The Quick & Delightful Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Lemon-garlic shrimp scampi refines ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary experience that sparks instant excitement.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance deliciously across your palate with surprising complexity and depth.

Quick preparation methods make this dish ideal for spontaneous dinner plans or unexpected guests.

Succulent shrimp absorb rich, tangy notes that complement their natural sweetness perfectly.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact, proving sophisticated cooking doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Bright citrus undertones cut through buttery richness, creating a balanced and memorable meal.

We promise this recipe will become your new weeknight secret weapon.

Why Elegant Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi Feels So Fancy

• Savor Speedy Seafood Delight: This shrimp scampi delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a luxurious meal without complex preparation.
• Burst with Zesty Mediterranean Flavors: Bright lemon, spicy red pepper flakes, and aromatic garlic create a vibrant flavor profile that dances across your palate with each delicious bite.
• Master Elegant One-Pan Cooking: The recipe simplifies gourmet cooking by using a single skillet, reducing cleanup while concentrating flavors and creating a silky, rich sauce that coats every succulent shrimp perfectly.
• Protein-Packed Healthy Indulgence: Loaded with 28 grams of protein and minimal carbohydrates, this dish offers a nutritious meal that feels decadent yet supports fitness and wellness goals without sacrificing incredible taste.

Ingredients for Elegant Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp: Fresh and succulent seafood that serves as the main star of the dish with delicate texture and sweet flavor. Medium or large shrimp work best for this recipe.

• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend of herbs and spices that enhance the shrimps natural flavor with a hint of warmth and complexity. Choose fresh spices for maximum taste.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking base and rich underlying flavor for the shrimp. Use extra virgin for best quality.
• Garlic: Adds robust and pungent depth to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves deliver more intense flavor than pre-minced versions.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty acidity that cuts through richness and complements seafood perfectly. Fresh lemons are recommended.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a light, flavorful liquid base for the sauce. Low-sodium versions allow better control of salt content.

• Butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps create a silky sauce. Unsalted butter gives more control over seasoning.
• Capers: Small briny flavor bombs that provide tangy counterpoint to rich sauce. Rinse before using to reduce saltiness.

• Basil: Fresh herb that adds bright, aromatic finish. Choose vibrant green leaves.
• Lemon Zest: Concentrated citrus essence that intensifies lemon flavor. Use microplane for fine zesting.

How to Prepare Elegant Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prepare the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and pour in olive oil, creating a smooth cooking surface.

Step 2: Season and Cook Shrimp

• Arrange shrimp in a single layer
• Sprinkle with
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally until shrimp turn pink and are perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Remove Shrimp

Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, keeping them warm and ready for the next step.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• Chicken broth

Deglaze the pan, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop a rich, aromatic sauce.

Step 5: Reduce and Develop Sauce

Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and garlic to soften.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Turn off the heat and whisk in butter until completely melted and integrated into the sauce.

Step 7: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return shrimp to the skillet, adding capers. Gently stir over low heat to ensure everything is heated through and beautifully combined.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Fresh chopped basil
• Lemon zest

Drizzle with an extra splash of lemon juice for a bright, zingy finish.

Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures in this delightful shrimp scampi!

Tips for Mastering Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi

• Sear Shrimp Perfectly: Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Control Heat Carefully: Use medium heat to avoid overcooking shrimp, which can become rubbery and tough quickly.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Allow garlic to soften in the sauce without burning, releasing its sweet and aromatic notes.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk butter slowly into the sauce to create a smooth, silky texture that coats the shrimp evenly.
• Elevate Final Presentation: Sprinkle fresh herbs and lemon zest just before serving to enhance both visual appeal and brightness of flavor.

Best Storage & Reheating Tips for Shrimp Scampi

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover shrimp scampi into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for maximum 2-3 days to maintain optimal taste and texture. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking the delicate shrimp. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir carefully and heat until the shrimp reaches 145°F internally, which takes about 3-4 minutes.
• Freezing: Not recommended for this dish. Shrimp tend to become rubbery and lose their delicate texture when frozen and reheated.

What to Serve with Elegant Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon and garlic notes, cutting through the buttery richness of the shrimp scampi.
• Serve with Herbed Focaccia Bread: Grab a warm, crusty focaccia with fresh herbs to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect flavor-packed accompaniment that enhances the entire dining experience.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan, which mirrors the bright citrus flavors of the shrimp while providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery dish.
• Match with Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a refreshing drink mixing sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and a touch of mint to echo the zesty profile of the shrimp scampi and cleanse the palate between bites.

Fresh Variations on Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with a blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Coconut Infusion: Swap chicken broth with coconut milk and add a dash of Thai red curry paste to create a creamy, spicy version of the classic scampi.
• Zesty White Wine Enhancement: Substitute chicken broth with dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to elevate the sauce's complexity and add a sophisticated depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives during the final stir for a Greek-inspired seafood experience with tangy and salty notes.

Elegant Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi dances with Mediterranean coastal charm, blending zesty citrus and rich buttery notes. Succulent shrimp nestled in a silky white wine sauce promises an effortless gourmet experience you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off

Flavor Enhancers:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) capers
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) fresh basil, chopped
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) salted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious iron skillet over medium heat, drizzling of extra-virgin olive oil across the surface.
2. Carefully arrange peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer, ensuring no overlap, and generously season with Italian herb blend, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
3. Sauté the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, watching for a pinkish-golden transformation and delicate curling edges that indicate perfect doneness.
4. Transfer the perfectly cooked shrimp to a clean ceramic plate, maintaining their warmth and texture.
5. Utilize the same skillet to create a fragrant sauce, immediately introducing finely minced fresh garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence.
6. Deglaze the pan with freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately or 45 milliliters) and low-sodium chicken broth, scraping any delectable browned bits from the skillet’s bottom.
7. Simmer the liquid for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce and concentrate the flavors while softening the garlic.
8. Remove the skillet from direct heat and incorporate cold unsalted butter, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes silky and emulsified.
9. Gently reintroduce the sautéed shrimp and briny capers into the luminous sauce, stirring carefully to ensure comprehensive coating and gentle reheating.
10. Finish the dish with a vibrant garnish of freshly chopped basil leaves, delicate lemon zest, and an optional extra splash of citrus for heightened brightness.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this zesty seafood sensation that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Capers add a tangy punch, cutting through the richness of butter and complementing the succulent shrimp perfectly.
• Quick-cooking technique ensures tender, juicy shrimp without becoming rubbery or overcooked.
• Bright lemon zest and juice provide a fresh, citrusy contrast that makes each bite pop with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
• Versatile dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or a light salad for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg