When I made this recipe for a dinner party, ev

Instructions for Making Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

1. Heat the Butter and Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. Add the Wine or Broth: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
3. Season the Sauce: Add the red pepper flakes, if using, for a touch of heat.

Step 3: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce

1. Return the Shrimp to the Pan: Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce.
2. Add Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step 4: Serve

1. Pair with Pasta or Bread: Serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of linguine or spaghetti, or alongside a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
2. Garnish with Lemon Wedges: For an extra burst of citrus, serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become tough if overcooked. As soon as they turn pink, remove them from the heat.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic for this recipe if possible.
• Choose a Good Wine: If using wine, choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for the best results. The wine adds depth to the sauce, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth is a great substitute.

Variations to Try

1. Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier version.
2. Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables: Toss in some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for a more colorful and nutrient-packed dish.
3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi: For extra lemony flavor, add lemon zest along with the lemon juice.

Pairing Suggestions

• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the buttery, garlicky flavors of the shrimp scampi.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is one of those recipes that’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to serve at a dinner party. Its rich flavors and elegant presentation will have your guests thinking you spent hours in the kitchen. So the next time you’re hosting, give this recipe a try—you might just have everyone asking for it by the end of the night!