Description
This Shrimp Scampi recipe is inspired by the famous Red Lobster dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, brightened by lemon and enhanced with a touch of Parmesan. This recipe is easy to make at home and delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking them until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Garlic:
Reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Make the Sauce:
Add white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until the liquid reduces by half, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Finish the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low, stir in Italian seasoning and butter, and let the butter melt into the sauce. Continue stirring to fully incorporate the ingredients.
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce until well-coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Shrimp Size: Medium shrimp (41-50 per pound) are ideal for this recipe, but you can use large or jumbo shrimp if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth or vegetable stock works just as well, adding savory flavor without the alcohol.
- Butter Control: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the dish. You can adjust the seasoning at the end to suit your taste.
- Extra Flavor: For more flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or an extra clove of garlic if you prefer a bolder taste.
This easy Shrimp Scampi recipe can be served over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a comforting yet elegant dish that is sure to impress!