How to Create Buttery Garlic Shrimp Scampi in Simple English
Shrimp scampi is a mouthwatering dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home. With its buttery, garlicky flavors and tender shrimp, it’s perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal. Best of all, you don’t need to be a professional chef to whip up this restaurant-quality dish. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating buttery garlic shrimp scampi that will leave everyone licking their plates.
What Is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring jumbo shrimp cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. It’s often served over pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, or even alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
While it sounds fancy, the recipe itself is straightforward and uses easy-to-find ingredients. Plus, it can be ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need for buttery garlic shrimp scampi:
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
If you can, get shrimp with tails on for extra flavor. Frozen shrimp work fine, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
For the scampi sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic paste if you’re pressed for time. - ½ cup dry white wine
Choose a wine you enjoy drinking, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken or vegetable broth. - Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh lemons give the best flavor. - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a slight kick without overpowering the dish. - Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional additions:
- Pasta (like linguine or spaghetti)
Cooked and drained according to package instructions. - Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
A sprinkle on top can take the dish to the next level.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect shrimp scampi that’ll impress your family and friends!
Step 1: Prepare Your Shrimp
If you haven’t already, peel and devein your shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation (optional). Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp make it easier to get that golden sear during cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and starts bubbling gently, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the shrimp.
Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter and olive oil. Toss in the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now for a pop of spice.
Next, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate. Then, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet and give it a stir.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter, stirring everything together until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce for a minute or two. Make sure each piece is coated with the buttery garlic goodness. If you’d like, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and additional flavor.
Step 5: Serve
If you’re serving over pasta, transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss it with the shrimp and sauce. Alternatively, arrange the shrimp on a plate alongside some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work equally well, but make sure frozen shrimp are fully thawed before cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a huge difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice or powdered garlic for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter is the magic ingredient that makes scampi rich and luxurious. While you can substitute with extra olive oil, nothing beats the buttery texture.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a simple yet delicious recipe for buttery garlic shrimp scampi! With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it over pasta or alongside bread, shrimp scampi is a winning recipe that’s ideal for any occasion.
Grab your skillet and start cooking today! Your family and friends will thank you—and you’ll probably find yourself making this recipe again and again. Enjoy!
