Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter

Name: Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Cooked pasta of your choice or crusty bread

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Favorites

I love making Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter on special occasions or just for a weeknight treat. The fragrant garlic and zesty lemon blend perfectly with juicy shrimp, creating a dish that sings with flavor. Each bite transports me to a coastal restaurant, complete with warm, buttery bread for soaking up the sauce. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers impressive results that will impress friends and family. Trust me, a splash of white wine really elevates this meal and turns dinner into a celebration.

Created by

Esme Caldwell

Last updated on 2026-01-08T14:14:36.348Z

While experimenting with different shrimp dishes, I found that the combination of lemon and butter truly brings out the sweetness of the shrimp. I often find inspiration from my travels, and this recipe was born from a seaside café I visited. The essence of that moment comes alive in this simple dish.

One critical tip I stumbled upon while preparing shrimp scampi is to cook the shrimp just until they turn pink. Overcooking can result in rubbery shrimp, which is far from the tender, juicy results we seek. I now always keep my eye on them, and it makes all the difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with succulent shrimp
Luxurious butter sauce perfect for soaking up with bread
Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners

      

Mastering the Shrimp

Cooking shrimp perfectly is crucial for this dish to shine. Opt for large, fresh shrimp, as their meatiness creates a satisfying bite. When cooking, aim for a light pink hue with slight translucence at the center, which indicates they are perfectly cooked. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and lose their coveted tenderness. To avoid this, keep a close eye on the cooking time; generally, 2-3 minutes per side should suffice, depending on their thickness.

If fresh shrimp aren't available, frozen shrimp can be a great substitute. Just ensure they're thoroughly thawed before cooking. I recommend soaking them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes if you're in a hurry. Pat them dry before seasoning to achieve a nice sear without excess moisture. This small detail enhances the flavor profile of the dish.

Elevating the Sauce

The sauce is what truly elevates this shrimp scampi, and the layers of flavor build from the very start. Sautéing the garlic until fragrant is key; it should be just slightly golden, releasing aromatic notes, but be wary of burning it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Incorporating the white wine not only adds acidity but also helps deglaze the pan, lifting off the flavorful bits stuck at the bottom from the shrimp. Simmering the sauce for two minutes allows the alcohol to evaporate, leaving just the vibrant flavor behind.

For a touch of depth, consider whisking in a pinch of red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers, adding warmth without overpowering the dish. You can also substitute the white wine with broth if preferred, but this may slightly change the flavor balance. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure the sauce complements the shrimp perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

When it's time to serve your shrimp scampi, presentation matters as much as flavor. A deep platter of pasta topped with the shrimp and sauce looks lovely. For an impressive touch, sprinkle extra lemon zest and freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving; this not only brightens the colors but enhances the dish's aroma. Crusty bread is another delightful accompaniment, making it perfect for sopping up the luxurious sauce, and elevating a simple weeknight meal into a celebratory experience.

Don't forget about leftover storage! If you have any scampi leftovers, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. A splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce's consistency as it heats. This dish also transforms beautifully into a seafood pasta bake if you're looking to enjoy it in a new way!

Ingredients

For the scampi

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, zested and juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For serving

Cooked pasta of your choice or crusty bread

Instructions

Prepare the shrimp

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, around 1 minute.

Cook the shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are just pink, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Make the sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off.

Combine everything

Return the shrimp to the skillet, add the remaining butter, lemon zest, and toss everything together. Cook for an additional minute until the shrimp are heated through.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delightful sauce.

Pro Tips

For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. It adds a subtle heat that complements the dish beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

The choice of butter in this recipe matters significantly. Unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning more precisely, ensuring your dish isn't too salty. Using high-quality butter also enhances the overall flavor, providing that rich, creamy texture for the sauce. Additionally, using freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced can make a world of difference—fresh garlic has a brighter taste that mellows beautifully when sautéed.

Selecting the right pasta is equally vital. While traditional linguine pairs beautifully, feel free to experiment with other shapes like fettuccine or even gluten-free options—just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly. The pasta serves as a vessel for the scampi sauce, so choose one with crevices to catch every bit of flavor.

Customization Tips

Love a bit of heat? Feel free to amp up the spice by adding diced fresh chili or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the shrimp. Alternatively, for a milder version, add a touch of heavy cream to the sauce after cooking, transforming it into a rich, creamy delight that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and pasta. It’s all about striking the ideal balance of flavors according to your personal taste.

You can easily scale this recipe up or down. For a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients, keeping in mind the cooking time may slightly increase since you may need to cook in batches. On the flip side, for a smaller meal, half the recipe works beautifully too—just take care to adjust the garlic and butter accordingly to keep the flavors well-rounded.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for white wine?

You can use chicken broth or simply skip it altogether for a non-alcoholic version.

→ How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Look for shrimp that turn bright pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp will become rubbery.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For best results, it's best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the shrimp later.