Shrimp Scampi Garlic Butter (Print Version)

Shrimp quickly sautéed in garlic butter, brightened with lemon juice and fresh parsley—ideal for pasta or bread.

# Components:

→ Seafood

01 - 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Aromatics

02 - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
03 - 1 small shallot, finely minced (optional)

→ Sauce

04 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
05 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
06 - 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
07 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
08 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
11 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Pat the large shrimp dry using paper towels and season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - In a large skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until the butter is fully melted and begins to foam.
03 - Add the finely minced garlic and shallot (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring not to brown them.
04 - Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and become opaque.
05 - Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth and the fresh lemon juice. Allow it to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, enabling the sauce to reduce slightly.
06 - Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Gently swirl the skillet until the butter is completely melted, creating a glossy sauce.
07 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
08 - Serve the shrimp scampi immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread. Garnish with extra lemon wedges for added freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick to make perfect for busy nights or unexpected guests
  • Uses straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Carries that luxurious restaurant flavor with minimal effort
  • Pairs well with pasta rice or crusty bread for endless variations
02 -
  • This dish is naturally pescatarian and high in protein
  • It cooks in twenty minutes or less making it perfect for weeknight dinners
  • Works beautifully with gluten-free pasta or served over rice
03 -
  • Always start with dry shrimp and a hot pan to prevent steaming for the prettiest golden sear I learned to avoid overcrowding the skillet the hard way nothing beats those sweet caramelized edges
  • Do not walk away while sautéing garlic just thirty seconds beyond fragrant and it will brown too quickly
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