**Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: A Deliciously Simple Delight**
When it comes to easy yet impressive meals, few dishes can rival the classic **shrimp scampi**. This Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. **Quick and Easy**: Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or when unexpected guests arrive.
2. **Flavor-Packed**: The combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp creates an irresistible sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
3. **Versatile**: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.
4. **Impressive Presentation**: With its vibrant colors and rich aroma, shrimp scampi looks as good as it tastes, making it a great dish for entertaining.
### Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
– 1 lemon, juiced and zested
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Optional: Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving
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### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
– Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the shrimp to sear nicely.
– Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste.
#### Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
– In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
#### Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
– Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer.
– Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
#### Step 4: Add the Wine and Lemon
– Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and the juice and zest of one lemon.
– Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together.
#### Step 5: Serve
– Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
– Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
– Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked pasta or rice, or with slices of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
### Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
– **Quality Shrimp**: Use fresh or frozen shrimp for the best flavor. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in advance for even cooking.
– **Don’t Overcook**: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on them. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque.
– **Adjust the Heat**: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
– **Customize**: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for extra nutrition and color.
### Pairing Suggestions
– **Wine**: A glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the buttery flavors of the dish.
– **Salad**: A light arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the scampi.
– **Dessert**: Finish off the meal with a light dessert, like lemon sorbet or panna cotta, to cleanse the palate.
### Conclusion
**Quick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi** is a fantastic dish that balances flavor and simplicity, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. With its buttery garlic sauce and succulent shrimp, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, it’s a delicious reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Try this recipe, and savor every mouthwatering bite!
