Irresistible Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe in 35 Min…
The Secret to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
If you’re looking for a dish that brings the flavors of a fine dining experience right into your home, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need. With succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, every bite is a celebration of taste that will leave you and your guests raving. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its vibrant flavors but also in its simplicity—ready to impress in just 35 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
– Quick cooking time makes it perfect for weeknight dinners.
– Rich, buttery flavor balanced with zesty lemon and fresh garlic.
– Versatile—serve over pasta, rice, or enjoy with crusty bread.
– Healthy source of protein with wild-caught shrimp.
– Minimal ingredients mean less hassle and more satisfaction.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some essentials you’ll need:
– Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing shrimp evenly without overcrowding.
– Cutting board: A stable surface for prepping shrimp and chopping garlic.
– Chef’s knife: For mincing garlic and cutting lemon.
– Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure precise ingredient measurements.
– Tongs or spatula: Perfect for flipping shrimp without breaking them.
Preparation Tips
To achieve the best results with your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe, remember to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. Thaw your shrimp properly by soaking them in cool water, and allow them to marinate for at least 20 minutes to build flavor. Keep an eye on the cooking time; shrimp cook quickly and should be just opaque when done.
Ingredients for this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Main Ingredients
– 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 grape juice or chicken stock
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or 1/2 lemon
– 1 tablespoon minced parsley
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Welcome to the world of quick and delicious meals! This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something that feels fancy but doesn’t take hours to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive right in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Start by thawing your shrimp in cool water if they are frozen, which should only take about 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, remove the shells and devein each shrimp carefully. Discard the shells and give the shrimp a good rinse before draining them well. Transferring them to a small bowl keeps everything organized for the next steps!
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Now it’s time to infuse some flavor into your shrimp! Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the shrimp, then add half of your pressed or minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and red pepper flakes for that perfect kick. Toss everything together gently to ensure each shrimp is coated in this tasty mixture. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to allow those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, warm up the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add your marinated shrimp along with any leftover garlic from the bowl, spacing them evenly in the pan. Cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until they start turning opaque. Flip each shrimp over and cook for another minute or so until they’re perfectly golden but not overly browned – we don’t want burnt garlic ruining our dish! Once done, transfer them to a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In that same skillet (don’t wash it just yet – we want all those lovely flavors!), melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds until fragrant; this is where your kitchen will start smelling divine! Pour in your white grape juice or chicken stock along with fresh lemon juice. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens and reduces by half, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Once your sauce has thickened beautifully, return those succulent shrimp along with any juices back into the pan. Stir in that last tablespoon of butter and adjust with an additional pinch of kosher salt if desired. Sprinkle with freshly minced parsley for that pop of color and flavor, giving everything one last stir before cooking for an extra minute to warm through.
Notes
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe lies in its versatility! If you’re looking to mix things up, feel free to swap out wild-caught shrimp for other proteins like scallops or even firm tofu if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also toss in some veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes during cooking for added nutrition and color. For an elevated flavor profile, consider adding a splash of lemon zest or even a pinch of smoked paprika!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
– Using cold ingredients straight from the fridge can affect cooking times.
– Overcooking garlic will lead to bitterness; keep an eye on it!
– Not properly thawing shrimp can result in uneven cooking.
– Skipping marinating leaves out essential flavors.
– Forgetting to reserve some pasta water if serving over noodles can make your dish dry.
Storage Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delightful), store them in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to two days. To reheat, simply warm them gently on the stove over low heat until heated through – avoid microwaving as it can make your shrimp tough! If you’d like to freeze any leftovers, place them in freezer-safe bags separating layers with parchment paper; they should be good for up to three months.
Estimated Nutrition
– Calories: 352 kcal
– Protein: 24 g
– Fat: 27 g
– Carbs: 2 g
– Saturated Fat: 9 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute vegan butter or use more olive oil instead of traditional butter while still keeping all that rich flavor.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread for dipping! You could also serve it alongside a fresh green salad.
How do I know when my shrimp are fully cooked?
Perfectly cooked shrimp should be pink on the outside and opaque throughout – they’ll curl slightly but shouldn’t be rubbery!
Conclusion
I hope you’re excited to try out this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe! It’s such a simple yet satisfying dish that can easily impress family and friends alike. I’d love to hear how yours turns out—feel free to share your thoughts and variations! Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
Method
- Thaw shrimp in cool water for 10-15 minutes, remove shells, devein, rinse, and drain.
- Marinate shrimp with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half the garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes for 20 minutes.
- Cook marinated shrimp in a skillet with remaining olive oil for 1-1.5 minutes per side until opaque.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter, sauté remaining garlic, add grape juice or stock and lemon juice, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return shrimp to the pan, stir in last tablespoon of butter, adjust salt, and cook for an additional minute.
