Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples and fresh shrimp.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Delivers a rich and satisfying taste reminiscent of dining out.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a spicy version.
- Herb Substitutions: Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Non-Alcoholic: Substitute white wine with chicken broth for an alcohol-free option.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined, are ideal for this dish. Fresh or frozen shrimp can be used; if using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s best to use raw shrimp for this recipe, as pre-cooked shrimp can become overcooked and rubbery when reheated.
Is there a substitute for Old Bay Seasoning?
If you don’t have Old Bay Seasoning, you can create a similar flavor by combining paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What type of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a suitable substitute.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can enhance the dish and add nutritional value.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure that all ingredients, especially the chicken broth and seasonings, are gluten-free. Serve the shrimp scampi over gluten-free pasta or rice.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. A side salad or steamed vegetables also make excellent accompaniments.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the minced garlic over medium heat and stir continuously. Adding a bit of extra olive oil or butter can also help prevent burning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the shrimp, and combine them just before serving.
Is it safe to reheat shrimp?
Yes, it’s safe to reheat shrimp. However, do so gently over low heat to prevent overcooking, which can make the shrimp tough.
Restaurant-Style Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Recreate the restaurant-quality taste of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi at home with this easy and flavorful recipe. Succulent shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a splash of white wine and fresh lemon juice, delivering a savory and citrusy seafood dish. Perfectly served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for an elegant yet quick dinner in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups white wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add white wine and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in butter and the remaining Old Bay Seasoning until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return shrimp to skillet, tossing to coat in sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- or a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- For a Gluten-Free Version: Serve over gluten-free pasta or rice.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat—avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
