Indulge in the delightful flavors of shrimp scampi, a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to your table.
When preparing this shrimp scampi recipe, you might need to pick up a few ingredients that aren't always stocked in your pantry. Dry white wine and fresh parsley are essential for achieving the authentic flavor. Make sure to choose a good quality wine that you would enjoy drinking, as it will significantly impact the taste of the dish.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a tender and juicy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic and savory flavor.
Dry white wine: Enhances the sauce with a subtle acidity and depth of flavor.
Lemon juice: Provides a bright, tangy contrast to the richness of the butter.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
Red pepper flakes: Introduces a hint of heat to balance the flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Technique Tip for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
To enhance the flavor of your shrimp, make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking. This will help achieve a nice sear and prevent them from steaming. Additionally, when adding the garlic to the butter, be careful not to let it brown too much, as it can turn bitter. For a richer taste, consider using a high-quality dry white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Finally, add the parsley at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
large shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative in seafood dishes.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a rich flavor and is a healthier fat option.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds depth and richness without the alcohol content.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidic brightness to the dish.
chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro offers a fresh, vibrant flavor that can enhance the dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a similar heat level and can be used in smaller quantities.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor that can enhance the overall taste.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the dish's heat without altering its appearance.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Shrimp Scampi
How to Store or Freeze This Dish
- Allow the shrimp scampi to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
- Transfer the shrimp scampi to an airtight container. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odors from seeping in or out.
- Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the shrimp scampi within 2-3 days. This will keep the shrimp fresh and flavorful.
- For longer storage, place the shrimp scampi in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the shrimp scampi has been stored.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the shrimp scampi in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the shrimp.
- Reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to revive the sauce and enhance the flavors.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery if reheated for too long.
- Serve the reheated shrimp scampi immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, to enjoy its full, vibrant flavors.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan.
- Once melted, add the leftover shrimp scampi.
- Stir occasionally, cooking until the shrimp are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the shrimp scampi in an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the shrimp from drying out.
- Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are warmed through.
- Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Microwave Method:
- Place the shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir the shrimp and microwave for an additional 1-2 minutes, if necessary, until heated through.
- Be cautious not to overcook, as the shrimp can become rubbery.
Sous Vide Method:
- Preheat your sous vide machine to 130°F (54°C).
- Place the shrimp scampi in a vacuum-sealed bag or a resealable plastic bag using the water displacement method.
- Submerge the bag in the water bath and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from the bag and serve immediately, enjoying the perfectly reheated shrimp with all its flavors intact.
Essential Tools for Cooking Shrimp Scampi
Large skillet: A wide, flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the shrimp evenly and allowing the ingredients to mix well.
Spatula: A tool used for stirring and flipping the shrimp to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
Garlic press: A device to mince the garlic quickly and efficiently, ensuring it is finely chopped for maximum flavor.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the precise amounts of wine, lemon juice, and other liquid ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like red pepper flakes and salt.
Cutting board: A surface for chopping the fresh parsley and preparing the garlic.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for chopping parsley and other ingredients.
Tongs: A tool for handling and turning the shrimp in the skillet without damaging them.
Serving platter: A dish to present the shrimp scampi once it is cooked and ready to serve.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Peel and devein the shrimp in advance to save time during cooking.
Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for store-bought minced garlic to cut down on prep time.
Measure liquids beforehand: Have the white wine and lemon juice ready to pour.
Chop parsley early: Pre-chop the parsley and store it in the fridge until needed.
Cook in batches: If your skillet is small, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- 4. Stir in white wine, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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