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Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Broiled Garlic Butter Perfection in 30 Minutes

Indulge in the classic flavors of this Italian-American favorite: succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with bright lemon and a splash of white wine, then broiled to tender perfection. This Easy Shrimp Scampi is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, landing on your table in under 30 minutes, featuring just 15 minutes of active cooking!

There’s an undeniable allure to a perfectly prepared dish of Shrimp Scampi. Whether it’s the plump, meaty shrimp, the intoxicating aroma of the rich garlic-butter sauce, or the exquisite synergy of these elements combined, Shrimp Scampi has consistently been a beloved dinner choice for countless families, including mine.

For years, my mother’s broiled Shrimp Scampi was a highlight of our Christmas Eve seafood feast. While it always graced my plate among a spread of delicious options, I often found myself eagerly anticipating those evenings when Shrimp Scampi was the star, allowing me to savor every last bite without distraction. As an adult, this streamlined recipe for Easy Shrimp Scampi has become my go-to for creating a special meal without dedicating hours to cooking. It’s a versatile dish that feels equally at home on a cozy winter night or as an elegant offering for summer alfresco dining with friends.

Imagine pairing this luminous dish with a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, alongside a warm, crusty loaf of bread ready to soak up every drop of that irresistible sauce. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience to be savored, making ordinary evenings feel extraordinary.

What Exactly is Shrimp Scampi? Unraveling the Italian-American Classic

The garlicky seafood dish we affectionately know as Shrimp Scampi is a delightful Italian-American adaptation of a traditional European preparation. However, it’s important to understand a key distinction: in Europe, the term “Scampi” doesn’t refer to the dish itself, but rather to a specific type of delectable crustacean.

These true “scampi” are not shrimp at all. Also known as langoustines, Dublin Bay prawns, or Norwegian lobsters, they bear a striking resemblance to miniature lobsters, complete with robust claws and a shrimp-like head. Their flavor profile is distinctly richer and sweeter than that of shrimp, often compared to the luxurious taste and tender texture of crawfish or even lobster. For those curious to delve deeper, articles like Bon Appétit’s “Langoustines Are the New Foie Gras” offer a fascinating read on these exquisite creatures.

Historically, in Italy, “scampi” were prepared in various mouth-watering ways, often sautéed simply with garlic, onion, white wine, and olive oil. When Italian immigrants arrived in the United States, they brought their culinary traditions with them. Faced with the limited availability of true langoustines, resourceful Italian-American cooks ingeniously adapted the beloved dish. They substituted the European “scampi” with the readily available, plump, and flavorful local shrimp, giving birth to the iconic and immensely popular recipe for Shrimp Scampi we cherish today.

garlic cloves and a garlic press for scampi recipe

Mastering Easy Shrimp Scampi: A Quick and Flavorful Approach

While there are several methods for preparing Shrimp Scampi—from cooking entirely on the stovetop to baking, or even a delightful summer grilled variation—my preferred technique, honed through years of family tradition, involves a combination of stovetop searing and a quick finish under the broiler. This method ensures the shrimp cook through perfectly while achieving a beautiful caramelized exterior and deeply concentrated flavors.

You’ll often see recipes touting “quick” or “easy” claims online, but this Easy Shrimp Scampi truly lives up to its name. It stands out as one of the most straightforward yet intensely flavorful shrimp dinners you can create. The preparation of ingredients is remarkably swift, requiring only about 15 minutes of your time. This can be even quicker if you opt for pre-cleaned shrimp from your local seafood market. The actual cooking time is equally impressive, demanding just another 15 minutes. In essence, from start to finish, you’re looking at a gourmet-quality meal in half an hour.

The process is incredibly simple: begin by melting butter and olive oil in a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Infuse this aromatic base with minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, fresh scallions, bright lemon zest, and a generous splash of dry white wine. Once the fragrant sauce is simmering, stir in your plump shrimp, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. A brief stint under the broiler—just a few minutes per side—is all it takes to cook the shrimp to tender perfection. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a scattering of chopped Italian parsley, and your exquisite dinner is ready to be devoured.

You might glance at the amount of butter in the pan and wonder if it’s too much. Trust me on this: do not skimp on the butter! The luscious garlic-white wine-butter sauce is not just an accompaniment; it’s the very soul of this dish. You’ll want an abundance of this golden, flavorful sauce to toss with al dente pasta, drizzle over fluffy rice, or, perhaps most satisfyingly, to sop up with thick slices of warm, crusty bread. This generous sauce ensures every bite is rich, decadent, and utterly satisfying.

