What can I use instead of white wine in garlic butter shrimp scampi?

If you prefer not to use white wine in your garlic butter shrimp scampi, you can substitute it with chicken broth or seafood broth for added flavor. These alternatives maintain the dish’s moisture and enhance the taste without the alcohol. Simply replace the wine with an equal amount of broth when making the sauce, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Is it okay to cook shrimp scampi using only butter instead of butter and oil?

Yes, you can use all butter for cooking shrimp scampi, but be aware that butter alone tends to brown and can burn quickly over high heat. Mixing butter with a neutral oil like olive or vegetable oil raises the smoking point, helping to cook the shrimp evenly without scorching the butter flavor.

What size and type of shrimp works best for scampi recipes?

Extra-large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for garlic butter shrimp scampi because they are plump, juicy, and maintain a meaty texture when cooked. Use peeled and deveined shrimp for easier eating. Wild-caught or fresh shrimp typically offer better flavor, but properly thawed frozen shrimp also work well.

How long does it take to make garlic butter shrimp scampi from start to finish?

Garlic butter shrimp scampi is a quick dish that can be prepared in about 10 minutes. Shrimp cooks rapidly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side, and the sauce combines simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon juice in just a few minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Can I enjoy shrimp scampi if I’m following a low-carb or keto diet?

Absolutely! To keep shrimp scampi low-carb, skip traditional pasta and serve the dish over alternatives like zucchini noodles, spiralized vegetables, or cauliflower rice. These options pair well with the garlic butter sauce while keeping the meal light and within low-carb nutritional goals.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe With Quick Delicious Sauce

Name: Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons butter; 4-5 large garlic cloves minced; 1 1/4 pounds large shrimp or prawns shelled with tails on or off; Salt and cracked pepper to taste; 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons butter

4–5 large garlic cloves minced

1 1/4 pounds large shrimp or prawns shelled with tails on or off

Salt and cracked pepper to taste

1/4 cup dry white wine or broth

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-First, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. This step builds a solid base for the garlic and shrimp. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until it’s fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

2-Next, add the 1 1/4 pounds of large shrimp, season with salt and cracked pepper to taste, and cook for 1-2 minutes on one side until they start turning pink. Flip the shrimp and continue cooking. For a related recipe idea, explore our double garlic brown butter shrimp if you love garlic flavors.

3-Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine or broth, add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat, and simmer for 1-2 minutes until the liquid reduces by half and the shrimp is fully cooked. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, then remove from heat. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

🕒 Prepare all ingredients before cooking to ensure shrimp cook quickly and don’t overcook.
🧈 Use a combination of butter and olive oil to prevent burning and add rich flavor.
🐟 Choose quality extra-large or jumbo shrimp, preferably wild-caught, and select a good dry white wine or substitute with chicken or fish broth.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Pescatarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 303
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 190mg