Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi (Ready in 20 Minutes!)
The ultimate restaurant-quality shrimp scampi that’s deceptively simple to make at home.
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 5-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Dairy-free option available, low-carb, high-protein
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet (non-stick works too)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Garlic press (optional)
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons (60g) butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 6 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
METHOD
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the butter until melted and bubbling.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (watch carefully – it burns quickly!).
- Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque.
- Remove shrimp to a plate, keeping warm.
- Pour wine into pan, scraping up brown bits. Simmer 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add remaining butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Stir until butter melts.
- Return shrimp to pan, toss to coat, and serve immediately.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook shrimp in batches if needed
- Shrimp cook fast! Remove them as soon as they turn pink
- Use fresh garlic, not pre-minced
- Room temperature butter melts more evenly
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Reheat gently to prevent rubbery shrimp
Common Mistakes:
- Overcooking the shrimp
- Using cold butter (causes splitting)
- Skimping on garlic
Variations:
- Spicy: Double the red pepper flakes
- Dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter
- Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles
The key to perfect scampi is timing – have everything ready before you start cooking. This dish moves fast!
Feel free to customize the heat level or serve it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that gorgeous sauce.
