Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off (large – about 15-20 count per pound)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons capers
- 3 tablespoons lemon zest
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Preheat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook the shrimp: Add olive oil to the skillet, ensuring it coats the bottom and runs easily without burning. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook shrimp for about 3-4 minutes total, flipping once or twice, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces and garlic softens.
- Add butter to the sauce: Remove skillet from heat, then fold in salted butter, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return cooked shrimp and 2 tablespoons of capers to the skillet. Stir gently over low heat to rewarm the shrimp and incorporate flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Plate the shrimp scampi and top with the remaining tablespoon of capers, fresh chopped basil, and lemon zest. Optionally squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the dish for added brightness before serving.
Notes
- To avoid overcooking shrimp, cook only until just pink and opaque; they cook quickly.
- If you don’t have dry white wine, substitute with low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred level of heat.
- Fresh herbs like parsley can be used as an alternative to basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
