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Shrimp Scampi

A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe featuring buttery garlic and lemon flavors, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined; tails on or off as you prefer) Use thawed, dry shrimp for best results.
  • 4 tablespoons butter Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice About half a lemon's worth.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley For garnish and flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for a gentle heat.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Season as preferred.
  • Pasta (optional) Linguine or spaghetti if desired.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to smell slightly nutty.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30–45 seconds. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Add the shrimp, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Spread them in a single layer.
  4. Cook the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, and toss to combine.
  6. If using pasta, toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp mixture and add a splash of pasta water for more sauce.
  7. Serve immediately with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

This dish is best served fresh. Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Do not freeze cooked shrimp scampi, as they can become rubbery.