Introducing the ultimate Italian seafood dish – Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! This easy recipe features tender shrimp in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
This shrimp scampi dish is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s great for seafood recipes, easy shrimp recipes, and Italian shrimp dishes. Learn how to make this mouthwatering shrimp pasta recipe that will impress everyone.
Introduction to Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a favorite dish in many homes and restaurants. It’s made with shrimp cooked in a garlic-butter sauce. This sauce often includes white wine and fresh lemon juice.
The dish has Italian roots, originally made with langoustines. But in America, regular shrimp is used, making it more popular.
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a tasty dish that highlights the sweetness of shrimp. It’s made with garlic butter sauce, white wine, and lemon juice. This creates a rich, satisfying seafood dinner.
It’s great with pasta or crusty bread. These help soak up the flavorful sauce.
The Origins of Shrimp Scampi
The shrimp scampi started in Italy, with langoustines. But in the U.S., it evolved to use lemon garlic shrimp. Now, italian shrimp scampi is a favorite everywhere, showing its lasting appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
If you love seafood, you’ll adore this garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s great for any meal, whether it’s a quick dinner or a fancy appetizer.
The dish is famous for its rich, buttery garlic sauce. This sauce, made with garlic, butter, and white wine, is both comforting and fancy. It’s a hit with seafood and Italian food fans. You can serve it alone or with pasta or bread for a full meal.
This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is also super simple. You need just a few ingredients and don’t spend much time preparing. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty, quick meal.
“This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is a game-changer. It’s so easy to make, but the end result tastes like it came from a high-end Italian restaurant.”
Looking to wow your guests or just treat yourself? This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is a winner. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
To make the perfect garlic butter shrimp scampi, you need a few key ingredients. The main ingredient is the shrimp. Choose large, juicy shrimp for the best taste and texture.
The dish’s heart is the garlic butter sauce. It’s made with top-notch unsalted butter and fresh garlic. This sauce is what makes the dish rich and indulgent.
Shrimp
For this shrimp scampi recipe, use large, deveined shrimp. Go for 16/20 or 21/25 count shrimp for a meaty bite. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but thaw frozen ones before cooking.
Butter and Garlic
The garlic butter sauce is crucial. It needs high-quality unsalted butter and fresh garlic. The butter melts and mixes with other liquids, creating a creamy sauce for the lemon butter shrimp.
White Wine and Lemon Juice
To balance the butter’s richness, add a bit of dry white wine and fresh lemon juice. The wine adds an aromatic flavor, while the lemon juice brightens the dish.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp, peeled and deveined | 1 lb (16/20 or 21/25 count) |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Dry white wine | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the perfect shrimp scampi recipe is easier than you might think. Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delectable dish.
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable texture. Gently remove the shells and use a small knife to carefully remove the dark vein running along the back of each shrimp. Rinse the shrimp under cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice, then let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. This garlic butter sauce is the heart of the shrimp pasta recipes.
Cooking the Shrimp Scampi
Once the sauce is ready, add the prepared shrimp to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the buttery shrimp scampi, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this shrimp scampi recipe in no time. The combination of succulent shrimp, garlic-infused butter, and a splash of white wine creates a truly delicious and aromatic dish.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Get ready to indulge in a classic Italian dish that’s bursting with flavor – our garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe. This recipe gives you a step-by-step guide to making the perfect shrimp scampi pasta. It includes precise measurements for each shrimp scampi ingredient to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.
To start, you’ll need a pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Toss the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce, making sure they’re evenly coated.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) to taste.
Serve the garlic butter shrimp scampi immediately, either on its own or over a bed of hot, cooked pasta for a complete shrimp scampi pasta dish. Garnish with chopped parsley or lemon wedges for a fresh, vibrant finish.
“This shrimp scampi recipe is a true delight, with the perfect balance of garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon. It’s a must-try for any seafood lover!”
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. For a classic Italian-inspired meal, serve it over shrimp pasta like linguine or spaghetti. The garlic butter sauce complements the tender shrimp and pasta perfectly.
For a lighter seafood dinner, try it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. The citrusy flavors of the dish contrast well with the crunchy veggies. For a more indulgent italian shrimp dishes experience, add garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
Pasta Pairing Options
- Linguine
- Spaghetti
- Fettuccine
- Angel hair pasta
Side Dish Ideas
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Garlic bread or baguette
- Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
The possibilities are endless with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Whether you choose pasta or vegetables, this dish will delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Variations and Substitutions
The classic garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is loved by many. But, you can make it your own by trying new things. You can change up the shrimp or add new flavors to make it special.
Want bigger shrimp for a richer meal? Or peeled and deveined for easier eating? You can also play with garlic, lemon, and white wine to find the perfect mix. This way, you can make it just right for you.
Need a starter? Just make smaller portions and serve on a platter. Or, serve it with rice or quinoa for a bigger meal. Adding roasted veggies makes it healthy and tasty.
| Variation | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Shrimp | Peeled and Deveined Shrimp |
| Increased Garlic | Reduced Lemon Juice |
| Appetizer Portion | Served over Rice or Quinoa |
This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is all about trying new things. It lets you play with flavors and how you present it. With a bit of creativity, you can make it your own and enjoy a memorable meal.
Try this also: Easy Lobster Roll Sandwich Recipe
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
To make your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi perfect, start with large, high-quality shrimp. This ensures the best texture and flavor. Remember, don’t overcook the shrimp. They can become tough and rubbery quickly.
Adjust the cooking time based on your shrimp’s size. This way, you’ll get them just right.
For the sauce, use a dry, crisp white wine. It balances the richness of the butter. This creates a perfect flavor that goes well with the shrimp.
Finally, serve the shrimp scampi immediately. This keeps the texture and temperature just right. Add fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a bright finish. It makes your Italian shrimp dishes even better.
