Perfect Shrimp Scampi You’ll Love

This easy shrimp scampi recipe is bursting with garlic, butter, and lemon flavors that come together in minutes. It’s the perfect dish to impress guests or enjoy a delicious weeknight dinner at home.

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TIME40 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 ½ pounds fresh shrimp, shelled and deveined without tails ½ cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 shallot, chopped ½ cup fresh parsley, minced ½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed 2 tablespoons white wine 2 tablespoons brandy

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by mixing the flour, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne in a small bowl. Toss the shrimp in the flour mixture until they’re nicely coated. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over high heat, then sauté the shrimp for about 5 minutes, stirring often so they don’t burn. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a serving dish, but keep the oil in the pan.

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Step 2

Next, lower the heat to medium and add the garlic, shallot, parsley, and oregano to the skillet. Cook everything together for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t brown. Scoop this flavorful mixture over the shrimp.

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Step 3

Turn the heat back up, then carefully pour in the wine and brandy. Light it with a match or lighter to flambé, and once the flames die down, give the pan a good stir to scrape up all those tasty browned bits. Pour this sauce over the shrimp.

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Step 4

Finally, pop the shrimp under a preheated broiler for about 2 minutes to bring it all together and give everything a nice finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Toast the garlic lightly to avoid bitterness and bring out a sweet aroma.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines tender shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce that’s both flavorful and comforting. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for guests. The bright lemon and fresh herbs add a refreshing touch that keeps every bite exciting.

Serving ideas

Serve over a bed of al dente pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make a great light side dish that balances the richness.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid rubbery shrimp, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce smooth.