: 95.34mg
Potassium: 224.96mg
Iron: 0.73mg
Vitamin A: 190.89µg
Vitamin C: 8.96mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

To ensure your shrimp is perfectly cooked, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking in batches if necessary allows each shrimp to have direct contact with the heat, ensuring even cooking and preventing them from steaming.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Shrimp Scampi

Prep ingredients ahead: Measure and chop garlic, parsley, and lemon juice in advance to streamline cooking.

Use pre-cleaned shrimp: Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time.

Cook pasta simultaneously: If serving with pasta, cook it while preparing the shrimp scampi to have everything ready at once.

One-pan method: Use a large skillet to cook everything in one go, minimizing cleanup.

Quick wine reduction: Use a wide pan to reduce the wine faster, cutting down on simmering time.

Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a good alternative for cooking.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, buttery flavor and higher smoke point, suitable for sautéing shrimp.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that complements seafood well.
large shrimp prawns - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and cook quickly, making them a good alternative in seafood dishes.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty umami flavor that enhances the dish.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder, slightly earthy flavor that works well in seafood dishes.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a savory depth of flavor without the alcohol content.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar level of heat and spice to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor that brightens the dish.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with seafood.

Presenting Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Use a large, white plate: The simplicity of a white plate allows the vibrant colors of the shrimp and parsley to stand out, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Arrange the shrimp in a circular pattern: Place the shrimp in a neat circle around the plate, leaving the center open for a touch of elegance and symmetry.
Drizzle the sauce artistically: Use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter and white wine sauce over the shrimp in a zigzag or spiral pattern, ensuring each piece is coated but not drowning in sauce.
Add a pop of color with parsley: Finely chop the parsley and sprinkle it generously over the shrimp, adding a fresh, green contrast to the dish.
Garnish with lemon slices: Place thin slices of lemon around the edge of the plate or in the center of the shrimp circle to add a bright, citrusy accent.
Serve with a side of pasta or rice: Present a small mound of pasta or rice in a separate dish or in the center of the shrimp circle, allowing diners to combine flavors as they wish.
Finish with a touch of red pepper flakes: Lightly sprinkle a few extra red pepper flakes over the top for a hint of heat and a splash of color.
Use microgreens for an elegant touch: Add a few sprigs of microgreens on top of the shrimp or around the plate for a sophisticated, professional finish.

Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Scampi

large pan or skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed cooking vessel essential for sautéing the shrimp and ensuring even cooking.
spatula: Useful for flipping the shrimp and stirring the ingredients to ensure they cook evenly.
measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, butter, garlic, and other ingredients.
garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic quickly and efficiently.
knife: Essential for chopping the parsley and any other ingredients that need to be prepared.
cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
measuring cup: Important for measuring the dry white wine and lemon juice accurately.
tongs: Useful for handling and flipping the shrimp without damaging them.
serving dish: Needed for presenting the finished shrimp scampi over rice or pasta.
stove: The heat source for cooking the shrimp scampi in the pan or skillet.

Storing and Freezing Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Let the garlic butter shrimp scampi cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To freeze, transfer the cooled shrimp scampi to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze the shrimp scampi for up to 2 months for optimal quality and flavor.
To reheat, thaw the frozen shrimp scampi in the refrigerator overnight.
Once thawed, reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent the shrimp from overcooking and becoming tough.
If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to thin it out and restore its original consistency.
Serve the reheated garlic butter shrimp scampi over freshly cooked pasta or rice, garnishing with additional parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.

How To Reheat Leftover Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Reheat the garlic butter shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently to ensure even heating and to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to help revive the sauce and keep the shrimp moist.
For a quick and easy method, place the leftover shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the shrimp from drying out. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the shrimp is heated through.
If you have leftover pasta or rice to go with your shrimp scampi, reheat them separately. Boil the pasta for a minute or two until it's heated through, or microwave the rice with a sprinkle of water. Then, combine the reheated shrimp scampi with the pasta or rice.
For a crispy twist, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the leftover shrimp scampi on a baking sheet and top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and the shrimp is heated through.
Transform your leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi into a new dish by tossing it with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini. Sauté the vegetables in a pan until tender, then add the shrimp scampi and heat through. Serve over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles for a fresh and flavorful meal.

Interesting Fact About Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

A random fact about this garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is that it is inspired by the classic Italian-American dish, shrimp scampi, which traditionally features shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine.

Is Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi at Home Cost-Effective?

This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like olive oil, butter, and garlic are pantry staples, while shrimp can be bought in bulk for savings. The addition of dry white wine and lemon juice adds a gourmet touch without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost in USD for a household of 4 people: $20-$25.

Is Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Healthy or Unhealthy?

