Scrumptious Shrimp Scampi: Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipes You Gotta Try

seafood lovers! Ever been in the mood for something fancy but dont wanna spend hours in the kitchen? Well, youre in luck! Today were diving into the world of shrimp scampia delightful dish thats quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Grab your apron, and let’s get cookin’!

Why Shrimp Scampi?

Alright, lets be real for a sec. Who doesnt love shrimp? Those lil’ critters are like the MVPs of the seafood world. And when you mix em up with garlic and butter, youve got yourself a dish thats practically heaven on a plate. But wait, theres more! Shrimp scampi is super versatile. You can serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or even on its own for a low-carb option. Its fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal. Win-win, right?

Essential Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipes, lets talk ingredients. Heres what youll need:

• Shrimp: Go for the large or jumbo ones. Theyre meaty and cook up perfectly.
• Garlic: Lots of it. Trust me, you cant overdo the garlic in scampi.
• Butter: Because everythings better with butter.
• Olive Oil: A good quality one will make a difference.
• White Wine: Adds a lovely depth of flavor. If youre not into cooking with wine, chicken broth works too.
• Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish.
• Parsley: For that fresh, herby finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a little kick.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Lets start with the classic version. This is your go-to, foolproof shrimp scampi thatll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. (Careful not to burn the butter, y’all!)
2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saut for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Toss in the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pinkabout 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter. Let the butter melt and mix everything together.
7. Add the shrimp back to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and cook for another minute.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Dont forget the bread to soak up that amazing sauce!

(Pro tip: Keep a glass of that white wine for yourself. You deserve it!)

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with Pasta

If youre craving carbs, this recipe is for you. Its the classic scampi but with the added comfort of pasta. Yum!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saut for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pinkabout 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
6. Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter. Let the butter melt and mix everything together.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
9. Add the shrimp back to the skillet, toss again, and cook for another minute.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Dig in!

(Fun fact: Scampi actually refers to a type of small lobster in Italy. Who knew?)

Spicy Shrimp Scampi Tacos

Feeling adventurous? These shrimp scampi tacos are a unique twist on the classic, with a spicy kick and fresh toppings.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saut for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pinkabout 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter. Let the butter melt and mix everything together.
7. Add the shrimp back to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and cook for another minute.
8. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
9. Assemble the tacos: place a few shrimp on each tortilla, top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, cilantro, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy the fiesta!

(These tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday, or any day, really. Who needs an excuse for tacos?)

Shrimp Scampi with Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles)

Looking for a lighter option? This zoodle recipe is a great low-carb alternative that doesnt skimp on flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 zucchinis, spiralized
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Saut for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pinkabout 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Pour the white wine into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce by half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the lemon juice and remaining butter. Let the butter melt and mix everything together.
7. Add the zoodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
8. Add the shrimp back to the skillet, toss again, and cook for another minute.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Enjoy your healthy feast!

(Zoodles are all the rage these days. Who knew veggies could be so fun?)

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Four fantastic shrimp scampi recipes that are sure to please any crowd. Whether youre in the mood for classic comfort, pasta indulgence, a taco twist, or a healthy alternative, theres a recipe here for you. Give these a try and let me know which ones your favorite. Happy cooking!

(P.S. Dont forget to share your scampi creations on social media. Tag me, I wanna see your masterpieces!)

Recommended YouTube Videos

For those who love a visual guide, here are some great YouTube videos to help you perfect your shrimp scampi skills:

(Sometimes watching a pro can make all the difference. Plus, its fun to see different cooking styles!)

Thanks for joining me on this culinary adventure. Until next time, happy eating!