How to Make the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready for a dish that’s quick, delicious, and sure to impress? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe, a classic seafood dish that’s perfect for a quick family dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is all about combining succulent shrimp with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, and I just can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for 30-minute meals!
• Packed with garlic butter flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
• A simple and elegant dish that’s great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
• Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a creamy garlic pasta experience.
• Customizable to suit your dietary preferences and what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty short list!

• 1 pound wild-caught large shrimp with shells
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon minced parsley

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

Prep the Shrimp

Start by thawing the shrimp in cool water if they’re frozen. Remove the shells and devein the shrimp, then rinse and drain them thoroughly. Transfer the shrimp to a small bowl and set them aside until you’re ready to marinate them.

Marinate the Shrimp

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the shrimp, then add half of the garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and the red pepper flakes. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly, then let it sit for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and garlic mixture to the skillet, making sure to space them out evenly. Cook for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on the first side, then flip them over when they start to become opaque. Cook for another minute or so, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook. If you notice any browned garlic bits, remove them from the skillet to prevent bitterness. Transfer the shrimp to a small bowl or plate and set them aside for now.

Make the Sauce

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the white wine or chicken stock and lemon juice, then let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and reduces by half.

Finish the Dish

Add the shrimp and any juices they’ve released back to the skillet. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter and season with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (or to taste). Sprinkle the minced parsley over the top, give everything a good stir, and cook for just one more minute to let the flavors meld together. And that’s it—your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh garlic, real butter, and wild-caught shrimp make all the difference in the flavor of this dish.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they stay tender and juicy.
• Customize the sauce: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream towards the end of the sauce-making process.
• Pair it with the right sides: Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.

How to Serve

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it in a few different ways depending on your preferences:

• With pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked pasta for an easy pasta recipe that’s ready in no time.
• With bread: Serve the shrimp with a side of crusty sourdough bread to mop up all that flavorful sauce.
• Over rice: A simple bed of white or brown rice makes a great base for this dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to make things easier:

• Marinate the shrimp: You can marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
• Make the sauce: The garlic butter sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to use it.
• Store leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.

And there you have it—a delicious, easy shrimp recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new quick family dinner idea, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Be sure to check out my Garlic Mushroom Pasta and Garlic Cauliflower Mushroom Skillet recipes for more inspiration. And if you’re a fan of creamy dishes, don’t miss my Creamy Mushroom Chicken recipe—it’s a game-changer for any 30-minute meal!

Happy cooking, everyone! 🍽️