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Savory Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe with Zesty Lemon

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A quick and easy shrimp scampi recipe featuring a buttery garlic sauce with a bright lemon kick, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc) or chicken broth as substitute
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pasta or crusty bread for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound of large shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Ensure they are fully peeled and deveined.
  2. Zest 1 large lemon using a microplane or fine grater, avoiding the white pith. Juice the lemon and set both aside.
  3. Peel and finely mince 4 garlic cloves.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely, swirling occasionally.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not burnt.
  6. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and slightly opaque, then flip and cook another 2 minutes. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
  7. Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and the lemon juice. Stir gently and let simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  8. Season with 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add the lemon zest and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Stir and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  9. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.

Notes

Keep garlic moving in the pan to prevent burning. Use medium heat to avoid butter browning too fast. If sauce is too thin, simmer a bit longer but watch closely. Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture. Lemon zest is essential for bright flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine and use olive oil only. Leftovers keep well for up to 2 days refrigerated; reheat gently in skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic butter shrimp, lemon shrimp, quick dinner, easy seafood recipe, weeknight meal, garlic shrimp, lemon butter sauce

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/savory-garlic-butter-shrimp-scampi-recipe-with-zesty-lemon-easy-steps/