Save 15-Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi A quick and vibrant shrimp dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
I love making this dish on busy nights when I want something fast yet impressive. It's always a hit with family and guests alike.
Ingredients
- Large shrimp: 1 lb (450 g), peeled and deveined
- Garlic: 4 cloves, finely minced
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, optional
- Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- To serve: Cooked pasta, crusty bread, or steamed rice (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
- Step 3:
- Add the garlic (and red pepper flakes, if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4:
- Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque.
- Step 5:
- Pour in the wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits from the pan. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 6:
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Step 7:
- Remove from heat and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Save This dish brings my family together every time we want a quick yet flavorful meal that feels special.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of hot sauce or more red pepper flakes. Substitute fresh basil or chives for parsley if desired. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Required Tools
Large skillet, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring spoons and cups, knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 240, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 24 g per serving.
Save This recipe is a perfect balance of speed and flavor making any meal memorable.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of shrimp works best?
Large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal for quick, even cooking in this dish.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes boosts heat, or omit them for a milder flavor.
- → Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
White wine adds depth, but chicken broth is a perfect non-alcoholic substitute.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serving it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread complements the flavors and sauce.
- → How to ensure shrimp remain tender?
Cook shrimp briefly over medium-high heat until just pink and opaque to avoid toughness.