Garlic Butter Shrimp (Scampi Style)
🕒 Time
-
Prep: 10 minutes
-
Cook: 10–12 minutes
-
Total: ~20 minutes
🍤 Serves
2–3 people (or 1 very happy person)
Ingredients
Shrimp
-
1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined (tails on optional)
-
Salt, to taste
-
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garlic Butter Sauce
-
4 tbsp unsalted butter
-
3 tbsp olive oil
-
6–8 garlic cloves, finely minced
-
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if avoiding alcohol)
-
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Garnish
-
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
-
Extra cracked black pepper
-
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep the Shrimp
-
Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels (this helps them sear).
-
Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
-
Set aside.
2. Heat the Pan
-
Use a wide skillet or sauté pan.
-
Heat olive oil + 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
3. Cook the Garlic
-
Add minced garlic to the pan.
-
Sauté 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly.
-
Do not let it brown—just fragrant.
4. Cook the Shrimp
-
Add shrimp in a single layer.
-
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and oregano.
-
Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and just opaque.
-
Flip once only to keep them juicy.
5. Build the Sauce
-
Pour in white wine (or broth).
-
Let it simmer 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
-
Add lemon juice and remaining 2 tbsp butter.
-
Spoon the sauce over the shrimp as it melts.
6. Finish & Garnish
-
Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
-
Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
-
Remove from heat immediately (overcooking = rubbery shrimp).
🍽 How to Serve
This dish is versatile:
-
Over pasta or linguine
-
With crusty bread to soak up the sauce
-
On rice or mashed potatoes
-
With a simple side salad or roasted veggies
🔥 Pro Tips
-
Use fresh shrimp if possible—huge flavor upgrade.
-
If sauce looks oily, whisk in 1–2 tbsp pasta water or broth to emulsify.
-
Want it richer? Add 1–2 tbsp grated Parmesan at the end.
