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Classic Shrimp Scampi

Classic Shrimp Scampi

Classic Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and a hint of spice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, delivering a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Cooking Fats and Oils

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Liquids and Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors before cooking.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, to avoid any bitterness.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they stay juicy and tender without overcooking.
  4. Add Lemon Juice and Optional Wine: Pour in the fresh lemon juice and, if using, white wine or chicken broth. Let the mixture simmer briefly, about 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
  5. Finish with Fresh Parsley: Stir in the chopped parsley, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed, and immediately remove the skillet from heat to keep the shrimp perfectly cooked.

Notes

  • Dry shrimp thoroughly before cooking to reduce steaming and help achieve a nice sear.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; remove as soon as they turn pink to avoid rubberiness.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice does not have the same vibrant acidity.
  • Maintain moderate heat while cooking garlic to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.
  • Serve the dish immediately as the sauce thickens upon cooling, which can alter the texture.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 190 mg

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Quick Seafood Dinner, Italian Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Recipe