Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on or off)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Cooked pasta or crusty bread (for serving)
Execution
Prep the Shrimp start by patting your shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sauté the Garlic in a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Cook the Shrimp add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Scampi Sauce in the same skillet, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let the liquid reduce by about half, which should take 2-3 minutes.
Finish the Dish reduce the heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the shrimp back to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi over cooked pasta, or alongside warm crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Additional tips
- Gluten-Free Option: Skip the pasta and serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free meal.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for a heartier dish.
- Customize the Heat: Like it spicy? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t have wine on hand, chicken broth is a great substitute. It will still give you that rich depth of flavor, but without the acidity of the wine.
