Shrimp Scampi is a beloved Italian-American dish that’s known for its bold flavors, simplicity, and versatility. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare the Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe, using simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the recipe and some helpful tips to make this classic dish shine.
1. Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (or substitute with broth if you prefer)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste (optional, add more for extra heat)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1¾ pounds large or extra-large shrimp, shelled and deveined
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
- Cooked pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti) or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Peel and devein the shrimp: If your shrimp aren’t already cleaned, peel and devein them, leaving the tails on or off depending on your preference. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
Melt butter and heat oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil is hot.
Sauté the garlic: Add the 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can give it a bitter taste.
Step 3: Add the Wine or Broth
Deglaze with wine: Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine (or broth if you prefer) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
Season: Stir in ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (or more if you like extra heat), and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp: Once the sauce has reduced a bit, add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in butter and lemon juice: Once the shrimp are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the juice of half a lemon. This will give the sauce a rich, silky texture and a bright, citrusy finish.
Add parsley: Stir in ⅓ cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Step 6: Serve
Toss with pasta: If serving with pasta, add your cooked pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti) directly to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the garlicky butter sauce.
Serve with bread: If you prefer, serve the shrimp scampi with crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
For a gluten-free option: Serve the shrimp scampi over gluten-free pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) if you’re avoiding gluten.
2. Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
Use Fresh, Large Shrimp: Large or extra-large shrimp work best in this recipe because they are meaty and won’t overcook quickly. Fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor, but frozen shrimp (thawed) also work great.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
Deglaze with White Wine or Broth: Dry white wine adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce, but if you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth.
Reserve Pasta Water: If you’re serving the shrimp scampi over pasta, reserve some of the pasta cooking water. Adding a few tablespoons of this starchy water to the sauce can help it cling to the pasta better.
3. Variations and Additions
This shrimp scampi recipe is a classic, but you can easily customize it to suit your preferences:
Creamy Shrimp Scampi: For a richer, creamier version, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half after cooking the shrimp.
Vegetable Additions: Add some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the skillet for extra nutrition and a pop of color.
Herb Variations: While parsley is traditional, you can also add fresh basil, thyme, or tarragon for a different herbaceous flavor.
4. How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi
Storing:
Refrigerate: Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the shrimp scampi gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Microwave: You can also reheat small portions in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds at a time) to avoid rubbery shrimp.
This Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a quick, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With garlic, butter, white wine, and fresh lemon juice, this recipe delivers a savory, rich sauce that pairs beautifully with shrimp and pasta. Whether you serve it with linguine, spaghetti, or crusty bread, this classic dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike.