Scampi shrimp are small seafood creatures that look similar to lobsters and have light pink shells, also known as langoustines.
When Italian cooks came to the United States, they replaced scampi with shrimp but kept the original name. This Scampi shrimp is how this dish was created, and over time, it developed many different variations.
No matter which way you choose, you simply choose a creamy shrimp pasta dish, especially this shrimp scampi prepared with huge amounts of butter, fresh garlic, lemon, and tender shrimp.
This Easy Shrimp Scampi is a delicious meal that is ready in under 30 minutes. What makes this shrimp scampi truly special is that it is simple enough for a busy weeknight dinner and for lunch ideas, any special occasion.
You can serve it with some French bread and ramen noodle salad for a complete and satisfying meal!
Shrimp Scampi Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves, minced, and also add 1 ½ tablespoons of minced garlic
½ broth. - 1 pinch of salt for taste.
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed chili flakes or what you want to taste.
- Fresh black pepper
- 1¼ pounds large shrimp or prawns, cleaned and shelled with tails on or off.
- ⅓ cup fresh chopped parsley.
- Juice of half a fresh lemon.
- Cooked Creamy shrimp pasta or crusty bread, whichever you want.
Instructions:
Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add some garlic and cook for1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Cook the Shrimp:
Cook, stirring frequently, until the shrimp have just turned pink on both sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate. Now, set aside.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
Place the skillet with the remaining juices back over medium-high heat. Add the lemon juice and bring to a boil while stirring. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and stir until the butter has melted and everything is well combined.
Return Shrimp to the Sauce:
Return the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
Assemble and Serve:
With the help of a spoon, spread the shrimp mixture over a bed of cooked linguine, and at the end sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté Garlic: Melt 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook Shrimp: Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Transfer shrimp to a plate using a slotted spoon; set aside.
- Reduce Sauce: In the same skillet with pan juices, pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp olive oil, stirring until butter melts and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine & Season: Return cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss for 1 minute to coat thoroughly in the garlic lemon butter sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately over cooked linguine or with warm crusty French bread.
Notes
- Wine Substitutes: Use chicken broth with extra lemon juice or vinegar instead of white wine.
- Shrimp Size: Use extra-large or jumbo shrimp so they stay juicy and don't overcook.
- Tails: Leave tails on for presentation/flavor, or remove them for easier eating.
- Frozen Shrimp: Thaw completely and pat thoroughly dry before cooking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days; reheat gently over low heat.
- Prep First : Measure and chop all ingredients before turning on the heat. Shrimp cooks in under 5 minutes, so prepping ahead prevents overcooking and tough, rubbery shrimp.
Substitution for White Wine in this Scampi:
We can leave out the Wine completely, or use chicken broth instead if you prefer. Chicken broth has a much better flavor than fish broth.
You can try using chicken or vegetable broth, but keep in mind that you may need to add a bit more lemon or a touch of vinegar to give the sauce more flavor.
However, if you have homemade fish broth on hand. You can certainly use that instead of it.
Shrimp scampi sauce:
This dish brings together some of the finest ingredients: butter and lemon. Garlic and onion add more flavor to the sauce. Basil and parsley sprinkled in at the end provide a fresh and vibrant touch.
What herbs go in shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi typically uses fresh parsley and basil, sprinkled in at the end for a burst of freshness. Garlic, though technically not an herb, also plays a key role in building the dish’s flavor. Dried oregano or Italian seasoning can be added as well, if you want.
Recipe Variations:
- Add crushed red pepper for a bit of extra spice.
- For a more savory taste, season with Old Bay Seasoning.
- You may substitute Italian seasoning for the dried oregano if you like it.
- Use any long pasta, such as spaghetti or angel hair pasta, that you want.
Tips to make the best shrimp scampi recipe:
Prep Ahead:
Make sure all your ingredients are ready and placed near your cooking area before you begin. This is an easy shrimp scampi that cooks quickly, so you do not want to be searching through the refrigerator for items such as chicken broth while the shrimp is already on the stove. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, tough, and unpleasant to eat.
Butter and Oil Combination:
The shrimp is cooked in a mixture of butter and oil to prevent the butter from burning. You may use only butter if you prefer, but note that it will begin to brown while the shrimp cooks. However, a butter and oil combination is recommended for the best flavor in this dish.
Butter and Oil Combination:
Extra-large or jumbo shrimp work best for this shrimp scampi recipe, as they are plump, juicy, and ideal for shrimp scampi.
What to Serve with Easy Shrimp Scampi?
we can serve it with roasted cabbage or Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies which you want.
FAQs:
How do you make shrimp scampi spicy?
You may add more hot sauce to taste, or include crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onion and garlic in step 2, allowing the spice to blend into the butter and olive oil for added heat in every bite.
What size shrimp is best for scampi?
Extra-large or jumbo shrimp work best for scampi, as they are plump, juicy, and hold up well in the sauce. Smaller shrimp can overcook quickly and may end up tough. If possible, choose wild-caught shrimp for better flavor and color.
Should you leave the shrimp tail on for shrimp scampi?
Leaving the tail on the shrimp gives a nice presentation and can add extra flavor to the scampi, while tail-off shrimp works just as well. It is best to use whichever option you have on hand.
Can you make shrimp scampi with frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine for this recipe. Thaw it completely first, either overnight in the fridge or under cold water for a quicker method. Pat it dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.
How long does leftover shrimp scampi last in the fridge?
Leftover shrimp scampi lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Reheat gently before serving, as overcooking can make the shrimp tough.
Notes:
White wine may be substituted with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or fish broth, but chicken broth is the best option.
Nutrition:
Calories: 420kcal (21%) | Carbs: 6g (2%) | Protein: 28g (56%) | Fat: 32g (41%) | Saturated Fat: 16g (80%) | Cholesterol: 250mg (83%) | Sodium: 520mg (23%) | Fiber: 1g (4%)
