Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Easy, Classic & Flavorful Seafood Dish

Sh If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful seafood dish, this Shrimp Scampi Recipe is the perfect choice. Made with garlic butter shrimp, white wine, and lemon juice, this classic Italian-inspired dish is both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re serving it over linguine, enjoying it with crusty bread, or trying a low-carb alternative, this recipe can be customized to fit any taste. If you love shrimp-based dishes, you might also enjoy this rich and flavorful recipe for creamy coconut shrimp, which offers another delicious way to prepare shrimp.

Properly cooking shrimp is essential for the best texture and flavor. Learn more about shrimp cooking techniques in this detailed guide from Serious Eats.

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Originally, scampi referred to a small lobster-like crustacean known as langoustine. In Italy, these were traditionally prepared in a simple garlic butter sauce. However, when the dish made its way to the United States, shrimp became the more accessible substitute. As a result, the dish evolved into the shrimp scampi we know today.

If you’re interested in expanding your seafood knowledge, take a look at this golden seafood guide, which covers everything from fish to shellfish, including great tips on preparation and pairings.

Wondering what wine pairs best with shrimp scampi? Find expert recommendations in this Wine Folly guide.

Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

To make a delicious shrimp scampi, you’ll need the following:

Main Ingredients

• Shrimp – Fresh or frozen, deveined, and tail-on for presentation
• Garlic – Freshly minced for bold flavor
• Butter & Olive Oil – A perfect balance of richness and lightness
• White Wine – Dry wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
• Lemon Juice & Zest – Enhances freshness
• Parsley – For a fresh, herbaceous finish
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a slight kick of spice

Optional Ingredients

• Parmesan Cheese – For extra creaminess
• Shallots – Adds depth to the sauce
• Chicken Broth – A substitute for white wine

Step-by-Step Recipe for Classic Shrimp Scampi

Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps:

 1: Prepare the Shrimp c

• First, if you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry.
• Next, devein and remove the shells, leaving the tails on for presentation.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Begin by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Then, add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink.
• Once done, remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, add butter along with garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• After that, pour in white wine and let it reduce for about 2 minutes.
• Finally, stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

• Now, return shrimp to the pan and coat them in the sauce.
• If serving with pasta, toss everything together until evenly coated.
• Before serving, garnish with parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.

Variations of Shrimp Scampi

If you want to mix things up, here are some exciting variations:

1. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version

• Instead of pasta, swap it for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Additionally, use extra butter and olive oil in place of wine.
• To keep it dairy-free, simply skip the Parmesan.

For a flavorful alternative, you might also enjoy chicken, sausage, and shrimp jambalaya, which incorporates shrimp into a completely different yet equally delicious dish.

2. Dairy-Free Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil.
• Instead of Parmesan, try using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

3. Spicy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• To add extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or mix in diced jalapeños.
• For even more spice, stir in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your shrimp scampi turns out perfect, avoid these common pitfalls:

✔ Overcooking Shrimp – Shrimp should turn pink and opaque, not rubbery.
Using Too Much Wine – A little goes a long way; otherwise, it can overpower the dish.
✔ Skipping the Lemon – The acidity balances the richness of the butter and wine.

What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Now that your shrimp scampi is ready, consider these delicious pairings:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Vegetables – A healthy, tasty side.
• Crisp White Wine – A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay enhances the dish.

Looking for the health benefits of shrimp? Check out this Healthline article to learn about its high protein content and omega-3 benefits.

FAQs About Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Still have questions? Here are some common ones:

Q: What is the sauce of shrimp scampi made of?
✔ The sauce for shrimp scampi is a simple yet flavorful combination of a few key ingredients that create a rich, buttery, and slightly tangy taste. It is the heart of the dish, bringing together garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Key Ingredients in Shrimp Scampi Sauce

1. Butter – This is the base of the sauce, adding richness and a velvety texture. Many recipes use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
2. Olive Oil – Often combined with butter, extra virgin olive oil gives a light and slightly fruity flavor while preventing the butter from burning.
3. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is essential for a bold and aromatic taste. It infuses the sauce with a signature savory depth.
4. White Wine – Dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, deglazes the pan and enhances the flavor. It adds a subtle acidity and complexity.
5. Lemon Juice & Zest – Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce with a refreshing citrus note, while lemon zest enhances the aroma.
6. Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For a slight heat, red pepper flakes are added, balancing the richness of the butter.
7. Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley is sprinkled in at the end to add color and a mild herbal flavor.
8. Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning brings all the ingredients together.

This buttery, garlicky, and citrus-infused sauce coats the shrimp beautifully, making shrimp scampi a flavorful and irresistible dish! 🍤✨

Q: What to substitute for white wine in shrimp scampi?
✔ White wine is a key ingredient in shrimp scampi sauce, adding acidity and depth of flavor. However, if you prefer to cook without alcohol or simply don’t have white wine on hand, there are several excellent substitutes that can achieve a similar taste.

