Name: Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. large shrimp, peeled, deveined; 9 cloves garlic, 5 finely chopped, 4 grated, divided; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 3 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, divided; 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup dry white wine; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for serving

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, you’re going to love this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe. It’s bright, buttery, packed with garlic, and the perfect balance of zesty lemon and savory shrimp. I absolutely love how this turns out every time I make it—it’s rich but fresh, and my family goes crazy for it. Stick around, and I’ll share all the tips and tricks to nail this dish effortlessly in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Flavorful: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s your go-to for a quick yet impressive meal.
Perfect Garlic-Lemon Combo: The balance between garlic’s punch and lemon’s brightness makes this shrimp irresistible.
Textural Delight: Toasted panko breadcrumbs add a crisp finish that’s pure magic against tender shrimp.
Family Favorite: From picky kids to seafood lovers, this recipe wins smiles all around.

A shiny copper pan filled with one layer of cooked shrimp in a light yellow creamy sauce, sprinkled with small green herbs and bits of red chili flakes. The shrimp are bright orange and pink with white edges and their tails still on. A silver spoon rests inside the pan, holding three shrimp in sauce. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with some chunks of light brown bread around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon, Shrimp Scampi, Garlic Lemon Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Seafood Pasta Dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe plays a crucial role, working together to create layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to make this dish sing.

Flat lay of large raw shrimp with shells removed, several whole uncracked brown garlic cloves and some finely minced garlic, a small handful of coarse kosher salt crystals, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, a small pat of unsalted butter, a small white bowl with golden panko bread crumbs, thin strips of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white bowl with clear extra-virgin olive oil, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl filled with pale yellow dry white wine, a halved lemon showing juicy flesh, a small pile of fresh chopped bright green parsley all arranged symmetrically in a harmonious composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon, Shrimp Scampi, Garlic Lemon Shrimp, Easy Shrimp Dinner, Seafood Pasta Dish

Large Shrimp: I always buy peeled and deveined for speedy prep—fresh or frozen works fine as long as they’re thawed completely.
Garlic: Both grated and chopped garlic are used, which really layers the garlic flavor—using fresh is key here.
Kosher Salt: It seasons everything perfectly without being too harsh.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
Unsalted Butter: You need it in two stages to keep the sauce silky and rich without overwhelming saltiness.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Gives that golden crunch topping that I love for texture contrast.
Lemon Zest and Juice: The zest gives a fragrant lemony punch while the juice brightens the whole dish.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used to gently cook the garlic and pepper flakes—it’s all about flavor here.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just the right touch of heat to balance richness.
Dry White Wine: Helps build a nuanced, slightly acidic sauce that ties everything together.
Fresh Parsley: Brightens the sauce and adds a pop of color for serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe my own depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs—you’ll be amazed how versatile it is!

Spicy Kick: I once threw in extra red pepper flakes and even a dash of cayenne—my friends loved the fiery twist.
Garlic Lovers Version: If you’re like me and obsessed with garlic, increase grated garlic by a clove or two; just keep an eye so it doesn’t burn.
Gluten-Free: Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or omit them entirely for a lighter dish.
Herb Swaps: Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh basil or add a sprinkle of thyme for an herby change.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Shrimp

First, toss your shrimp with two cloves of grated garlic, salt, and black pepper, then pop it into the fridge for about 30 minutes. This gentle marinade lets the shrimp soak in fragrant garlic notes without overpowering their natural sweetness. Just don’t leave it too long or the citrus and salt can start to “cook” the shrimp prematurely.

Step 2: Make the Garlicky Crispy Breadcrumbs

While the shrimp chills, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat and add two more grated garlic cloves. Stir constantly—this step is crucial to avoid burning the garlic while extracting its flavor. Once fragrant, toss in your panko breadcrumbs. Toast them until they turn beautifully golden and crunchy, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Then stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest and a pinch of salt. Trust me, this little crunchy topping finishes the dish like a dream!

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Just Right

Heat another two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add your shrimp in batches if needed—crowding will steam them instead of searing. Cook them until they just turn pink, about 2 to 3 minutes, tossing occasionally for even cooking. Be careful not to overcook! Transfer the shrimp to a plate with a slotted spoon and save those flavorful juices in the pan.

Step 4: Build the Zesty, Buttery Sauce

In the same skillet, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and the remaining five chopped garlic cloves. Stir constantly for about 2 to 3 minutes, letting the garlic soften and just begin to brown—this roasted garlic flavor is a game-changer. Next, pour in the white wine, lemon juice, and the remaining two teaspoons of lemon zest. Simmer until the wine reduces by about a third, roughly 3 minutes. Finally, lower the heat to medium-low and swirl in the remaining three tablespoons of butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking to create a silky emulsified sauce. Stir in fresh parsley right before adding the shrimp back in.

Step 5: Bring It All Together and Serve

Return the shrimp along with any juices to the skillet. Toss gently so every piece glistens with the vibrant lemon-garlic sauce. Heat through for a couple of minutes, then turn off the heat. Sprinkle generously with your garlicky breadcrumbs and extra parsley for a stunning presentation and that perfect crunch. You’re ready to impress!

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Pro Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: I learned that shrimp cook super fast, so watch closely—they turn pink and firm quickly and keep cooking if left on heat.
Grate Garlic for Maximum Flavor: Using grated garlic dissolves it into the sauce for rich, mellow garlic notes; the chopped garlic brings bursts of flavor—both together rock!
Toast Breadcrumbs Slowly: To get that perfect golden crunch without burning, keep the heat medium-low and stir often when toasting breadcrumbs with garlic.
Use Good Quality Wine: I found that a dry white wine with no sweetness is key to balancing richness and acidity in this sauce.

How to Serve Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges on top—both brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes a few thin lemon slices cooked in the sauce add extra zest and an elegant touch if you’re serving guests.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple pasta tossed in olive oil or butter to soak up the sauce. I often serve it with garlic bread to double down on garlic goodness, or a crisp green salad for freshness. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach round it out nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the shrimp scampi over creamy polenta or risotto to give it an upscale feel. You can also plate it on a bed of angel hair pasta twirled like a nest, topped with the crunchy breadcrumbs and a sprig of parsley for that restaurant-style wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so I recommend gently reheating with a splash of water or white wine to loosen it again before serving.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp scampi is doable, but shrimp can get a little rubbery when thawed. I prefer freezing the sauce separately if I make a big batch, then tossing freshly cooked shrimp in when serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of wine or broth to prevent the butter sauce from breaking. Avoid microwaving to keep the shrimp tender and the sauce smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water to avoid any sogginess. Pat them dry well before marinating and cooking to get a nice sear and prevent excess moisture in the pan.
What type of white wine works best in shrimp scampi?

I recommend a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. These wines add acidity and depth without sweetness, which balances the butter and lemon beautifully in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Alternatively, you can skip the breadcrumbs if you want to keep it completely gluten-free without changing the core flavors.
How can I make this dish less spicy?

Adjust or omit the crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Even just cutting the amount in half still gives a nice warm background note without being overpowering.
What can I serve with Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe?

Pasta tossed in olive oil, steamed vegetables, crusty garlic bread, or a fresh green salad all complement this dish perfectly, soaking up the garlic-lemon sauce for a wonderfully satisfying meal experience.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Shrimp Scampi with Garlic and Lemon Recipe, I was hooked by how quickly it came together and how wonderfully it balanced bright citrus with buttery, garlicky richness. It’s become one of those recipes I turn to whenever I want to feel like I’m treating myself or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope it becomes one of your staples too—once you taste those garlicky shrimp topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, you’ll never want to go back. So go on, give it a try and enjoy every luscious bite!