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Classic Shrimp Scampi

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Classic Shrimp Scampi is a quick and elegant dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of white wine and fresh lemon juice. This flavorful and versatile meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, pairing beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Seasonings and Garnish

  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Accompaniments

  • Pasta (angel hair, linguine, or spaghetti), cooked
  • Crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and devein shrimp if necessary. Finely chop garlic and parsley. Measure butter, olive oil, and white wine so all ingredients are ready before cooking.
  2. Sauté Garlic in Butter and Olive Oil: Heat olive oil and butter together over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Add chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the pan. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.
  4. Deglaze with White Wine and Add Lemon: Pour white wine into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Let the wine reduce slightly, then stir in fresh lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
  5. Season and Finish with Parsley: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss in chopped parsley for freshness and color.
  6. Serve Immediately: Serve shrimp scampi hot over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, spooning the garlic butter sauce generously over the dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; cook just until pink and opaque to avoid rubberiness.
  • Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking for better sauce quality.
  • Add lemon juice at the end to maintain bright flavors and prevent butter from curdling.
  • Serve the dish immediately to enjoy creamy sauce and tender shrimp at their best.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, Italian seafood, quick dinner, easy shrimp recipe, gluten-free seafood