Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi recipe is a restaurant-worthy dish you can make in under 30 minutes. It features tender, seared shrimp tossed in a garlicky butter sauce with bright notes of lemon and a splash of white vermouth. Whether you serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a light appetizer, this classic Italian-American dish is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• 🧄 Bold, buttery garlic flavor
• 🦐 Juicy, seared shrimp cooked in minutes
• 🍋 Zesty lemon + herb finish keeps it light and fresh
• 🍷 White wine (or vermouth) adds elegant acidity
• ⏱️ 30-minute dinner from start to finish

Ingredients

• 1 lb jumbo shrimp, shelled and deveined
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• ¼ cup dry white vermouth (or dry white wine)
• ¼ tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp chopped flat-leaf parsley

Instructions

1. Prep the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels—this helps with a better sear.
Season all over with salt and pepper.

2. Sear the Shrimp

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once the foaming subsides, increase heat to high and add shrimp all at once.
Sear undisturbed for 1 minute.
Add garlic and cook another 1 minute.
Flip shrimp and cook 2 minutes more, until just opaque.
Transfer to a bowl.

3. Make the Sauce

Return the skillet to heat.
Add vermouth and lemon juice. Boil for 30 seconds until slightly reduced.
Scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon.
Stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley.

4. Finish and Serve

Pour the sauce over the cooked shrimp and toss gently.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with warm bread.

Recipe Details

this recipe

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 2 (main) or 4 (starter)

Nutrition Facts (Approx. per main dish serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbs: 5g
• Sugar: 1g

Tips & Variations

• 🧅 Add shallots: Sauté 1 finely chopped shallot with the garlic for extra depth.
• 🌶️ Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• 🧈 Extra butter: Stir in a tablespoon of cold butter at the end for a silkier sauce.
• 🍝 Serve it right: Toss with spaghetti, angel hair, or linguine.
• 🥂 Wine swap: No vermouth? Use dry white wine or broth with a splash of lemon juice.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is quick, flavorful, and elegant—perfect with pasta, bread, or a glass of chilled white wine.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 2

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 433

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1 lb jumbo shrimp shelled and deveined
• – Kosher salt and black pepper
• – 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• – 2 tsp minced garlic
• – ¼ cup dry white vermouth or dry white wine
• – ¼ tsp lemon zest
• – 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• – 2 tsp chopped parsley

Equipment

• Skillet
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once foaming, increase to high heat.
3. Add shrimp all at once. Cook for 1 min undisturbed.
4. Add garlic, cook another minute. Flip shrimp and cook 2 minutes more.
5. Transfer shrimp to bowl.
6. Add vermouth and lemon juice to skillet. Boil for 30 seconds.
7. Scrape browned bits, stir in lemon zest and parsley.
8. Pour sauce over shrimp, toss gently, and serve hot.

Notes

– Dry white wine can replace vermouth
– Add shallots or red pepper flakes for variation
– Serve over spaghetti or rice

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—just thaw, peel, and pat them completely dry before cooking.

What kind of wine works best?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect.

How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?
They only need a couple of minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.

Can I make it ahead?
This dish is best served fresh. However, you can prep the shrimp and garlic in advance.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Scampi recipe is a weeknight savior and dinner party star all in one. With rich buttery notes, a punch of garlic, and the tang of citrus and wine, it delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Serve it hot, mop up that sauce with bread, and enjoy every last bite.