Craving a lightning-fast dinner that tastes incredibly gourmet? This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is your answer. Succulent shrimp are pan-seared and bathed in a luxurious sauce of garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and butter. It’s a simple, elegant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup / 113g unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp / 30ml olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup / 60ml dry white wine
• 2 tbsp / 30ml fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp / 1g red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup / 15g fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcrowd the pan.
5. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly.
7. Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Facts
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Sodium: 380mg
• (Per serving, sauce and shrimp only)
Pro Tips
• Pat the shrimp completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear rather than steaming them.
• Use a good quality dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best flavor; avoid ‘cooking wine.’
• Do not overcook the shrimp. Remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and curl into a ‘C’ shape.
• For a richer sauce, swirl in an extra tablespoon of cold butter at the very end after removing the pan from the heat.
FAQ
Q: What is the best wine for shrimp scampi
A: A good quality dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is recommended for the best flavor. It’s best to avoid generic ‘cooking wine’ which can be overly salty.
Q: How do you know when shrimp is perfectly cooked
A: Shrimp cook very quickly, in about 1-2 minutes per side. They are done when they turn pink and opaque and curl into a ‘C’ shape. Be careful not to overcook them.
Q: How do I get a good sear on my shrimp
A: The key to a perfect sear is to pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before cooking. This removes excess moisture and prevents the shrimp from steaming in the pan.
Q: What should I serve with garlic butter shrimp scampi
A: This dish is delicious served over pasta to soak up the sauce, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
