Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Ready in 20

By Avery MaloneSeptember 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever have one of those days? You know, when cooking feels like a chore? Honestly, this garlic butter shrimp is your knight in shining armour. It's so quick, it's almost criminal.

Quick Hook

This garlic butter shrimp recipe is your answer to a delicious and fast meal. The key? A wonderfully rich and garlicky flavor.

Brief Overview

This dish, kind of like shrimp scampi , is dead easy and super satisfying. Think of it as a Mediterranean hug in a pan.

It's ready in twenty minutes. This easy garlic butter shrimp serves four hungry souls.

Main Benefits

Garlic butter seafood isn't just yummy. It's also packed with protein! This quick shrimp dinner is perfect for a busy weeknight.

What makes it special? That burst of lemon juice at the end, it just lifts everything!

look into into the Ingredients

To nail this garlic shrimp scampi , you'll need some fresh ingredients. Six hundred eighty grams of plump shrimp are the star.

Don't skimp on the six cloves of minced garlic. Trust me, that's where the magic is. We'll also use six tablespoons of proper butter, and some parsley.

A splash of lemon juice is key. I like a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give it a kick.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Path to Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp

Right, so before we get our aprons on, let's make sure we've got all the bits and bobs. Don't worry, making awesome garlic butter shrimp isn't rocket science!

Main Ingredients: The Nitty Gritty

Let's get down to brass tacks. Here's what you'll need to create some cracking garlic shrimp scampi .

Shrimp: 1.5 lb (680g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Size matters. Bigger ones are juicier.
Butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter. Splurge on the good stuff. You will appreciate it.
Garlic: 6 cloves , minced. About 2 tablespoons . Fresh garlic is your best bet here.
White Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (optional). Sauvignon Blanc is great.
Parsley: 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped. Adds a pop of freshness.
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice. Sharp and zesty.
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon . Add a kick to this shrimp recipe .
Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

For amazing garlic butter shrimp pasta , quality is key. The fresher the shrimp, the better the taste. Avoid the frozen stuff if possible.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs Away!

Here's where the magic happens.

Essential Spice Combo: Garlic, red pepper flakes, and black pepper is the foundation. It is solid
Flavor Enhancers: The white wine (if you're using it) adds depth. Lemon juice cuts through the richness.
Substitution Options: No white wine? A dash of chicken broth will do. Short on fresh parsley? Dried will work in a pinch. It isn't ideal.

Honestly, the garlic is the star. Don’t skimp! How to make garlic butter shrimp awesome? Use fresh ingredients.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need to empty your wallet.

Essential Tool: A large skillet or sauté pan. Non-stick is your friend.
Common Alternative: Garlic press (optional). But honestly, finely chopping it works just fine.

That’s it! Making easy garlic butter shrimp doesn't require fancy gadgets. You might need one, but not necessarily. You can make it fancy garlic butter seafood tonight.

Cooking Method: Sizzling Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Oh my gosh, who doesn't love garlic butter shrimp ? It's proper lush! Honestly, this shrimp scampi recipe is dead easy, even if you're rubbish in the kitchen.

I remember when I first tried making it, I nearly set off the smoke alarm. We'll get to that later.

Prep Like a Pro: Essential Mise en Place

First things first, garlic butter shrimp ingredients : you need to get your act together. Mince about 6 cloves of garlic.

Like, really mince it. Get your 1.5 lb of shrimp ready. Pat them dry, yeah? It will help them sear, rather than steam.

Chop up 1/4 cup of parsley. Fresh is best, obviously. Squeeze some lemon juice (2 tablespoons) , and grab your red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon) .

Done! That’s mise en place sorted.

step-by-step: How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Like a Boss

Right, let's get cooking! This easy garlic butter shrimp will be ready in no time!

Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1- 2 minutes. Don't burn the garlic, or you'll cry. Trust me.
Pour in 1/4 cup of white wine (optional). Simmer for a minute or two. It adds a nice zing.
Add the shrimp. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side. They should turn pink and curl up.
Stir in the lemon juice and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve this garlic butter shrimp pasta over pasta, rice, or just eat it with crusty bread. The bread is important to soak up that shrimp with garlic butter sauce !

