Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp Scampi is a rich, juicy, and flavorful Italian-American dish that is typically made with shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, chicken broth, and basic seasonings and herbs. This homemade Shrimp Scampi is one of the best and easy seafood recipes that come together in under 15 minutes and tastes just like your favorite restaurant dish. It tastes great as an appetizer or as a main dish with pasta, rice, bread, or roasted vegetables.

The recipe I have shared here shows you how to make Shrimp Scampi with step-by-step instructions so that you can try and enjoy it at home. I have also included a video to make the cooking process simple and clear.

Jump to:

• What is Shrimp Scampi?
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make Shrimp Scampi at Home?
• How long should I Cook shrimp in the sauce?
• Tips
• Storage Suggestions
• Serving Suggestions
• Related Recipes
• Shrimp Scampi Recipe Video
• 📖 Recipe
• FAQ

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that's known for its juicy and flavorful taste. It's made by cooking shrimp in a sauce that's a mixture of garlic, butter, olive oil, lemon, and either white wine or chicken broth. The term "Scampi" originally referred to a type of lobster called Dublin Bay Prawn or Norway Lobster, but now it's commonly used to refer to the dish itself, which is made with shrimp.

This classic Italian dish is easy and quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes to make from scratch. It can be also customized with ingredients from your pantry. Even though the authentic recipe calls for particular lobster, you can use regular jumbo shrimp which are readily available at most grocery stores. The Scampi sauce, made here is what sets this dish apart from other shrimp recipes and makes it so flavorful.

Shrimp Scampi can be served as an appetizer or as a main course with rice dishes, pasta dishes, crusty bread, or vegetable side dishes, making it a versatile comfort food option for a weeknight seafood dinner. You can also serve it with other side dishes, like a salad or roasted and baked vegetables, to make it a complete meal.

The combination of juicy shrimp and a rich, flavorful sauce makes Shrimp Scampi an elegant and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Overall, it's a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's sure to delight your family.

Ingredients and Substitutions

The ingredients needed to make this delicious Shrimp Scampi are likely already in your kitchen. So let's see what are they below.

• Shrimp: You can use either frozen or fresh shrimp for the recipe, but fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor
• Aromatics: Garlic provides a garlicky and warm flavor to the dish
• Seasoning Powders: Black pepper, chili flakes, and salt provide a classic flavor, which you can customize to your preferred heat level
• Lemon: Lemon juice and zest bring a fresh and citrusy taste. If lemon is not available, fresh lime juice is a suitable substitute
• Chicken Broth: Instead of using traditional white wine, chicken broth is used to make the dish alcohol-free and accessible for all ages. If you prefer, you can use wine
• Herbs: Fresh parsley imparts a unique aroma to the finished dish, but you can also use fresh coriander leaves
• Butter and Olive Oil: Both deliver a rich and elegant flavor

For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi at Home?

The recipe I have shared here is Shrimp Scampi, a classic Italian-American dish. It is one of the easiest shrimp recipes that come together in under 15 minutes. This homemade Shrimp Scampi can be served over rice, pasta, crusty bread, or your favorite side dishes of your choice.

Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.

• Prep the Ingredients: To start, gather all the ingredients that you will need including cleaned and deveined shrimp, salt, black pepper, olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, chili flakes, and fresh parsley leaves
• Marinate the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine the cleaned shrimp and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 5 minutes so that the flavors can penetrate and enhance the taste
• Saute the Garlic: Next, in a medium-heat pan, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant. This will only take a minute or two
• Cook the Shrimp: Stir in the lemon zest from half a lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. The lemon zest and juice will provide a tangy flavor to the dish. Add the marinated shrimp to the pan and spread evenly. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn pink
• Simmer: Gently stir the shrimp and pour in the chicken broth and a pinch of chili flakes. Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This will allow the flavors of the scampi sauce to infuse into the shrimp and create a delicious taste
• Garnish: Finally, garnish the shrimp with fresh parsley leaves. This will add a fresh and flavorful touch to the dish
• Serve: Serve the Shrimp Scampi with your favorite pasta or bread for a satisfying lunch or dinner

How long should I Cook shrimp in the sauce?

Cooking shrimp is a quick process, typically taking only 5 minutes. It's important to keep a close eye on the shrimp while it's cooking in the sauce to ensure that it doesn't overcook. Overcooking shrimp can cause it to become tough and rubbery, resulting in an unpleasant texture.

To avoid this, cook the shrimp until it turns pink and opaque. This usually takes between 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of the shrimp. Check the shrimp every minute or so to ensure that it's cooking evenly and to avoid overcooking. Once the shrimp is cooked, remove it from the heat to prevent it from continuing to cook.

Tips

• Frozen or Fresh Shrimp: When making Shrimp Scampi, fresh, wild-caught shrimp is ideal for the best taste and flavor, but frozen farm-raised shrimp can also work. I have used pre-peeled and deveined frozen shrimp to make a delicious dish
• Garlic: Chopping garlic and cooking it in butter and olive oil enhances the overall flavor of the dish
• White Wine: Shrimp Scampi is traditionally made with white wine, but if you want a non-alcoholic option that's suitable for all ages, you can use lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth to get a similar flavor. If you'd rather use wine, go ahead
• Cooking Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in just 5 minutes, so be mindful not to overcook it
• Fresh Parsley: Adding fresh parsley to the dish gives it a burst of flavor, but you could also use cilantro or coriander leaves if you prefer

Storage Suggestions

This Shrimp Scampi is best served warm, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or stovetop until it is evenly warm.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Shrimp Scampi with a side of rice, pasta, or on your favorite type of bread. It also pairs well with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, roasted potatoes, asparagus, green beans, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Related Recipes

You could also find similar shrimp recipes below and more at seafood recipes. Looking for easy and delicious recipes for a busy weeknight dinner? Check out our quick recipes that can be made in under 30 minutes, making your life easier.

• Garlic Butter Shrimp
• Honey Garlic Shrimp
• Shrimp Stir Fry
• Fried Shrimp
• Kung Pao Shrimp
• Szechuan Shrimp
• Air Fryer Shrimp
• Shrimp Alfredo
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
• Shrimp Vindaloo

Shrimp Scampi Recipe Video

I have shared a detailed video of the shrimp scampi below. I hope it will help you make a delicious dinner in no time. You can also find this recipe in a story format.

📖 Recipe

FAQ

I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!