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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi - Made in just 20 min from start to finish! The garlic butter sauce is TO DIE FOR - so buttery, so garlicky/lemony + so perfect!

Made in just 20 min from start to finish! The garlic butter sauce is TO DIE FOR – so buttery, so garlicky/lemony + so perfect!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi - Made in just 20 min from start to finish! The garlic butter sauce is TO DIE FOR - so buttery, so garlicky/lemony + so perfect!

Featured Comment

This recipe is amazing! Your taste buds will be VERY HAPPY!! Quick and easy. We wanted more of the sauce as we ate it over Angel hair pasta, so next time I’m make a little more. With a piece of crusty baguette, I sopped up what was left in the cast iron skillet….. just so yummy.
Vangie
156 more comments

Is it just me or do you all want to go swimming in this pool of butter sauce? Don’t be shy, guys. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to face plant yourself right into this. And I really just want all the crusty bread in this world to soak up everything. A single drop should not be left behind.

why i love this recipe

  • Quick cooking time. Shrimp scampi comes together in lightning fast speed – we’re talking 20 minutes start to finish.
  • Restaurant-quality. This may cook quickly, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have restaurant-quality shrimp right at home using bigger and better quality shrimp all around. Talk about more bang for your buck!
  • Versatile recipe. Serve this as an appetizer with some crusty bread, or over a bed of angel hair pasta and a salad as a fancy dinner.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi - Made in just 20 min from start to finish! The garlic butter sauce is TO DIE FOR - so buttery, so garlicky/lemony + so perfect!

types of shrimp

Wild caught shrimp vs. farmed shrimp

Farmed shrimp are raised in controlled environments, whereas wild caught shrimp have been caught in their natural habitats by fishermen. Wild caught shrimp is generally preferred over farmed shrimp primarily due to taste.

Frozen vs. fresh shrimp

Unless you reside in a coastal area, the “fresh shrimp” on display at your local grocery store have already been previously frozen at sea. Frozen shrimp offers ultimate freshness (flash-frozen as soon as they are caught) and flexibility, using only what you need for dinner. Bottom line, frozen shrimp will taste better and cook better.

tips and tricks for success

  • Use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets retain heat much better than a nonstick skillet, allowing for even cooking and a better sear on the shrimp.
  • Know your shrimp size. Shrimp size is calculated on number of shrimp per pound. The smaller the number, the larger your shrimp. There are about 40-50 medium shrimp per pound. Note that smaller shrimp will cook much faster!
  • Buy frozen shrimp. For superior quality and freshness, using frozen shrimp is ideal (but avoid the bags with freezer burn), opting for a quick thaw under cold running water.
  • Cook in batches. Overcrowding the pan will lead to poor searing and chewy, rubbery shrimp.
  • Reheat in the oven. Leftover shrimp can be rubbery when reheated in the microwave. For best results with leftovers, reheat in the oven at 325°F, covered in aluminum foil until warmed through.
  • Serve with crusty bread. Serve with all the homemade crusty bread for dipping, sopping and dunking!
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi - Made in just 20 min from start to finish! The garlic butter sauce is TO DIE FOR - so buttery, so garlicky/lemony + so perfect!

what to serve with garlic butter shrimp scampi

BEST Tools For COOKING garlic butter shrimp scampi

Large cast iron skillet

For the best texture and flavor, use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet that holds heat evenly.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: Frequently Asked Questions

Why use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter allows you to add as much salt (or as little) salt in your dish, allowing for more control and consistency.

You can replace unsalted butter with salted butter in a pinch, reducing the amount of salt indicated in the recipe, and adding to taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight, transferring it from the freezer to the fridge the day before. For a quick thaw, you can run them under cold water until completely thawed, about 5-10 minutes. Pat them dry as thoroughly as possible to remove any excess moisture (so they can brown nicely and evenly).

What does the lemon do?

The lemon juice helps balance out the flavors and richness of the butter.

Can I serve this over pasta?

Absolutely! This can be served over angel hair, linguine, fettuccine, or any other long strand pasta option.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 day.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Made in just 20 min from start to finish! The garlic butter sauce is TO DIE FOR – so buttery, so garlicky/lemony + so perfect!
5 stars (103 ratings)
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Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium shallot, diced
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 ½ pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Equipment

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, shallot and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add shrimp; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in parsley, lemon juice and lemon zest.
  • Serve immediately.

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