How to Make Classic Shrimp Scampi at Home (Simple Recipe)
Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. With its buttery garlic sauce, juicy shrimp, and a hint of lemon, shrimp scampi can turn any weekday dinner into a special meal. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef to create it—it’s simple, quick, and uses kitchen staples. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about making classic shrimp scampi in simple steps.
What Is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American dish often served with pasta or crusty bread. While scampi refers to a type of lobster-like crustacean in Italian cuisine, the American version uses shrimp. The dish is all about balancing flavors like garlic, butter, lemon juice, and white wine, letting the shrimp shine in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, shrimp scampi is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (about 16–20 pieces) of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (you can leave the tails on for extra flavor or presentation)
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (adjust depending on your spice preference)
- ½ cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 8 ounces of cooked spaghetti or linguine
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cleaning your shrimp. If they aren’t already peeled or deveined, remove the shells and clean out the veins using a sharp knife. Rinse the shrimp under cold running water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Next, mince your garlic, chop your parsley, and squeeze fresh lemon juice. Having everything ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp to the pan in an even layer. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the shrimp.
Cook the shrimp for 1–2 minutes on one side, then flip them and cook for another 1–2 minutes. When the shrimp turn pink and opaque, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Don’t overcook them—they’ll finish cooking once you combine them with the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let the butter melt completely, then stir in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring continuously. Be careful not to let it burn—it should be fragrant, not browned.
If you like a little spice, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes at this point.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine into the skillet. The wine will help lift the browned bits off the skillet, adding incredible depth to your sauce. Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes, or until it reduces slightly.
(Note: If you don’t want to cook with wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth.)
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Shrimp
Once the wine reduces, squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet. Stir to mix the lemon into the buttery sauce.
Return the shrimp to the pan and toss them gently to coat them in the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm the shrimp through.
Step 6: Finish with Parsley
Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp and sauce. Stir everything one last time before serving.
Serving Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is versatile and pairs beautifully with several sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Over Pasta: Serve the scampi over cooked spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta of your choice. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat each strand for maximum flavor.
- With Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough bread is perfect for soaking up that buttery garlic sauce.
- With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For something hearty, serve the shrimp scampi with cooked rice or mashed potatoes.
- On Its Own: If you’re watching carbs, enjoy the shrimp scampi as is—it’s delicious on its own!
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp for the best taste. Frozen shrimp works, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Quality White Wine: Choose a dry white wine that you enjoy drinking—it’ll make the sauce taste better.
- Don’t Overcook: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like your food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Classic shrimp scampi is a show-stopping dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It combines fresh, bright flavors with rich, buttery goodness, making it comfort food at its best. Whether you’re serving it for a casual meal or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress!
Try this recipe today and enjoy the magic of creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
