Description
This Easy Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent large shrimp cooked quickly in a garlic-butter and white wine sauce, finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant date night meal, it’s simple, flavorful, and ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp (16-20 count, peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (plus wedges for serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.
- Sear the shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Transfer the shrimp to a plate immediately to avoid overcooking.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce by half. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
- Finish: Return the cooked shrimp along with any juices on the plate back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp thoroughly in the garlic-butter white wine sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, spooned over your favorite pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- This classic shrimp scampi is a one-pan dish that’s both quick and elegant, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Use tails-on shrimp for a nicer presentation, or tails off for easier eating.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or omit for a milder dish.
- Pair with pasta, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood without overpowering it; substitute low-sodium chicken broth if preferred.
- Cook shrimp just until opaque to keep them tender and juicy—overcooking will make them rubbery.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 192 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 333 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 193 mg
