Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

I still remember the first time I tried making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi; the rich aroma of garlic sizzling in butter instantly made my kitchen feel warm and inviting. It quickly became my go-to dish when I needed something impressive but fast.

I recall an evening when unexpected guests showed up and I whipped this up on the spot; watching everyone savor each bite made me realize how this simple recipe saves the day every time.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp: I always choose fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails on for easy handling and great flavor
• Garlic: Finely minced garlic releases its full aroma and infuses the butter perfectly
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish
• Lemon zest and juice: The zest offers an intense citrus punch, while lemon juice balances the richness
• Dry white wine: Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc gives a subtle acidity that lifts the sauce
• Unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil: Butter adds creaminess, olive oil keeps the shrimp tender
• Salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes: Season to taste, and add a slight kick with red pepper if you like

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Pat your shrimp dry so they brown nicely and season with salt and pepper to kick off the flavor.

Heat Up Your Pan:

Warm olive oil and butter together over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to sizzle—soon you'll smell that irresistible garlic aroma.

Sizzle the Garlic:

Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant but watch carefully so it doesn't brown or burn.

Shrimply Delicious:

Lay the shrimp in a single layer and let them cook 1 to 2 minutes per side. You'll see them turn pink and firm up—perfectly opaque signals they're ready.

Pour in the Good Stuff:

Add white wine and lemon juice, letting the sauce bubble and thicken just a bit while the scents mingle.

Bring It All Together:

Stir in remaining butter, lemon zest, and half the parsley. Toss the shrimp so every bite is coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce.

Final Taste and Serve:

Remove from heat, give it a taste, adjust salt if needed, and serve immediately with the rest of the parsley sprinkled on top. It’s fantastic over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

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One special night, this dish turned a simple dinner into a heartfelt celebration with friends gathered around the table, reminding me that food truly brings people closer.

Where This Dish Comes From

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi has roots in Italian-American cooking where seafood meets simple, rich flavors designed to impress without fuss—perfect for busy cooks looking for elegance.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

I love serving this over angel hair pasta or garlic toasted bread; the sauce soaks up beautifully and makes every bite a delight.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

This recipe once came to my rescue during a hectic week when I needed dinner ready in twenty minutes that still felt special and homemade.

• Remember to save some parsley to sprinkle at the end—it makes all the difference
• Don't rush the garlic sauté; it should be fragrant, not burnt
• Use fresh lemon juice whenever possible for that zesty brightness

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Thanks for cooking along with me; I hope this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi brings many cozy and joyful meals to your table.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of shrimp works best?

Large peeled and deveined shrimp are ideal to ensure quick and even cooking, but tails can be left on for presentation.

→ Can I substitute the white wine?

Yes, using chicken or vegetable broth offers a great alternative while maintaining moisture and flavor.

→ How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.

→ What can I serve this dish with?

It pairs excellently with pasta, white rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

→ How to add a spicy kick?

Incorporate a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for gentle heat.