Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This shrimp scampi is incredibly rich and savory, with the butter and garlic creating a decadent sauce that perfectly complements the juicy shrimp. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note, while the parsley brings freshness and color to the dish. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this recipe delivers a gourmet flavor that will impress everyone at your table. Whether you serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 3 oz unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 lb prawns or jumbo shrimp, deveined and peeled (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Melt Butter and Cook Garlic:
In a skillet, melt 3 oz butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add Lemon Juice:
Add 2 tbsp of lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine, and let it cook for about 1 minute to infuse the flavors. - Cook the Shrimp:
Drop the peeled shrimp into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and curl up. - Season the Sauce:
Remove the skillet from the heat and add 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground pepper, and 1/4 cup of minced parsley. Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat them evenly. - Serve:
Serve your shrimp scampi immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 5 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter and garlic mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: For a non-seafood version, replace the shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or other hearty vegetables.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a creamy variation of this classic recipe.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Increase the lemon juice to 3 tbsp for an extra tangy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
This shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
2. Can I make shrimp scampi without lemon juice?
If you prefer, you can substitute lemon juice with a splash of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, for some acidity. However, lemon juice gives it the best fresh flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Shrimp scampi is best served immediately after cooking, as the shrimp can become tough when reheated. However, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook the dish just before serving.
4. Can I add vegetables to the scampi?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for a bit of added texture and flavor. Just sauté them along with the garlic in step 1.
5. How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl into a “C” shape. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become rubbery.
6. Can I use a different type of seafood?
Yes, you can substitute shrimp with other seafood like scallops, prawns, or lobster for a different twist on this dish.
7. How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water, or a little grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
8. Can I add cheese to the dish?
Yes! Grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano makes a great addition to the finished dish. Sprinkle some on top for extra richness and flavor.
9. How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten up the dish, use less butter or substitute the cream with a lighter option like milk or even a dairy-free substitute like coconut cream.
10. Can I freeze shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi is not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the shrimp can change when frozen and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
Shrimp Scampi is a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of butter, garlic, lemon, and parsley creates a sauce that’s perfect for tossing with shrimp or prawns. Whether you serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special treat when you want something flavorful yet simple to prepare. Enjoy!
Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This shrimp scampi is incredibly rich and savory, with a decadent butter and garlic sauce that perfectly complements juicy shrimp. Lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note, and fresh parsley brings color and freshness to the dish. It’s quick, easy, and full of gourmet flavor.
Ingredients
3 oz unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 lb prawns or jumbo shrimp, deveined and peeled (room temperature)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt 3 oz butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add 2 tbsp of lemon juice to the skillet, stirring to combine, and let it cook for about 1 minute to infuse the flavors.
- Drop the peeled shrimp into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp freshly ground pepper, and 1/4 cup of minced parsley. Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat them evenly.
- Serve your shrimp scampi immediately over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or hearty vegetables.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: Increase lemon juice to 3 tbsp for a tangy flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in short bursts in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
