If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and simple elegance, this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines perfectly tender shrimp sautéed in a luscious garlic, lemon, and vermouth sauce that feels fancy yet comes together with ease. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers the kind of rich, buttery goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s lively, comforting, and utterly irresistible, making it one of my favorite go-to dishes whenever I crave something special but straightforward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the impressive flavors fool you; this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe relies on just a handful of everyday ingredients, each bringing something important to the party. From the fresh garlic that fills the kitchen with intoxicating aroma to the fresh herbs that add vibrant color and brightness, every element is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the dish’s texture and taste.
- Large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined, these juicy prawns are the star of the show, providing tender seafood sweetness.
- Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon plus more to taste): Essential for seasoning and drawing out the best texture in the shrimp.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps tenderize the shrimp for that perfectly firm, yet juicy bite.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (4 tablespoons): Divided use for cooking shrimp and sautéing garlic, adding richness and depth.
- Minced garlic (4 teaspoons): The unmistakable flavor base, imparting that classic pungent kick everyone loves in scampi.
- Red pepper flakes (pinch): Adds just the right touch of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Dry vermouth (1/2 cup): Elevates the sauce with subtle herbal notes and acidity, making it taste elegant and refined.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Creates that silky, luscious sauce texture that coats every bite beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the dish with a lively, zesty punch.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic citrus oils, enhancing the fresh lemon flavor without acidity.
- Mixed fresh herbs (2 teaspoons): Parsley, tarragon, and chives bring vibrant color and an herbal complexity that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Tenderize the Shrimp
First, toss the shrimp with kosher salt and baking soda evenly in a large bowl. Letting them rest for at least 10 minutes softens their texture and firms them up slightly, which creates a perfect bite once cooked. This tenderizing step is a little secret that makes this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe stand out.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp Until Perfectly Pink
Heat olive oil in a skillet over high heat until shimmering, then add half the shrimp in a single layer. Stirring and turning them occasionally, cook just until the shrimp turn pink and develop a few golden spots—about 2 minutes. Remove them promptly to avoid overcooking and repeat with the remaining shrimp. This quick, high-heat method locks in the shrimp’s juiciness and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil along with minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the garlic starts to turn golden and releases its aromatic fragrance, about one minute. Be careful not to let it brown too much, or it will taste bitter.
Step 4: Add and Reduce the Vermouth
Pour in the dry vermouth and bring it to a rolling boil while stirring, scraping any browned bits off the pan’s bottom for extra flavor. Boil until the vermouth reduces by about half and the raw alcohol smell evaporates—roughly 3 minutes. This concentrated base is what gives the sauce its depth and delicate complexity.
Step 5: Create the Silky Sauce
Drop in cold butter pieces and swirl the pan rapidly as the butter melts, emulsifying the sauce into a luxuriously smooth consistency. Remove from heat, then stir in fresh lemon juice. Taste and season with salt as needed here, ensuring the sauce is perfectly balanced between rich, tangy, and savory tastes.
Step 6: Simmer and Adjust Sauce Texture
Return the pan to medium heat and gently simmer the sauce while stirring constantly. If the sauce begins to separate, whisk in a teaspoon or two of water to bring it back to an even, silky texture. This little extra care makes all the difference for a flawless finish in this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
Step 7: Finish with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs
Finally, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the fresh herb mix and lemon zest. Toss everything together quickly until the shrimp are sealed in luscious sauce and warmed through. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture—this quick finale is what transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and an inviting pop of green, while extra lemon zest or thin lemon slices enhance the citrus aroma. Some flaked Parmesan or a light crack of black pepper can elevate the dish subtly, but I find simplicity shines best here.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs beautifully with al dente pasta, crusty bread for mopping up the luscious sauce, or even over creamy polenta or steamed rice. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables round out the meal with freshness, balancing the buttery richness of the scampi perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp on toasted baguette slices as elegant crostini appetizers. You can also turn it into a vibrant shrimp taco with slaw or pile it over garlic roasted cauliflower rice for a low-carb dinner. No matter how you present it, the core flavors will steal the show every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the shrimp cook quickly, they maintain good texture if reheated gently. Be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze shrimp scampi using a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to help retain moisture and flavor. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the shrimp’s texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to warm the sauce without drying out the shrimp. Adding a splash of water or lemon juice can help revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the sear and texture.
What can I substitute for dry vermouth?
If you don’t have dry vermouth, dry white wine or a light chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar works well to maintain acidity and depth in the sauce.
Is this dish very spicy because of red pepper flakes?
Not at all—the pinch of red pepper flakes adds only a subtle hint of warmth that balances the garlic and lemon, never overpowering the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While shrimp is the highlight, you could substitute large mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a vegetarian twist, though it won’t be quite the classic scampi experience.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook very fast and turn pink with opaque flesh. Once they start to curl into a loose “C” shape and have golden spots, they are done. Overcooking leads to rubbery texture, so watch closely during the quick sauté.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a shining example of how a few quality ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s perfect for impressing guests or brightening a simple dinner with vibrant, buttery shrimp that is full of flavor and texture. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon—it’s a joyful dish to make and even more delightful to eat.
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Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe offers a perfect balance of tender shrimp cooked in a luscious, garlic-infused buttery vermouth sauce with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Ideal for a quick yet elegant 30-minute meal, this dish delivers vibrant flavors and a silky smooth sauce that beautifully complements large shrimp, making it an excellent choice for dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and split down the back, veins removed
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (for shrimp)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Sauce and Garnish
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more as needed
- 4 teaspoons (25g) minced garlic (4 to 5 medium cloves)
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) dry vermouth
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice from 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon (4g) grated lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons (6g) minced fresh parsley, tarragon, and chives mixed
- Kosher salt, more to taste
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda until evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to stand for at least 10 minutes up to 1 hour. This process tenderizes and firms the shrimp for an optimal texture.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add half the shrimp in an even layer and cook, stirring and turning occasionally, until shrimp turn pink, are just cooked through, and lightly golden in spots, about 2 minutes. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to a plate. Repeat with the remaining shrimp, adding more olive oil if needed.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet along with the minced garlic and pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic starts to turn golden, about 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Reduce vermouth: Pour in the dry vermouth and boil over high heat, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom. Continue boiling until the alcohol scent dissipates and the vermouth has reduced by about half, approximately 3 minutes.
- Create the sauce: Add the butter pieces to the skillet, stirring while swirling the pan rapidly as the butter melts to emulsify the sauce into a silky texture. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Season the sauce with additional salt to taste.
- Simmer and adjust sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. If the sauce separates, whisk in a teaspoon or two of water until the sauce comes back together smoothly.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, add the minced fresh herbs (parsley, tarragon, and chives) and lemon zest, and toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated and warmed through. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Allowing the shrimp to rest in baking soda and salt tenderizes them and improves texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them juicy and tender.
- Use a good-quality dry vermouth for the best flavor; dry white wine can be substituted if needed.
- If the sauce breaks, adding a small amount of water while whisking helps restore smoothness.
- Fresh herbs and lemon zest brighten the dish and should not be omitted.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
