Shrimp Scampi, a savory Italian-American classic, combines succulent shrimp with garlic, lemon, and herbs in a delectable sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, this homemade version rivals your favorite restaurant's, perfect as a starter or main with pasta, rice, or veggies.
Begin by placing your shrimp in a bowl. Season them with salt and black pepper and allow the shrimp to marinate for 5 minutes, which helps them to fully absorb the seasoning.
In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and mixes with the oil, add your finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
Next, incorporate the lemon zest and lemon juice into the pan. Add your seasoned shrimp, ensuring they're spread out evenly for uniform cooking. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they start to turn pink.
Carefully stir the shrimp, then pour in the chicken broth along with chili flakes. Allow the shrimp to gently simmer in this aromatic sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the shrimp with the rich flavors of the scampi sauce.
To finish, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and freshness. Remove the pan from the heat. Your Shrimp Scampi is now beautifully prepared and ready to impress.
Serving
Serve your Shrimp Scampi with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For more pairing ideas, check out our serving suggestions section below.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make your Shrimp Scampi stand out:
Thawing Shrimp: If you are using frozen shrimp, ensure they're thoroughly thawed by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. This step is key for even cooking and succulent shrimp.
Cooking Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat when cooking the shrimp. This temperature is perfect for searing the shrimp to golden perfection while keeping the garlic from overcooking and turning bitter.
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in just 5 minutes, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Aim for shrimp that are pink and opaque, checking every minute to ensure even cooking. Once they're done, take them off the heat immediately to stop the cooking process. This way, you'll get tender, juicy shrimp every time.
Pasta Pairing: Serving with pasta? Don't forget to save some of the starchy pasta water. It's incredibly useful for adjusting your scampi sauce to cling perfectly to the pasta.
Sauce Consistency: When it comes to the sauce, let it gently simmer to achieve the perfect thickness. A well-coated shrimp is a flavorful shrimp. If the sauce gets too thick, a little pasta water can thin it to the ideal consistency.