Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp

Discovering this lemon garlic butter shrimp scampi was like uncovering a little treasure in the kitchen. The first time I made it, the bright citrus paired with the rich butter sauce filled my home with scents that instantly lifted my spirits. It quickly became my go-to when I wanted something impressive but simple and comforting.

I remember one evening when unexpected guests dropped by. With just a quick trip to the freezer for shrimp and pantry staples, I whipped this up in under 20 minutes, and everyone still talks about it!

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp: I reach for peeled and deveined shrimp with tails still on for that perfect bite and presentation.
• 4 cloves garlic: Minced fresh garlic is the soul of this dish, giving it that robust aroma and flavor.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Unsalted lets me control seasoning perfectly and creates the lush sauce texture.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a fruity richness.
• 1/4 cup dry white wine: Adds depth—chicken broth works well if wine isn’t on hand.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon: Brightens the whole dish giving it that fresh zing I adore.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped finely for a fresh green contrast.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning makes all the difference here.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Pat the shrimp dry so they sauté beautifully, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.

Heat the Pan:

Warm olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in your skillet over medium-high heat; listen to the sizzle as it signals perfect cooking temperature.

Cook the Shrimp:

Arrange shrimp in a single layer and let them cook 1–2 minutes per side until just pink and opaque, taking care not to overcook—they should still feel tender.

Sauté Aromatics:

Lower the heat to medium and melt remaining butter, then add minced garlic (and shallot if you like) sautéing until fragrant but not browned—watch for that inviting garlicky aroma.

Build the Sauce:

Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a gentle kick, then pour in the white wine. Let it simmer 1–2 minutes while scraping any tasty browned bits from the pan bottom, infusing every bite.

Finish with Lemon and Shrimp:

Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest to brighten the sauce, then toss the shrimp back in to coat and warm through—just a minute or two more to marry the flavors.

Final Touches:

Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top, taste and adjust salt and pepper, then serve immediately over your choice of pasta or crusty bread for dipping.

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This dish became more than just a meal one chilly night when my family gathered around the table, the warm buttery sauce and fresh lemon notes felt like a celebration of simple joys and togetherness.

Keeping It Fresh

Using fresh garlic and parsley really makes the difference. Whenever possible, buy shrimp that are as fresh as you can find or properly thawed if frozen. The fresher the ingredients, the brighter and more vibrant the final dish tastes.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

I love serving this over linguine or spaghetti, but crusty bread works wonders to soak up every last drop of that luscious sauce. Adding a simple side salad balances the richness perfectly.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, during a busy weeknight, this recipe was my hero. Quick to make and impressive enough for unexpected company, it turned a hectic evening into a comfortable, tasty success.

• Don’t forget to zest the lemon before juicing—it adds a bright floral note.
• Feel free to swap wine for chicken broth to keep things alcohol-free.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully, just be gentle to not overcook the shrimp again.

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Thanks for cooking along with me! I hope this recipe brings as much joy and ease to your kitchen as it has to mine.

Your Questions Answered

→ Can I substitute chicken broth for white wine?

Yes, chicken broth makes a suitable alternative, providing savory depth without the acidity of wine.

→ What type of pasta pairs best with this dish?

Linguine or spaghetti cooked al dente complement the delicate sauce and shrimp texture perfectly.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Sauté garlic over medium heat until fragrant but avoid browning by stirring frequently and removing from heat promptly.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, ingredients like halved cherry tomatoes or baby spinach add color and nutrition when incorporated at the end.

→ Is this dish suitable for a pescatarian diet?

Absolutely; it features seafood and plant-based ingredients aligned with pescatarian preferences.