Description
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and a splash of white wine. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or an elegant meal served over pasta or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp (large, peeled and deveined, 16-20 count)
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (crushed)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp: Pat the shrimp very dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt on both sides. This step ensures a good sear and balances the seasoning.
- Heat Skillet and Add Fats: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. This combination adds richness and helps prevent the shrimp from sticking.
- Cook Shrimp: When the pan is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Transfer the shrimp to a plate immediately to avoid overcooking, keeping them tender and juicy.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, followed by the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to let the garlic brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Flavorings and Reduce Sauce: Stir in the red pepper flakes, white wine, lemon zest, and lemon juice, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the shrimp and any accumulated juices to the skillet and toss gently for about 1 minute until the shrimp are well coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately, ideally with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Use dry white wine for the best flavor; substitute with chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon.
- Patting the shrimp dry before cooking is crucial to prevent steaming and achieve a good sear.
- Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Adjust salt according to preference and dietary needs.
