Description
A fast, reliable, and balanced shrimp scampi recipe that tastes better than takeout. This restaurant-style dish features fresh shrimp in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce, ready in about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Sea salt and black pepper
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 for zest)
- ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Thaw frozen shrimp in cold water if necessary, then drain and pat completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to low. Add butter one tablespoon at a time, stirring until melted and the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
- Increase heat to medium-high. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until opaque and pink, forming a ‘C’ shape. Remove shrimp from the pan immediately.
- Return heat to low. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Gently toss the shrimp back into the pan to coat in the sauce. Heat for 30 seconds, then remove from heat.
- Stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread, sprinkling with red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Pat shrimp dry thoroughly to ensure they sear rather than steam. Do not overcook the garlic or it will become bitter. Remove shrimp from the pan before the sauce is finished to prevent them from becoming rubbery. If using frozen shrimp, thaw in cold water for 15 minutes. For a lighter version, use half butter and half olive oil. For a vegan version, use plant-based shrimp and vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, easy dinner, weeknight meals, restaurant style shrimp, seafood recipe, quick pasta