If you crave a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comes together quickly, this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Juicy shrimp cooked to perfection swim in a silky, garlicky sauce infused with bright lemon and fresh herbs, making every bite a celebration of the sea and garden. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a tasteful and elegant experience that feels like a warm hug from your favorite Mediterranean kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in its simplicity and carefully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a vital role—whether it’s the shrimp’s tender texture, the garlic’s aromatic depth, or the hint of heat from red pepper flakes that adds just the right kick.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and split to cook evenly and soak up all the flavors.
- Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon for shrimp): Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while tenderizing it gently.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): A secret ingredient that firms up the shrimp for perfect texture.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (4 tablespoons): Adds luscious richness and helps in searing the shrimp beautifully.
- Minced garlic (4 teaspoons): The star aromatic that infuses the dish with warmth and savory depth.
- Red pepper flakes (pinch): Adds a subtle heat to balance the buttery sauce.
- Dry vermouth (1/2 cup): Provides a delicate herbal complexity that elevates the sauce.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats every shrimp perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with a pop of citrusy freshness.
- Grated lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds fragrant citrus oils and color to finish the dish.
- Mixed fresh herbs (parsley, tarragon, chives – 2 teaspoons): Brings fresh, vibrant notes that lift the entire dish.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season the shrimp
Start by tossing the shrimp with kosher salt and baking soda. This simple step is like a magic trick—it tenderizes and firms up the shrimp, ensuring each bite has that perfect balance of softness with a satisfying snap.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then cook the shrimp in batches to get a slight golden color and just-cooked texture. The high heat cooks them quickly, locking in juicy flavor without becoming rubbery, while the golden spots add a lovely visual and textural contrast.
Step 3: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes
Use the same skillet to gently cook minced garlic with a pinch of red pepper flakes in olive oil. This process unlocks the garlicky aroma and brings warm, inviting notes to the base of your sauce. Just a minute is enough to brown the garlic slightly without burning it.
Step 4: Reduce vermouth
Pour in dry vermouth and bring it to a boil to let the alcohol cook off, leaving behind a wonderfully complex flavor that’s fruity with a touch of herbal brightness. Scraping up the browned bits adds even more depth to your sauce.
Step 5: Create the sauce
Add cold butter pieces to the skillet, swirling to melt them into a silky, emulsified sauce. Removing the pan from heat and stirring in fresh lemon juice balances the richness with a zesty pop, delivering that iconic scampi flavor in every drop.
Step 6: Simmer and adjust sauce
Return the pan to medium heat and gently simmer, whisking constantly to maintain a smooth texture. If the sauce separates, a little water whisked in helps bring it back together—this attention ensures your sauce remains glossy and luscious.
Step 7: Finish the dish
Finally, add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet along with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Toss everything to coat the shrimp beautifully in the fragrant, silky sauce. Serve immediately while warm for the ultimate taste and texture experience.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving adds a burst of green freshness and color. For a final touch, a few lemon wedges make it easy for your guests to brighten their shrimp with an extra squeeze of citrus.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like al dente linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the sauce, steamed asparagus for crunch, or a crusty baguette to mop up every delicious drop. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also complements the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, try serving the shrimp scampi over creamy risotto or a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Individual ramekins topped with fresh herbs make elegant pre-portioned servings that feel special for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen slightly when chilled, but shrimp texture is best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
While shrimp scampi is best fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve the delicate textures.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. A splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps it silky. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they sear well and absorb the flavors beautifully.
What if I don’t have dry vermouth?
Dry white wine is a great substitute and will provide a similar acidity and brightness to your Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe. If you neither have, a combination of white grape juice and a splash of lemon juice can work in a pinch.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Increase the pinch of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic. Adjust gradually so the heat enhances rather than overwhelms the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid serving it with wheat-based pasta. Pair it with gluten-free pasta, rice, or vegetables to keep the meal safe and delicious.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire recipe, including prep and cooking time, takes about 25 minutes. The hour listed includes time for the shrimp to rest with salt and baking soda, which you can shorten in a pinch without sacrificing too much texture.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your culinary rotation. The vibrant flavors, quick preparation, and impressive elegance make it a dish you’ll love cooking and sharing. Go ahead, dive in, and enjoy every garlicky, buttery, lemony bite!
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Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe features tender, juicy shrimp sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and a luscious vermouth-butter sauce infused with fresh lemon and herbs. Perfectly cooked in a skillet, this dish offers a balanced blend of bright citrus and savory flavors for an elegant yet simple seafood meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and split down the back, veins removed
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (for shrimp)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Shrimp Cooking and Sauce
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more as needed
- 4 teaspoons (25g) minced garlic (4 to 5 medium cloves)
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry vermouth
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon (4g) grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons (6g) minced fresh parsley, tarragon, and chives mixed
- Additional kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda until evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to rest for at least 10 minutes and up to 1 hour to tenderize and slightly firm them for optimal texture.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add half of the shrimp in an even layer, cooking while stirring and turning occasionally until the shrimp turn pink, are just cooked through, and lightly golden in spots, about 2 minutes. Remove cooked shrimp with a slotted spoon or tongs and place on a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp, adding more olive oil if necessary.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: To the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring frequently until the garlic just begins to turn golden, approximately 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Reduce vermouth: Pour in the dry vermouth and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Continue boiling until the alcohol scent fades and the vermouth reduces by about half, roughly 3 minutes.
- Create the sauce: Add the butter pieces to the skillet, stirring while swirling the pan rapidly as the butter melts, emulsifying the sauce into a silky texture. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Season with additional salt to taste.
- Simmer and adjust sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. If the sauce separates or breaks, whisk in a teaspoon or two of water until it emulsifies back to a smooth consistency.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the minced fresh herbs (parsley, tarragon, and chives) and lemon zest, then toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated and heated through. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Resting the shrimp with baking soda improves texture by tenderizing and firming them.
- Use dry vermouth to add complexity to the sauce; white wine can be a substitute if vermouth is unavailable.
- Keep a close eye on the garlic to avoid burning, which turns it bitter.
- If sauce breaks, whisking in a little water helps restore its silky consistency.
- Serve immediately to enjoy shrimp at their juiciest and sauce at its freshest.
