Quick Easy Shrimp Scampi

This shrimp scampi recipe is fast and easy It tastes unbelievably luxurious using just a handful of ingredients Bright lemon juice garlic and a splash of white wine make it irresistible

I first made this during a last minute dinner plan and it quickly became my go-to When I am short on time but want to impress guests this dish always delivers

Gather Your Ingredients

• One pound uncooked extra large shrimp thirty shrimp per pound size: peeled with tails optional for ease of eating Choose fresh or properly thawed for best texture
• Butter: half a cup provides rich creamy sauce
• Garlic: six cloves minced for bold aromatic flavor Use fresh garlic not powder
• Red pepper flakes: half teaspoon optional adds gentle heat
• White wine: quarter cup or chicken broth adds a tangy depth and moisture
• Lemon juice: one tablespoon imparts brightness and balances richness
• Fresh parsley: one tablespoon chopped adds a herbal vibrant finish
• Salt and pepper to taste: enhances and balances all flavors

How to Make It

Sauté the Shrimp:

Melt half the butter in a skillet over medium heat Add shrimp and cook about one minute on each side until just pink and opaque Use tongs for easy flipping

Add Garlic and Heat:

Toss in minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes Cook for about thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned

Deglaze with White Wine:

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth Let it bubble gently for two minutes This step concentrates flavor and tenderizes shrimp

Finish the Sauce:

Stir in the remaining butter lemon juice and fresh parsley Once butter melts remove from heat Season with salt and pepper to taste Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or crusty bread

Fresh garlic really wakes up the dish for me I remember once perfecting this recipe for a family gathering when everyone went back for seconds and thirds It makes even an easy weeknight dinner feel special

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat gently on low heat or in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to keep shrimp tender Ingredient Substitutions If you don’t have white wine use low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth A splash of lemon zest nicely complements or replaces lemon juice Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can swap parsley depending on preference

Serving Suggestions

Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta for an elegant meal Toss with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad Light crusty bread works wonderfully to soak up the sauce

Creative Twists

Cultural Context Shrimp scampi originated in Italian American cuisine meaning shrimp sautéed with garlic butter and wine The name scampi originally refers to Norway lobster but in the US shrimp became more popular in this style of preparation Seasonal Adaptations In warmer months add cherry tomatoes or zucchini ribbons for a fresh twist Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika for a cozy touch during cooler seasons Use fresh herbs like tarragon or dill to complement seasonal flavors Success Stories Friends have told me this recipe helped them impress last minute guests and made weeknight cooking less stressful The simple ingredients mean it’s approachable and forgiving even for new cooks Freezer Meal Conversion Shrimp scampi is best fresh but you can freeze cooked shrimp separately without sauce Frozen shrimp keeps best up to two months Thaw fully then quickly reheat with fresh butter garlic and lemon for best flavor

This shrimp scampi is a quick flavorful meal perfect for busy days It easily impresses guests while using pantry staples

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ What size shrimp works best?

Large extra-large shrimp (26-30 per pound) are ideal for best texture and cooking time, but smaller shrimp can be used with adjusted time.

→ Can I skip the white wine?

Yes, chicken broth can be substituted for white wine to maintain moisture and flavor without alcohol.

→ How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?

Cook shrimp about 1 minute per side until pink and opaque, then immediately remove from heat to prevent toughness.

→ What if I don't like spicy food?

Omit the red pepper flakes or reduce quantity to keep the dish mild without losing flavor.

→ Is fresh lemon better than bottled?

Fresh lemon juice offers brighter and more vibrant acidity, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.