For those eager to explore more quick and delightful shrimp dinners, consider trying an Easy Shrimp and Grits (with Beer!) or a sweet and savory Honey Walnut Shrimp recipe.

Choosing the Perfect Shrimp for Your Scampi

The quality and size of your shrimp play a crucial role in the success of your Shrimp Scampi. For this recipe, I highly recommend using U/15 shrimp, which means “under 15 shrimp per pound.” These larger shrimp offer a substantial, satisfying bite, making them feel like a true centerpiece for dinner. Their size also helps them retain moisture and juiciness beautifully under the high heat of the broiler, preventing them from drying out too quickly.

Understanding shrimp counts and what to look for at the seafood market can elevate your cooking. For a comprehensive guide, refer to my Shrimp Sizes reference.

While U/15 shrimp are ideal, you can certainly prepare this easy shrimp scampi recipe with smaller varieties. If you plan to serve your scampi over spaghetti or linguine, smaller shrimp might even be preferred for easier eating. For the best possible texture, however, I advise against using anything smaller than jumbo shrimp, typically categorized as 21/25 (21 to 25 shrimp per pound). Anything smaller tends to cook too quickly and can easily become rubbery.

When using smaller shrimp, it’s crucial to adjust your cooking time accordingly. They will require significantly less time under the broiler. Start checking for doneness after just two to three minutes, and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn firm, opaque, and pink. The cardinal rule for cooking shrimp is simple: **do not overcook them!** Overcooked shrimp lose their delicate texture, becoming tough and rubbery, which detracts significantly from the enjoyment of your scampi. Always watch them closely and err on the side of slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

Shrimp Scampi is incredibly versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of sides or adapt to your personal taste. The most classic accompaniment is, of course, pasta. Toss your freshly cooked shrimp and the rich garlic-butter sauce with al dente linguine, spaghetti, or even capellini for a truly satisfying meal. The pasta soaks up the exquisite sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Beyond pasta, Shrimp Scampi is also wonderful served over fluffy rice, creamy polenta, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter, lower-carb option, consider serving it atop zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. And, as previously mentioned, don’t forget a hearty, crusty bread – it’s essential for soaking up every last drop of that delectable sauce!

To round out your meal, add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, or a simple side of steamed or roasted vegetables. Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or cherry tomatoes are all fantastic choices that complement the rich flavors of the scampi beautifully.

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few delightful variations to consider:

**Spicy Scampi:** Increase the red pepper flakes to your desired heat level, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
**Herbal Infusion:** Incorporate other fresh herbs like fresh basil, oregano, or a touch of thyme along with the parsley.
**Creamy Scampi:** Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the very end for an even more luxurious, velvety sauce.
**Tomato Burst:** Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to gently soften and release their sweet juices into the sauce.

No matter how you serve or adapt it, this Easy Shrimp Scampi is guaranteed to become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.

More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this Easy Shrimp Scampi, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic shrimp recipes:

Poached Shrimp: Perfect for shrimp cocktails or salads, offering a delicate texture.
Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Bourbon Glaze: An impressive appetizer or main course, bursting with savory and sweet notes.
Shrimp Lo Mein: A quick and flavorful stir-fry that brings Asian-inspired cuisine to your kitchen.
Coconut Shrimp (Baked, Fried, or Air Fried): A tropical treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender within.
Air Fryer Shrimp: For an incredibly fast and healthy way to cook shrimp with minimal oil.

Easy Shrimp Scampi

by
Amanda Biddle

In just 30 minutes, you can have tender shrimp enrobed in a garlicky white wine butter sauce for dinner. This Italian-American dinner classic is equally well-suited to dinner on a cozy night as it is to entertaining guests.

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Servings:
4 to 6 servings (depending on if you’re serving with pasta)

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup olive oil
4 large cloves garlic , minced
⅛ to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
¼ cup scallions , thinly sliced
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
¼ cup dry white wine
1-1/2 pounds raw U15 sized shrimp (deveined, shelled, tail on)*
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
¼ cup Italian parsley leaves , chopped

Instructions

Preheat broiler with rack 6-inches from the element.
In a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt together butter and olive oil until foaming subsides. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in scallions, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add wine, reduce heat slightly, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat and add shrimp, tossing to coat them with the butter mixture. Arrange shrimp in a single layer. Place pan in oven and broil shrimp for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to dip into the butter sauce.

Notes

If you are unable to source U15 sized shrimp, this recipe is also delicious made with extra jumbo (16/20) and jumbo (21/25). Smaller shrimp will need less time under the broiler, so start checking them for doneness after 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition Estimate

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About our recipes

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.

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