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Classic Shrimp Scampi

Classic Shrimp Scampi
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Classic Shrimp Scampi is an easy and delicious Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a bright, buttery garlic and lemon sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers fresh, vibrant flavors that pair perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Elegant yet simple, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

  • 1 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fats and Liquids

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Herbs and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Serving Suggestions

  • Linguine, spaghetti, or crusty bread for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season lightly with salt and black pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
  4. Deglaze with White Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavors.
  5. Finish with Butter and Parsley: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for a rich finish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and gently toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly in the luscious sauce.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp and freshly squeezed lemon juice for optimal flavor authenticity.
  • Do not overcook shrimp; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
  • Cook garlic gently on medium heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Deglaze the pan with wine or broth to lift flavorful browned bits and enrich the sauce.
  • If serving with pasta, reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Shrimp Scampi, Garlic Butter Shrimp, Italian-American, Quick Dinner, Seafood Pasta, Easy Shrimp Recipe

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/classic-shrimp-scampi/