Pro Tips for Garlic Shrimp Scampi Perfection

Here are a few tricks for your quick shrimp dinner .

First, don't overcook the shrimp. Rubber shrimp are a crime. Cook them until they are pink, no more. I like to use a proper garlic press.

Get all the flavour out. The shrimp recipe is flexible. A little extra spice never hurt anyone. You can also make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time.

Just store it in the fridge.

Enjoy your amazing garlic butter seafood ! I bet even your nan will love it! Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to make another batch. It's that good.

Recipe Notes for Your Killer Garlic Butter Shrimp

Right, so you've got the lowdown on how to make the best garlic butter shrimp . Now for a few extra bits and bobs to make your life easier.

Honestly, this shrimp recipe is so simple, it's practically foolproof. But these tips will help you take it from good to brilliant .

Serving Suggestions That'll Impress

Fancy pants time. Plating garlic shrimp scampi doesn't need to be a chore. Simply toss your garlic butter shrimp pasta with the sauce, twirl it on a plate, and top with extra parsley.

Boom! For sides, think fresh and light. Roasted asparagus or a simple salad are your mates here. As for drinks, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc is proper lush.

Storage Tips for Future You

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep your cooked easy garlic butter shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. It will be good for up to 3 days.

For reheating, a gentle pan-fry is best. Don't microwave it unless you want rubbery shrimp with garlic butter sauce . Freezing isn't ideal as the shrimp can get a bit mushy, but if you must, do it in a freezer safe container and use within a month.

Variations: Keep It Fresh

Want to mix things up a bit? Go wild with a pinch of cayenne for spicy garlic butter shrimp ! Or, if you’re doing the dairy-free thing, swap the butter for olive oil.

Still tastes banging, I promise. For a seasonal twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes in the summer or butternut squash in the autumn.

Nutrition Basics (The Good Stuff)

Okay, I’m no nutritionist, but I can tell you that garlic butter seafood is packed with protein thanks to the shrimp.

Just be mindful of the butter, yeah? Roughly speaking, you're looking at around 350 calories per serving. The garlic butter shrimp ingredients include garlic, which is known for its immune boosting properties.

So basically, you’re being healthy ish!

Look, mastering how to make garlic butter shrimp is a journey. Don't be afraid to experiment! Get creative with the flavours and have fun. This quick shrimp dinner is a guaranteed winner!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my garlic from burning when making garlic butter shrimp?

Burning the garlic is a real kitchen tragedy! The trick is to keep the heat at medium or even medium low. Sauté the garlic gently in the butter, stirring frequently, until it's fragrant (about 1-2 minutes) but not browned. Remember, once it browns, it's bitter, and no one wants bitter garlic butter shrimp!

Can I use frozen shrimp for this garlic butter shrimp recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp are a lifesaver for a quick and easy meal. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help them sear nicely in the garlic butter. Nobody wants soggy shrimp!

What's the best way to store leftover garlic butter shrimp?

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.

You can also toss the cold shrimp into a salad!

I'm not a big fan of wine, what can I use instead in the garlic butter shrimp sauce?

No worries, mate! If you're not keen on wine, you can easily substitute it with chicken broth or even a little bit of extra lemon juice and water. The wine adds a nice depth of flavour, but the broth will do the trick in a pinch and keep the garlic butter shrimp tasting delicious.

You can also use clam juice for a more seafood forward flavour.

Is garlic butter shrimp healthy? What's the nutritional info?

Garlic butter shrimp can be part of a balanced diet, but portion control is key, as with most delicious things! Shrimp is a good source of protein, but the butter adds fat and calories. Our recipe estimates about 350 calories, 35g protein, and 20g fat per serving, but this can vary.

To make it healthier, you could reduce the amount of butter or serve it with plenty of vegetables.

What other herbs can I add to this garlic butter shrimp besides parsley?

Get your inner herbologist on! While parsley is a classic, don't be afraid to experiment. Fresh thyme, oregano, or even a little bit of rosemary can add a lovely twist. Chives are also a great option for a more delicate oniony flavour.

Just remember to use fresh herbs for the best flavour dried herbs just don't pack the same punch.