Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter – Bright, Buttery, and Elegant

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter is a timeless dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Juicy shrimp are gently cooked in a silky sauce made from butter, garlic, and fresh lemon, creating a meal that feels both light and indulgent. I often make this recipe when I want something quick yet impressive, especially on busy evenings when time is limited but flavor still matters. The lemon butter sauce brings brightness and balance, cutting through the richness of the butter while enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp. This dish works beautifully served over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. Simple ingredients, fast cooking, and bold flavor make shrimp scampi a reliable classic that never goes out of style.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is fast, elegant, and full of fresh flavor. It cooks in minutes, uses simple ingredients, and feels special enough for entertaining while remaining easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Large Shrimp
Shrimp are the star of the dish, offering sweet, tender texture that pairs perfectly with the lemon butter sauce.

Butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and a silky mouthfeel.

Olive Oil
Olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds subtle depth.

Garlic
Garlic adds bold, savory aroma and is essential to classic scampi flavor.

Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the butter.

Lemon Zest
Lemon zest intensifies citrus flavor without adding acidity.

Dry White Wine or Broth
This adds depth and helps loosen the sauce while cooking.

Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes provide gentle heat and balance the buttery sauce.

Salt
Salt enhances the shrimp and ties all flavors together.

Black Pepper
Black pepper adds mild warmth and seasoning balance.

Fresh Parsley
Parsley adds freshness, color, and a clean finish to the dish.

Directions

Begin by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning lightly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook briefly on each side until pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and garlic. Cook gently until fragrant, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and white wine or broth. Allow the sauce to simmer briefly until slightly reduced.

Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the lemon butter sauce. Cook just until heated through. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment needed :

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is 10 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Variations and Customizations

Shrimp scampi is easy to customize while keeping its classic appeal. For a heartier meal, serve it over linguine or angel hair pasta, tossing the pasta directly in the sauce. Rice or zucchini noodles also work well.

For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the sauce. If you prefer stronger garlic flavor, add an extra clove, cooking it gently to avoid bitterness.

You can substitute chicken broth for wine if preferred. For a Mediterranean twist, add capers or a small amount of grated Parmesan just before serving.

This dish can also be made with scallops or a mix of seafood, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is high in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates. It is naturally gluten-free and suitable for low-carb diets when served without pasta.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Do not overcook
Shrimp cook quickly and should be removed as soon as they turn pink.

Sauce balance
Adjust lemon juice and butter to suit your taste preference.

Fresh finish
Add parsley at the end to preserve color and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

What size shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for scampi.

Can I skip the wine?

Yes, broth is a good substitute.

How do I prevent rubbery shrimp?

Cook briefly and remove from heat promptly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat gently.

What pasta pairs best with scampi?

Linguine and angel hair work very well.

Is shrimp scampi spicy?

Only mildly, and heat can be adjusted.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach or cherry tomatoes work nicely.

Does butter burn easily?

Combining it with olive oil helps prevent burning.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger skillet and cook shrimp in batches.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi with Lemon Butter is a bright, elegant dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for quick dinners or special occasions, it remains a classic recipe that proves simple ingredients can create truly memorable meals.

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