Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
There’s something about the warm, irresistible aroma of sizzling garlic that brings back childhood memories of family dinners where laughter danced around the table like a joyful melody. Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, with its buttery richness and tender, succulent shrimp, is one of those comforting dishes that instantly transports me back to those cozy evenings. As the golden shrimp glistens in a pool of heavenly garlic-infused sauce, it’s hard to resist a second helping—or a third! Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this quick and delightful dish is sure to impress. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh lemon creates a mouthwatering sauce.
- Family-friendly: Even the little ones will love the tender shrimp and the comforting flavors.
- Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty sourdough bread for a delightful meal.
- Impressive: A fancy dish that’s simple enough for anyone to master—perfect for dinner parties!
What You’ll Need
To create this fabulous Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 pound wild caught large shrimp with shells
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or juice from 1/2 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Let’s make it together! You’ll love how easy this is:
Prep the shrimp: Thaw the shrimp in cool water. Remove the shells and devein them, discarding the shells. Rinse and drain the shrimp, then transfer to a small bowl.
Marinate the shrimp: Drizzle the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat and let it sit for 20 minutes to build those beautiful flavors.
Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic mixture, spacing them evenly in the pan. Cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, flipping when the shrimp begins to turn opaque. Cook for an additional minute, watching carefully to ensure the shrimp become golden without browning too much, and the garlic doesn’t burn. Transfer the shrimp to a plate, discarding any browned garlic bits.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chicken stock and lemon juice. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and reduces by half.
Finish the dish: Add the shrimp back to the pan with any accumulated juices. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, adjusting to taste. Sprinkle with minced parsley, stir, and cook for an additional minute. Serve warm with sourdough bread for dipping, or over pasta or rice.
Variations & Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this scrumptious dish! Here are some delightful variations to try:
- Zesty Lemon-Lime Scampi: Add the zest of one lemon and one lime for a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp: Stir in a splash of heavy cream into the sauce for a rich, creamy version.
- Garlic and Herb Scampi: Toss in freshly chopped herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Spicy Cajun Shrimp: Add Cajun seasoning for an extra punch of flavor with a little kick.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi turns out perfect every time, consider these tips:
- Thawing shrimp: Place shrimp in a bowl of cool water for about 15-20 minutes, changing the water halfway through for quicker thawing.
- Ingredient swaps: If you don’t have chicken stock, vegetable broth works well as a substitute.
- Make-ahead planning: You can marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance, but avoid cooking until you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
- Storing leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat on the stove to preserve the delicate shrimp.
Nutrition Information per Serving
For this indulgent Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, here’s the nutritious scoop per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 350
- Carbs: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 750mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes! You can marinate the shrimp ahead of time, but cook it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Substituting chicken stock with vegetable broth or swapping out shrimp for scallops works beautifully.
- How do I store leftovers? Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- How long does it last? Ideally, consume within two days for the best flavor and freshness.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a cozy and inviting Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite! This dish is not just food; it’s a hug in a bowl, perfect for those evenings when you crave something both delicious and heartwarming. Save this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe to your Dinner Ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy every moment around the table with family and friends, as these simple yet delicious meals often create the most cherished memories.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A comforting dish of tender shrimp in a rich garlic and butter sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound wild caught large shrimp with shells
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or juice from 1/2 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
Instructions
- Prep the shrimp: Thaw the shrimp in cool water. Remove the shells and devein them, discarding the shells. Rinse and drain the shrimp, then transfer to a small bowl.
- Marinate the shrimp: Drizzle the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Toss to coat and let it sit for 20 minutes to build those beautiful flavors.
- Cook the shrimp: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic mixture, spacing them evenly in the pan. Cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, flipping when the shrimp begins to turn opaque. Cook for an additional minute, watching carefully to ensure the shrimp become golden without browning too much, and the garlic doesn’t burn. Transfer the shrimp to a plate, discarding any browned garlic bits.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chicken stock and lemon juice. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and reduces by half.
- Finish the dish: Add the shrimp back to the pan with any accumulated juices. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, adjusting to taste. Sprinkle with minced parsley, stir, and cook for an additional minute. Serve warm with sourdough bread for dipping, or over pasta or rice.
Notes
For best results, marinate shrimp in advance and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