This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to a few key ingredients:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Olive oil, although a healthier fat option, is still calorie-dense and should be used in moderation.
The dish is served over rice or pasta, which are high in carbohydrates and can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large portions.

On the positive side, shrimp is a lean protein source that is low in calories and rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. The recipe also includes garlic, which has potential health benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

To make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of butter used and replace some of it with additional olive oil, which is a healthier fat option
Use whole grain pasta or rice instead of refined grains to increase fiber intake and promote feelings of fullness
Add more vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus, to increase nutrient density and fiber content
Reduce the amount of salt used and instead rely on herbs and spices for flavor
Use a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth in place of some of the white wine to reduce alcohol content and sodium levels

Editor's Opinion on This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and elegance. The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the tender shrimp. The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, while the lemon juice and parsley provide a fresh, vibrant finish. Serving it over rice or pasta makes it a versatile dish suitable for any occasion. Overall, it's a quick yet sophisticated meal that is sure to impress.

Enhance Your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan: Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan: Imagine the earthy, crisp asparagus spears, lightly charred and sprinkled with a generous dusting of Parmesan. The nutty, salty flavors of the cheese meld perfectly with the tender, yet slightly crunchy vegetables, creating a delightful contrast to the rich, buttery shrimp scampi.

Lemon Herb Quinoa: Lemon Herb Quinoa: This vibrant, zesty quinoa dish is infused with the fresh flavors of lemon and a medley of herbs. The fluffy grains provide a light and nutritious base that complements the succulent shrimp and the tangy lemon juice in the scampi, making each bite a refreshing experience.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic offer a comforting, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the shrimp scampi. The rich, smooth potatoes soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

Caprese Salad: Caprese Salad: A refreshing Caprese Salad featuring juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, drizzled with a balsamic reduction. The bright, fresh flavors and the slight acidity of the balsamic cut through the richness of the shrimp scampi, providing a balanced and delightful contrast.

Grilled Zucchini and Squash: Grilled Zucchini and Squash: Lightly charred zucchini and squash slices, seasoned with a touch of olive oil and herbs. The smoky, caramelized edges and the tender, juicy interior of the vegetables add a delightful depth of flavor and a satisfying crunch that complements the buttery shrimp scampi.

Similar Recipes to Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp: Fire up the grill for this zesty main course! Marinate large shrimp in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Grill until perfectly charred and serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.

Shrimp Alfredo Pasta: Indulge in creamy goodness with this pasta dish. Sauté shrimp in butter and garlic, then toss with a rich Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with parsley.

Coconut Shrimp Curry: Transport your taste buds to the tropics with this flavorful main course. Cook shrimp in a fragrant coconut milk and curry sauce, infused with ginger, garlic, and spices. Serve over steamed rice and top with fresh cilantro.

Shrimp Tacos With Mango Salsa: Bring a burst of flavor to your taco night with these vibrant shrimp tacos. Sauté shrimp with chili powder and lime juice, then serve in tortillas with a refreshing mango salsa made from mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp: Elevate your appetizer game with these savory roasted shrimp. Toss shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then roast until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed Mushrooms are a delightful way to start any meal. Imagine tender mushroom caps filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and finely chopped herbs. The filling is perfectly seasoned and baked until golden brown, creating a crispy top that contrasts beautifully with the juicy mushrooms. Serve these bite-sized delights warm, and watch them disappear in no time.

Bruschetta: Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to impress. Picture slices of toasted baguette topped with a vibrant mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt elevate the flavors, making each bite a burst of freshness. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for any gathering, offering a taste of summer in every mouthful.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Imagine a rich, molten chocolate center that oozes out as you cut into a perfectly baked cake. This decadent treat pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey chocolate and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave your guests in awe. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Tiramisu: Transport your guests to Italy with this classic coffee-flavored dessert. Layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a creamy mascarpone mixture create a harmonious blend of flavors. The subtle bitterness of the espresso balances the sweetness of the mascarpone, while a dusting of cocoa powder adds a touch of elegance. Serve chilled and watch as your guests savor each luxurious bite. For a modern twist, consider adding a hint of liqueur or a layer of chocolate ganache.

Why trust this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe:

This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is a surefire hit, combining the rich flavors of butter and garlic with the delicate taste of shrimp. The addition of dry white wine and lemon juice adds a sophisticated touch, while red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, this dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Trust in the simplicity and quality of these ingredients to deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Have you tried this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe? Join the discussion and share your experience in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

How can I make this dish less spicy?

If you want to tone down the heat, you can simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The dish will still be flavorful without the extra kick.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess water in the pan.

What type of white wine should I use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works well. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them tough, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked through.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the shrimp.