Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet comes together in just minutes. Bursting with the flavors of garlic, butter, white wine, and a hint of lemon for a dinner party or weeknight dinner.
What Is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a beloved Italian-American dish featuring shrimp cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce, often with a splash of white wine and a touch of lemon. Traditionally served over pasta, it’s equally delicious with crusty bread or as a standalone main course.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Choose the Right Shrimp:
- Opt for large or jumbo shrimp, as they are meatier and less likely to overcook.
- Devein and peel the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired.
- High-Quality Ingredients:
- Use fresh garlic and good-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- A dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, adds complexity without overwhelming the dish.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp:
- Shrimp cook quickly—2-3 minutes per side is usually enough. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery.
- Prep Before You Start:
- This dish comes together quickly, so have all ingredients measured and ready to go.
- Balance the Sauce:
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste. A balance between butter, wine, and citrus is key.
Variations on Shrimp Scampi
Classic Shrimp Scampi Pasta:
- Toss the cooked shrimp and sauce with linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Low-Carb Option:
- Serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
Spicy Shrimp Scampi:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick of heat.
Creamy Shrimp Scampi:
- Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a rich and velvety texture.
Herbed Twist:
- Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives for added freshness.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi
- Over Pasta: Pair with linguine or angel hair for a classic meal.
- With Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
- On Rice or Polenta: A bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta makes a comforting base.
- With Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans complement the dish beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Scampi
- Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated.
- Reheating:
- Gently warm shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Microwave reheating is possible, but use short intervals to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes! Substitute chicken broth or shrimp stock for the wine. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity.
What type of shrimp works best for scampi?
Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal. Frozen shrimp work well, too—just ensure they are thawed completely before cooking.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
While pre-cooked shrimp can be used, fresh shrimp provide the best flavor and texture. If using pre-cooked shrimp, add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Is shrimp scampi gluten-free?
The dish itself is gluten-free, but if serving with pasta, choose a gluten-free variety or serve with gluten-free bread.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The sauce should naturally thicken slightly as it reduces. For a thicker consistency, stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry or a pat of butter.
Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet comes together in just minutes. Bursting with the flavors of garlic, butter, white wine, and a hint of lemon for a dinner party or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ¼ lbs large shrimp (shelled, tails on or off)
- 1 pinch salt (to taste)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- ¼ cup dry white wine or broth
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 ½ tbsp minced garlic)
- 1 pinch cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until just starting to turn pink. Flip the shrimp.
- Pour in the wine (or broth) and sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the wine reduces by half and the shrimp are cooked through (avoid overcooking).
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Remove from heat.
- Serve immediately over pasta, rice, garlic bread, or with steamed veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini noodles.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 gramsAmount Per Serving Calories 373Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 331mgSodium 1558mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 34g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.