Best Substitutes for White Wine in Shrimp Scampi

1. Chicken Broth – A great non-alcoholic option that provides depth and richness. Use an equal amount as you would white wine.
2. Vegetable Broth – Ideal for a vegetarian version, adding a mild, savory flavor.
3. Lemon Juice + Water – Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with ¼ cup of water to mimic the acidity of white wine.
4. White Grape Juice + Vinegar – Combine ¼ cup white grape juice with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar + Water – Dilute 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup of water to add acidity without overpowering the dish.
6. White Wine Vinegar – If you want to maintain a wine-like acidity, mix 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar with ¼ cup of water or broth.
7. Pasta Water – The starchy water from cooked pasta helps thicken the sauce while keeping the flavors mild.

Choosing the Best Substitute

• For closest flavor, use chicken broth + lemon juice.
• If you want a sweet touch, try white grape juice + vinegar.
• For a lighter option, go with pasta water.

By using these substitutes, you can still enjoy a flavorful, alcohol-free shrimp scampi without missing out on the delicious sauce! 🍤✨

Q: Why do Americans say shrimp scampi?
✔ The term “shrimp scampi” is a bit of a linguistic quirk that evolved as the dish made its way from Italy to the United States. Traditionally, in Italian cuisine, “scampi” refers to a type of small lobster-like crustacean, also known as langoustine. In Italy, scampi were often prepared in a simple sauce of garlic, butter, and white wine, similar to how shrimp scampi is made today.

How “Shrimp Scampi” Became an American Term

When Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the U.S., langoustines were not as widely available. As a result, shrimp became the more accessible substitute. However, instead of renaming the dish, people referred to it as “shrimp scampi”, essentially saying “shrimp langoustine”. This created a redundant phrase because “scampi” already refers to a type of seafood.

Despite this redundancy, the name stuck because it helped differentiate the Americanized version from the original Italian dish. Over time, “shrimp scampi” became recognized as a specific dish rather than just a way of cooking scampi.

Modern Usage of “Shrimp Scampi”

Today, shrimp scampi in the U.S. commonly refers to shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce, often served over pasta. The name is widely accepted and understood, even though it technically means “shrimp shrimp”! 🍤✨

Q: Do you marinate shrimp for shrimp scampi?
✔ No, marinating shrimp is not necessary for shrimp scampi. Unlike tougher meats that benefit from long marination, shrimp are naturally tender and absorb flavors quickly. Instead of marinating, shrimp in shrimp scampi are typically sautéed directly in a flavorful sauce made of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice.

Why You Don’t Need to Marinate Shrimp for Scampi

1. Shrimp Cook Quickly – Shrimp take just a few minutes to cook, so marinating doesn’t significantly impact flavor or texture.
2. The Sauce Does the Work – The garlic butter sauce infuses shrimp with bold flavors as they cook.
3. Acid Can Over-Tenderize – If shrimp sit in an acidic marinade (like lemon juice or vinegar) for too long, they can become mushy.

Alternative: Quick Flavor Boost Before Cooking

If you want to enhance the flavor, you can:

• Toss shrimp with minced garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
• Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for extra depth.

By skipping a long marinade and focusing on seasoning and sauce, you’ll get perfectly cooked, flavorful shrimp scampi every time! 🍤✨

Q: What’s the best way to reheat shrimp scampi?
✔ Reheating shrimp scampi requires a gentle approach to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can turn rubbery if exposed to too much heat. The best methods focus on warming the dish while preserving its flavor, texture, and moisture.

Best Methods to Reheat Shrimp Scampi

1. Stovetop Method (Best for Maintaining Texture)

✔ Step 1: Heat a non-stick skillet over low to medium heat.
Step 2: Add a splash of chicken broth, white wine, or butter to the pan to refresh the sauce.
✔ Step 3: Add the shrimp scampi and stir gently for 2-3 minutes until just warmed through.

🔹 Why it Works: This method keeps the sauce from drying out and prevents shrimp from overcooking.

2. Microwave Method (Quickest Option)

✔ Step 1: Place shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish.
Step 2: Add a tablespoon of water or broth to maintain moisture.
✔ Step 3: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.

🔹 Tip: Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming chewy.

3. Oven Method (Best for Large Portions)

✔ Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Step 2: Place shrimp scampi in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
✔ Step 3: Add a bit of butter or broth to keep it moist and heat for 10-15 minutes.

🔹 Great for: Reheating larger amounts evenly without drying out the pasta or shrimp.

Final Tips:

• Never boil shrimp scampi—this will ruin the texture.
• Reheat only once to maintain the best flavor.

By following these methods, you’ll keep your shrimp scampi flavorful and perfectly tender! 🍤✨

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, shrimp scampi is a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this flavorful combination of garlic, butter, wine, and lemon never fails to impress.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, grab some fresh shrimp, cook up a delicious shrimp scampi, and enjoy! 🍤 ✨