What is shrimp scampi and how is it traditionally made?

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish featuring shrimp cooked in a garlic butter and white wine sauce, often finished with lemon juice and parsley. Traditionally, the shrimp are sautéed quickly in olive oil and butter with minced garlic, then deglazed with white wine. The sauce is then simmered briefly before tossing the shrimp back in. It is commonly served over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

How do you cook shrimp scampi so the shrimp stay tender?

To keep shrimp tender in shrimp scampi, cook them quickly over medium-high heat. Sauté shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking leads to rubbery shrimp, so remove them promptly once cooked. Using fresh or thawed shrimp at room temperature also helps ensure even cooking.

Can shrimp scampi be made gluten-free?

Yes, shrimp scampi can be made gluten-free easily by avoiding traditional pasta. Serve the shrimp and sauce over gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or rice. Most shrimp scampi ingredients like shrimp, garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon, and wine are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to avoid hidden gluten.

What wine is best to use when making shrimp scampi?

A dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay pairs well with shrimp scampi. These wines add acidity and depth without overpowering the dish. If you prefer alcohol-free options, use low-sodium chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity and flavor.

How can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time without losing flavor or texture?

To prepare shrimp scampi ahead, cook the shrimp briefly and set aside, then prepare the sauce separately. Combine and reheat gently just before serving to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Store cooked shrimp and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat on low heat and add fresh parsley and lemon juice to refresh flavors.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe with Garlic Butter and Parmesan Sauce

Name: Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 4 tablespoons butter; – 4 to 5 large garlic cloves minced; – 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic; – 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, shelled with tails on or off; – A pinch of salt; – Cracked pepper to taste; – 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth; – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); – 2 tablespoons lemon juice; – 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Description

🦐 This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender shrimp with a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
🧄 The easy Parmesan sauce and fresh herbs bring richness and brightness, making it perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 tablespoons butter

– 4 to 5 large garlic cloves minced

– 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic

– 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp, shelled with tails on or off

– A pinch of salt

– Cracked pepper to taste

– 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth

– 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

– 2 tablespoons lemon juice

– 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1-First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and half of the 4 tablespoons butter in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the 4 to 5 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, which takes 30 seconds to 1 minute.

2-Then, add the 1 1/4 pounds of large shrimp, seasoned with a pinch of salt and cracked pepper, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes on one side until they start to turn pink.

3-Next, flip the shrimp over and pour in the 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth. If you like a bit of heat, add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes at this point.

4-Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the liquid reduces by half and the shrimp is fully cooked.

5-Finally, stir in the remaining butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, then remove from heat right away.

6-Serve your shrimp scampi hot with options like rice, pasta, or steamed veggies such as broccoli or zucchini noodles. For the best results, have all items ready before you start, as this keeps the shrimp tender and the flavors bright.

Notes

⏰ Tip: Have all ingredients prepped and ready before cooking for a smooth process.
🧈 Tip: Using a mix of butter and olive oil prevents the butter from burning.
🍤 Tip: Choose large, preferably wild-caught shrimp for best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 303 kcal
Sugar: 0 g
Fat: 19 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 29 g

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter, easy seafood, Parmesan sauce