If you’re looking for a quick yet elegant seafood dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the perfect choice. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon and served over a bed of tender pasta or with a side of crusty bread. This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp Scampi:
- 500g (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti or linguine) or crusty bread
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Cook the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Sauté the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Stir in the red pepper flakes (if using) and pour in the white wine (or chicken broth). Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Lemon and Shrimp
Stir in the lemon juice and zest. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Allow the shrimp to warm through for 1-2 minutes.
6. Finish with Fresh Parsley
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the fresh parsley over the shrimp scampi. If desired, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
7. Serve
Serve your garlic butter shrimp scampi over a bed of pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and a wedge of lemon for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Pro Tips:
- Choose high-quality shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp make a big difference in this recipe, but frozen shrimp work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
- Wine or broth: White wine adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, chicken broth works just as well.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fast and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a sauce that’s both savory and bright.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a fancy meal, shrimp scampi always impresses.
