Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: The Easy and Flavorful Recipe

Crevettes Scampis à l'Ail et au Beurre : La Recette Facile et Savoureuse - cuisinertelunchef

Introduction

Garlic butter shrimp are a staple of Mediterranean cuisine. Simple, quick, and aromatic, they can be prepared in just a few minutes and are sure to please with their delicate taste enhanced by fresh garlic, parsley, and a splash of lemon.

Served with rice, fresh pasta, a salad, or grilled bread, they make an elegant meal whether for a weeknight dinner or for hosting guests.

Pan-seared garlic butter shrimp with melted butter sauce, golden garlic, and fresh flat-leaf parsley in a cast-iron skillet with rice - CuisinerTelUnChef Recipe

👨🍳 CuisinerTelUnChef Tip

To zest an organic lemon without including the bitter white pith, use a high-quality zester. The zest provides an intense citrus aroma that elevates the entire butter sauce.

Key Information

Item Value
Preparation 15 min
Cooking 10 min
Total time 25 min
Difficulty Very easy
Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 800 g large peeled shrimp
  • 50 g butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 organic lemon
  • 1 bunch of flat-leaf parsley
  • 10 cl dry white wine (optional)
  • Salt, freshly ground pepper

Recommended equipment

Preparation

Step 1 – Prepare the ingredients

Finely mince the garlic with a chef's knife. Chop the parsley. Remove the zest from the lemon using the zester, then juice it. Carefully pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

👨🍳 CuisinerTelUnChef Tip

Take the shrimp out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Shrimp at room temperature cook more evenly and remain more tender.

Step 2 – Sear the shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shrimp. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Temporarily remove them from the pan.

Step 3 – Prepare the sauce

Add the butter. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds without letting it brown. Pour in the white wine. Let it reduce for 2 minutes. Add the lemon juice, zest, and parsley.

Step 4 – Finalize

Return the shrimp to the skillet. Gently coat them in the sauce. Season generously with pepper. Adjust salt if necessary. Serve immediately.

The secrets to perfect shrimp

Very short cooking time

Shrimp become rubbery when overcooked.

Use fresh garlic

It provides an incomparable aroma compared to dehydrated garlic.

Add lemon at the end of cooking

This keeps its freshness and acidity intact.

Lots of parsley

Parsley balances the richness of the butter.

Pan-seared golden shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, sprinkled with parsley and accompanied by lemon slices.

Variations

Garlic and cream shrimp

Add 15 cl of heavy cream for a creamy sauce.

Spicy version

Add Espelette pepper or a few red pepper flakes.

Mediterranean shrimp

Incorporate cherry tomatoes and a few black olives.

Parmesan shrimp

Add freshly grated Parmesan before serving.

Sides

  • basmati rice
  • fresh linguine
  • homemade mashed potatoes
  • green salad
  • grilled bread
  • steamed vegetables

Recipes to discover

Chef's tips

  • Take the shrimp out of the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking.
  • Use quality butter for a more flavorful sauce.
  • Add a few basil leaves in the summer for a Mediterranean touch.

Storage

Refrigerator: up to 2 days.

Freezing after cooking is not recommended to preserve the shrimp's texture.

Nutritional values (approximate)

Per serving Quantity
Calories 360 kcal
Protein 36 g
Fat 20 g
Carbohydrates 4 g
Fiber 1 g

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, provided you thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly before cooking.

How to avoid rubbery shrimp?

Stick to a very quick cook time: about 2 minutes per side depending on their size.

Which butter should I choose?

A good quality unsalted or lightly salted butter provides a richer flavor.

Can I replace the white wine?

Yes, with a little vegetable or chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice.

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To succeed with your garlic butter shrimp, equip yourself with the right utensils:

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