Description
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Directions
Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted.
Cook the garlic: Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sauté the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
Deglaze the skillet: Pour in white wine and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add lemon juice and stir well.
Finish with parsley: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toss to coat.
Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 230 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, ensure your shrimp are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined. Pat them completely dry with paper towels; this is crucial for a good sear. In your large skillet, combine the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the foam subsides, add the minced garlic and chili flakes. Sauté just until fragrant—about 60 seconds—to avoid burning the garlic. Add the shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then flip each shrimp. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and curled. Remove the shrimp to a plate. Pour the white wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer and reduce by half. Stir in the lemon juice. Return the shrimp to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce, and finish by stirring in the fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with several sides. For a classic presentation, serve it over a bed of angel hair pasta or linguine. To soak up every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce, offer a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. For a lighter option, spoon the shrimp and sauce over steamed rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the meal perfectly.
How-to Summary
Quickly prepare restaurant-quality shrimp scampi by sautéing garlic in butter and oil, then cooking shrimp for 2 minutes per side. Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice, then finish with parsley. Serve immediately over your chosen base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Pat them dry thoroughly before cooking to prevent steaming.
What can I substitute for white wine? Use an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice to mimic the wine’s acidity.
How do I know when the shrimp are done? Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and form a tight “O”.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served immediately. However, you can prep ingredients in advance—mince garlic, chop parsley, and measure wine and lemon juice.
How can I make the sauce thicker? After deglazing, let the wine simmer for an extra minute to reduce further. You can also add a tablespoon of cold butter at the end and swirl it in until melted for a richer, slightly thicker sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Pan: Adding too many shrimp at once steams them instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. Sauté it only until fragrant over medium heat.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very fast. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Using Pre-Cooked Shrimp: This will result in tough, overdone shrimp. Always use raw shrimp for this recipe.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal in just 15 minutes. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this elegant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for both busy weeknights and impressing guests. The key lies in the quality of your shrimp and the careful balance of garlic, butter, and lemon. Enjoy your culinary creation!