Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp scampi ingredients

You only need 7 simple ingredients to make this easy shrimp scampi recipe, and they're probably already in your pantry. It's a restaurant-quality dish with big flavors that seems fancy, but it's just a classic Italian dish that anyone can make homemade.

• Peeled raw shrimp: Virtually any size shrimp will work for shrimp scampi, I like medium to large shrimp which are about 20-30 per pound. This is my go-to size for most of my shrimp recipes, like my Low Country Boil, Baja Shrimp Tacos, and my Shrimp Salad. They do not have to be de-veined.
• Garlic: Garlic is prominent in the flavor of shrimp scampi. It's the only aromatic, so it does a lot of heavy lifting, but don't overdo it, you still want to taste the shrimp!
• White wine: White wine is the main liquid component of the scampi sauce and adds aroma.
• Butter: I use extra butter in my shrimp scampi recipe because it makes the sauce so silky!
• Lemon juice & lemon zest: Shrimp loves a little lemon juice which lightens the sauce, and we'll use the zest to add concentrated lemon flavor as well as a floral quality.
• Crushed red pepper: A little spice balances the dish.
• Fresh parsley: To add freshness at the end.
• Extra virgin olive oil and Kosher salt

INGREDIENT TIP: Buy the frozen shrimp! I used to work at the seafood counter and I can assure you that what is in the case is NOT fresh, it was previously frozen and then thawed (and you don' t know when it was thawed.) Frozen shrimp are usually cheaper, so just grab those instead and let them thaw in the refrigerator.

How to make shrimp scampi

Step 1: Marinate the shrimp

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to a non-reactive bowl. Use a microplane grater to grate one clove of the garlic and add it to the mixture. Whisk to combine.

Add the shrimp to the bowl and stir gently to ensure they are all completely coated in the garlic oil mixture. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Mince the garlic, chop the parsley

Use a good chef's knife and finely mince the remaining garlic, then give the parsley a rough chop and set both aside.

Use a microplane grater to zest the lemon, then juice it. Set both aside.

Gather and measure the remaining ingredients and have them ready.

Step 3: Sauté the shrimp

Add the remaining olive oil to a wide, deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in one layer.

Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until they are just barely pink on one side then flip them all over for another 1-2 minutes and cook on the other side until pink. Remove shrimp from the pan and transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Make the scampi sauce

In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the white wine to deglaze the pan and stir to combine with the garlic.

Add the butter, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and stir until the butter is melted.

Step 5: Finish the scampi and serve

Add the shrimp back to the pan to warm through, about 1 minute.

Turn off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Shrimp cooks FAST! This is why we are removing it from the pan when we make the scampi sauce part of the recipe. Take care not to overcook it, or it will get tough and rubbery.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your shrimp. Larger shrimp will take a bit longer.
• The amount of crushed red pepper will give you a kick of spice here and there, but it's not a lot of heat. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste.
• Don't skip marinating the shrimp in the salt and grated garlic. Because they cook so fast, they need this time to absorb the seasoning. If you wait until it's time to cook them, the salt will just be sitting on top and they will not have the best flavor. If you're short on time, let them marinate for 5-10 minutes. Even this short amount of time will help.
• Turn the heat off before adding the parsley and lemon juice to ensure that the parsley holds its bright green color and to keep the lemon juice from cooking and turning bitter.

FAQ

Serving suggestions

Shrimp scampi can be served on its own as an appetizer, or try it alongside pasta, rice, or other side dishes as a main course.

• Pasta: If you'd like to serve shrimp scampi over pasta, the best choice is a long, thin noodle like linguine, spaghetti or angel hair pasta that will get coated in all of that garlic butter sauce!
• Rice: The lemony shrimp scampi sauce tastes great over jasmine rice, or try it with risotto!
• Polenta: Creamy polenta makes an excellent companion to scampi, kind of like a twist on shrimp and grits!
• Potatoes: Crispy oven roasted potatoes or roasted garlic mashed potatoes would be hearty and filling without overpowering the taste of the shrimp.
• Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice: If you're keeping it low carb, try these options.

More easy shrimp recipes

These shrimp recipes cook up quick and easy! Make summer shrimp scampi when tomatoes and corn are at their peak! Cilantro Lime Shrimp is a twist on classic shrimp scampi made with tequila instead of wine, and Garlic Shrimp is a staple in Spanish tapas bars!

This homemade shrimp scampi recipe is simple, fast, and easy!

• You only need 7 simple pantry ingredients.
• Cooks in 10 minutes!
• All you need to do is mince some garlic, juice a lemon, and chop some parsley and you're done!
• It's an Italian classic that can be served for almost any occasion, fancy or casual.