Scampi are tiny, lobster-like crustaceans with pale pink shells (also called langoustines). Italian cooks in the United States swapped shrimp for scampi, but kept both names. Thus the dish was born, along with inevitable variations.
This classic recipe makes a simple garlic, white wine and butter sauce that goes well with a pile of pasta or with a hunk of crusty bread. However you make the dish, once the shrimp are added to the pan, the trick is to cook them just long enough that they turn pink all over, but not until their bodies curl into rounds with the texture of tires. (Watch the video of Melissa Clark making classic shrimp scampi here.)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
![scampi sauce recipe](https://cafedelites.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Garlic-Butter-Shrimp-IMAGE-37.jpg)
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is so quick and easy! A garlic buttery scampi sauce with a hint of white wine & lemon in less than 10 minutes! Serve as an appetizer/light meal OR for dinner with pasta! Keep it low carb and serve it over zucchini noodles or with steamed cauliflower!
Prep: 5min
Total: 10min
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 291 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 13 g, Saturated Fat 7 g, Cholesterol 458 mg, Sodium 1427 mg, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4-5 large garlic cloves, (minced (or 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic))
- 1 1/4 pounds (600 grams) large shrimp (prawns, shelled with tails on or off)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste (optional))
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instruction:
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds – 1 minute). Then add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side (until just beginning to turn pink), then flip.
- Pour in wine (or broth), add red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes or until wine reduces by about half and the shrimp is cooked through (don’t over cook your shrimp).
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice and parsley and take off heat immediately.
- Serve over rice, pasta, garlic bread or steamed vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini noodles).
Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe
![scampi sauce recipe](https://www.themediterraneandish.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/shrimp-scampi-recipe-5.jpg)
This easy shrimp scampi comes together in 20 minutes for the perfect fancy dinner at home! Make use of the delicious garlic scampi sauce, and serve it over your favorite pasta or even rice.
Prep: 15min
Total: 20min
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 186.9 kcal, Carbohydrate 1.8 g, Protein 0.4 g, Saturated Fat 6.9 g, Trans Fat 0.3 g, Cholesterol 22.6 mg, Sodium 8.8 mg, Fiber 0.3 g, Sugar 0.2 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, (peeled and deveined)
- 4 to 5 large garlic cloves, (minced)
- Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 to 1 tsp red pepper flakes, (or more to your liking)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup dry white wine, ( or use broth if you don’t want to use wine)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, (chopped)
Instruction:
- Pat the shrimp dry and put them in a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of kosher salt, half the garlic, and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Toss to combine. Set aside for 15 to 20 minutes (or refrigerate for 30 mins to 1 hour).
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil starts to shimmer, add the marinated shrimp mixture. Cook the shrimp for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes on each side or until it begins to turn pink. Remove the shrimp and set it aside on a plate (if some of the shrimp is still a little grey, do not worry, it will fully cook through when you put it back in the skillet).
- To the skillet, now add the remaining garlic and red pepper flakes and cook briefly until fragrant (careful not to brown the garlic). Add the wine, and lemon juice and cook for a couple minutes until reduced by ½.
- Add the butter and cook until melted.
- Return the shrimp back to the pan and toss to coat. Allow the shrimp a couple minutes to warm through (and for any grey shrimp to turn pink).
- Turn the heat off and add the parlsey and more red pepper flakes if you like. Serve immediately.
Easy Shrimp Scampi Sauce Recipe
FAQ
What is the scampi sauce made of?
In this garlic shrimp scampi, the sauce is made with a bit of butter, olive oil, white wine, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. If you like, a little parsley for garnish.
What is scampi sauce made of Olive Garden?
- Butter.
- Yellow Onion.
- White Wine.
- Chicken Stock.
- Lemon Juice.
- Parsley.
- Red Pepper Flakes.
How do you thicken scampi sauce?
Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you’ve reached your desired consistency. Test with a spoon.
What is the best white wine for scampi sauce?
What can I use as a substitute for white wine in shrimp scampi?
What is scampi Italian?