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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 lemon, juiced and zested - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti To make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, you need fresh ingredients. The shrimp should be large and deveined for best results. I love using unsalted butter since it lets the garlic shine. Minced garlic adds a rich flavor, and red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick. Lemon juice and zest bring brightness to the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can also cook some linguine or spaghetti if you want a heartier meal. This dish is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Having these ingredients on hand makes cooking fun! You can easily create a dish that impresses. Remember, fresh ingredients lead to the best flavors. Enjoy every bite of your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi! If you want to add pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure the water is salted well. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it until it's al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait until the butter is fully melted and bubbling. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. Now it’s time to add the star of the dish: 1 pound of large shrimp. Place them in the skillet. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. They should turn pink and opaque when fully cooked. Once the shrimp are done, pour in the juice from 1 lemon and add the zest too. Stir well to mix everything together. Let it simmer for about a minute so that all the flavors blend. If you cooked pasta, toss it into the skillet now. Mix well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter sauce. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley for a fresh touch. To get garlic just right, watch it closely. Burned garlic can ruin the dish. Here are my top tips: - Use medium heat: This helps garlic cook slowly and stay fragrant. - Add it later: If you worry about burning, add garlic after the butter melts. - Stir often: Keep the garlic moving in the pan to avoid dark spots. You want the shrimp to be juicy and tender. Here’s how to know when they’re done: - Color change: Raw shrimp are gray. They turn pink when cooked. - Opacity: Look for a bright, opaque look. This shows they are ready. - Timing: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Don’t overcook them. Presentation matters, even for a quick dish. Here are some simple ways to make it look great: - Large platter: Serve the shrimp scampi on a big plate. It looks impressive. - Garnish: Sprinkle more chopped parsley on top for color. - Lemon wedges: Add lemon wedges on the side. They add a pop of brightness. These tips will help you make the most of your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. Enjoy every bite! {{image_2}} You can swap shrimp for other proteins. Chicken works well in this dish. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it the same way as the shrimp. Scallops are another great choice. They cook quickly and add a sweet flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. You want them to be golden but not overcooked. For a meatless version, use vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers are great choices. Sauté these veggies in the garlic butter until tender. You can also add mushrooms for extra flavor. For a heartier dish, toss in some cooked chickpeas. This adds protein and makes the dish satisfying. If you like heat, boost the red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon, then add more to taste. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers. This gives a nice kick and fresh flavor. Serve with a side of crusty bread to balance the heat. Enjoy the warmth with your meal! After you make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, let it cool down a bit. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to store it right away. Keeping it in the fridge prevents bacteria growth. If you want to freeze the dish, first let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Make sure to press out any air before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi, use a skillet over low heat. Add a little butter or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir it often to keep it from sticking. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Enjoy it warm for the best taste and texture. It takes only 15 minutes to make garlic butter shrimp scampi. The prep time is just 5 minutes. You can have a full meal ready quickly. This dish is perfect for busy nights or when you want a tasty meal fast. Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this by placing them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Using frozen shrimp is a great time-saver. They are often just as tasty as fresh shrimp. Just remember to dry them well before cooking for the best results. Shrimp scampi pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some ideas to make your meal even better: - Garlic bread for a nice crunch. - A fresh green salad for a light option. - Steamed vegetables for added nutrition. - Rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. These sides complement the flavors of the shrimp scampi perfectly. Enjoy mixing and matching! You can now create a tasty garlic butter shrimp scampi easily. Starting with fresh ingredients, like shrimp and garlic, leads to bold flavors. Cooking them right is key to a perfect dish. You learned variations to suit every taste, and storage tips to enjoy leftovers. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, these steps and tips pave the way for success. Now, go ahead and impress your family or friends with this delightful meal!

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi 15 Minutes

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with this quick and easy recipe! With juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a zesty lemon boost, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Serve it over linguine or enjoy it on its own for a comforting meal. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (optional)

Instructions
 

If using pasta, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

      Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Raise the heat to medium-high, then add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are pink and opaque.

          Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest to the shrimp. Toss everything to combine and let it simmer for another minute to meld the flavors together.

            If using pasta, add the cooked linguine or spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce.

              Remove from heat, and stir in the chopped parsley for freshness and color.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 5 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi on a large platter, garnished with more chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of color.