As a busy working mom, I often crave something tasty but quick. That’s why I’m excited to share this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe. It’s a fast and simple seafood dish ready in 20 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights. The shrimp, cooked perfectly in a rich garlic butter sauce, will delight your taste buds and fill you up.
Key Takeaways
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe ready in just 20 minutes
- Uses extra-large shrimp for a plump and juicy texture
- Flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice
- Versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course
- Pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side salad
Introduction to Quick and Easy Seafood Perfection
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish. It mixes garlic and butter with tender, juicy shrimp. This recipe is great for seafood fans and beginners alike.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy appetizer. The dish is fast to make, ideal for busy cooks who still want great taste.
In just 20 minutes, you can make this tasty shrimp pasta dish. It’s filled with garlic, lemon, and white wine flavors. Using fresh ingredients and simple techniques is key.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy seafood pasta or want to wow your guests, this easy shrimp scampi recipe is perfect.
Get ready to make a seafood lover’s dream come true with this quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe. Let’s look at the essential ingredients, tools, and steps to make this delicious dish in no time.
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Making the perfect garlic butter shrimp scampi needs the right ingredients. At its core, it’s all about the large shrimp (31/41 count per pound). These juicy, tender shrimp are the main attraction, bringing a rich seafood flavor.
The dish also features aromatic garlic prawns. About 4-5 large cloves are minced to add a savory touch. This mix of flavors is what makes the dish special.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest add a bright, citrusy taste. Unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil create the silky sauce. A splash of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, adds a sophisticated flavor.
Seasoning the shrimp with kosher salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, and fresh parsley makes each bite rich and complex. This Italian shrimp dish is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. It will surely delight your taste buds.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large Shrimp (31/41 count per pound) | 1 1/4 pounds |
| Garlic, minced | 4-5 large cloves, or 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | Freshly squeezed |
| Unsalted Butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Dry White Wine | 1/4 cup |
| Kosher Salt | To taste |
| Cayenne Pepper | To taste |
| Paprika | To taste |
| Fresh Parsley | For garnish |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty shrimp scampi recipe, you need the right tools. For a perfect easy shrimp scampi, have these essentials ready:
- A large skillet or sauté pan, preferably made of cast iron for even heat distribution
- Tongs or a wide spatula to easily flip and maneuver the shrimp
- A sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley
- A citrus juicer to extract the lemon juice
- Measuring spoons and cups for precise ingredient measurements
Having everything ready is key, as this shrimp scampi recipe cooks fast. With the right tools, you can make a top-notch easy shrimp scampi at home.
Preparing the Shrimp and Ingredients
To make the best shrimp linguine or lemon garlic shrimp, you need to prepare everything right. Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Keep the tails on if you like. Then, gently pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and the shrimp sear well.
Proper Shrimp Cleaning Techniques
First, rinse the shrimp under cool water. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back. This reveals the dark vein. Gently pull out and throw away the vein.
For jumbo shrimp, use kitchen shears to split the shell. This makes it easier to remove the vein.
Seasoning and Marinating Tips
After cleaning the shrimp, season them with salt, cayenne pepper, lemon zest, and paprika. This mix adds great flavors. If you can, let the shrimp marinate for 15-20 minutes. This lets the flavors mix well.
While the shrimp marinate, mince the garlic and chop the parsley. This way, you’re all set to cook the shrimp linguine or lemon garlic shrimp. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and quick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is easy and fun. Start by heating butter and olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Then, add red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt for flavor. Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 3 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and the liquid to reduce.
- Put the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Make sure they have enough room to cook evenly.
- Cook the shrimp for about 1 minute on each side. They should start to turn pink and look opaque.
- Add the rest of the butter to the skillet carefully. Watch out so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Finally, squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for another minute before turning off the heat.
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a treat. You can serve it over shrimp pasta or with your favorite sides. It’s a quick and tasty seafood dish!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Shrimp (21-25 count per pound) | 1.5 lbs |
| Unsalted Butter | 6 tbsp, divided |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Minced Garlic | 1/4 cup |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Pinch |
| Dry White Wine | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | Juice of 1 medium lemon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Chopped Green Onions (for garnish) | As desired |
The secret to great Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is not to overcook the shrimp. Cook them for just 1 minute on each side. This keeps them tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Making the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the heart of a great seafood pasta or buttery shrimp dish. It’s surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple steps, you can take your shrimp scampi to the next level.
Wine Reduction Technique
Begin by reducing white wine to concentrate its flavor. Pour the wine into a saucepan and heat it over medium. Let it reduce by half, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This step makes the wine’s aroma stronger and the sauce more robust.
Balancing Flavors
Then, add the butter slowly, whisking constantly for a smooth sauce. The butter adds richness and a velvety texture. To balance it, squeeze some fresh lemon juice in. This adds a bright, acidic note. For more flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Adding Final Touches
Finally, toss the cooked shrimp in the garlic butter sauce. This coats them in all the sauce’s delicious flavors. Finish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
With these steps, you’ll have a garlic butter sauce that’s restaurant-quality. It will make your seafood pasta or buttery shrimp dish incredibly tasty. Enjoy the perfect mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a versatile dish. It can be served in many ways. For a classic Italian shrimp dish, serve it over linguine or spaghetti. The shrimp and sauce go well with the pasta, making a tasty shrimp linguine or scampi pasta.
Looking for a lighter meal? Pair the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables. The shrimp’s delicate flavors will stand out, and the green sides will add a nice contrast.
For a heartier option, serve the shrimp scampi with rice or creamy mashed potatoes. The rich, buttery sauce pairs well with these sides. And don’t forget the crusty bread – it’s great for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
As an appetizer, present the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi on a platter with lemon wedges. Offer extra sauce for dipping. Your guests will love every bite.
No matter how you serve it, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi will impress. It’s versatile and pleases everyone. Enjoy it at a casual dinner or a special occasion feast.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Mastering easy shrimp scampi is just the start. Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping your lemon garlic shrimp dish delicious. Follow these simple steps to enjoy every bite.
Proper Storage Methods
After making your tasty easy shrimp scampi, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. This keeps flavors in and prevents shrimp from drying out.
Best Reheating Practices
Ready to enjoy your lemon garlic shrimp again? You have a few reheating options. Use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time. Or, gently warm it in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add water or white wine if the sauce is too thick.
For the best taste and texture, eat leftover easy shrimp scampi within 2 days. This way, you’ll enjoy every delicious bite of this quick seafood dish.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a tasty, quick, and easy dish. It’s ready in just 20 minutes and tastes like it came from a restaurant. The mix of garlic, butter, and lemon makes it a hit in your kitchen.
It’s great as a main dish or an appetizer. This recipe is perfect for any day or special event. It’s a versatile choice that everyone will love.
Learning this recipe means you can impress anyone with a quick meal. The secret is using the right ingredients and following the steps. You can also tweak the flavors to your liking.
So, add Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi to your cooking list. It’s a delicious dish that proves simple recipes can still be amazing. Enjoy the flavors and get ready for lots of compliments.