If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and feels like a special treat but comes together in a flash, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is your new best friend. It’s a gorgeous balance of garlicky richness and bright, zesty lemon that elevates succulent shrimp to pure magic. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party starter, this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers that perfect mix of buttery goodness, herbs, and just the right touch of wine, making every bite unforgettable.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi lies in its simplicity; every ingredient plays an essential role in giving the dish its vibrant aroma, balanced flavor, and pleasing texture. From the tender shrimp to the fresh herbs and citrus, these staples come together effortlessly to create a masterpiece.

1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or frozen, shrimp is the star here, offering a sweet, tender base for all the flavors.
3 tablespoons butter, divided: Butter brings the creamy, luscious texture that coats the shrimp perfectly.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Used with butter to prevent burning and add a slight fruity richness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: This packs a pungent punch, infusing the dish with its signature garlicky aroma.
2 tablespoons white wine: A splash of wine adds acidity and depth, helping to lift the flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: Lemon zest brightens the dish with a fresh citrusy tang without overpowering it.
1/4 cup lemon juice: This brings brightness and balances the heavier butter notes perfectly.
2 teaspoons thyme: Thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty herbal touch that pairs wonderfully with seafood.
1/4 cup parsley, chopped: Parsley lends a fresh, green color and a mild bitter contrast.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
Lemon slices for garnish: Adds visual appeal and an extra burst of citrus if you want.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Heat Butter and Olive Oil

Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This combination is key because the olive oil raises the smoke point slightly, helping the butter cook without burning, which keeps your dish tasting rich and fresh.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Once the butter stops bubbling, add your shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on one side. Flip the shrimp, then add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 2 minutes. Stir occasionally as the shrimp turns bright pink and becomes opaque. This quick cooking ensures the shrimp stays tender and juicy.

Step 3: Add Wine and Remaining Butter

Pour in the white wine and add the last tablespoon of butter. Scrape the bottom of the skillet gently to loosen any golden browned bits — those are flavor gold! Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 1 to 2 minutes to develop richness, but don’t overcook or the butter will separate.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon, Herbs, and Seasoning

Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice, zest, thyme, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper according to your preference. The fresh herbs and citrus brighten the dish perfectly at the end, giving this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi its lively, fresh final touch.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

Garnish with lemon slices for a beautiful visual pop and a hint of extra citrus aroma. A sprinkle of additional fresh parsley right before serving adds freshness and a splash of vibrant green color that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like linguine or angel hair pasta, soaking up every drop of the buttery sauce. For a lighter option, try it over steamed rice or alongside roasted vegetables. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness and rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi in a shallow pasta bowl, letting the sauce pool around the shrimp for an inviting presentation. For a showstopper, place it atop creamy polenta or mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. Even toasted crusty bread on the side invites guests to soak up the sauce and makes the dish feel even more indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover garlic butter shrimp scampi in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will stay tender and flavorful if stored properly — just avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain its delicate texture.

Freezing

While freezing cooked shrimp dishes isn’t always ideal, you can freeze this scampi if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water, wine, or broth to revive the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid the microwave as it can easily overcook the shrimp, turning them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Definitely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking for the best texture and even cooking. Fresh or previously frozen shrimp both work wonderfully in this Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi.

What type of white wine is best to use?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect because it adds acidity without sweetness, enhancing the dish’s bright flavors without overpowering the shrimp.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free wine and serve it on gluten-free sides. Just skip any pasta containing gluten and try rice, gluten-free pasta, or vegetables instead.

How do I make the shrimp more flavorful?

Marinate the shrimp briefly with some lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Be careful not to over-marinate or the acid will start to “cook” the shrimp.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure even cooking. The Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is perfect for sharing and scales up beautifully without losing any flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is one of those delightful recipes that feels special but comes together quickly with simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s rich, bright, and utterly satisfying, perfect for impressing friends or indulging yourself after a long day. Give it a try — I promise this dish will become a favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, this recipe combines the zestiness of lemon, the earthiness of thyme, and the richness of butter for a memorable meal.

Instructions

Heat Butter and Oil: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and all of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter stops bubbling, creating a flavorful base for cooking the shrimp.
Cook Shrimp and Garlic: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes without moving to get a good sear. Flip the shrimp over, add the minced garlic, and continue cooking for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp is pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Add Wine and Remaining Butter: Pour in the white wine and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and intensify in flavor.
Finish with Herbs and Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This brightens and freshens the dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the shrimp with lemon slices and serve immediately while hot, ideally over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

For a spicier twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
If white wine is not available, substitute with chicken broth or additional lemon juice.
Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture.
This recipe cooks quickly; avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American