Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
A quick and flavorful recipe for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi featuring jumbo shrimp sautéed in a garlic-infused butter and olive oil sauce, enhanced with white wine, fresh lemon juice, and parsley. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Shrimp Preparation
- 1 1/2 pounds (680g) extra jumbo or colossal U15 or larger, cleaned and deveined shrimp
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3/4 cup (180ml) dry white wine
- 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (23ml) fresh lemon juice or to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the cleaned and deveined shrimp thoroughly. Sprinkle the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Toss gently to combine and let it sit for a few minutes to enhance texture and flavor.
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Ensure the mixture is hot but not smoking before proceeding.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet along with the optional 1/4 teaspoon crushed hot red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
- Add White Wine: Pour 3/4 cup dry white wine into the skillet. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and deepen the sauce flavor.
- Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and serve shrimp scampi hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Choose large shrimp (U15 or bigger) for the best texture in this dish.
- Baking soda is used to slightly tenderize the shrimp; do not skip this step.
- Dry white wine adds acidity and complexity, but can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level or omit for a mild dish.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as shrimp can overcook quickly.
