Zesty Shrimp Scampi With Rice Recipe: A Flavorful Dinner Delight

Culinary magic happens when succulent shrimp scampi meets fluffy rice, creating a Mediterranean-inspired dance of flavors.

Garlic and white wine weave their aromatic spell through delicate seafood and tender grains.

Butter swirls around plump shellfish, coating each morsel with rich, silky goodness.

Lemon zest sparks brightness against the creamy background, cutting through potential heaviness.

Fresh parsley adds a verdant whisper of herbs that lifts the entire dish.

Napkins ready and forks poised, you’ll want to savor every single bite of this elegant yet simple meal.

This recipe promises restaurant-quality deliciousness right from your own kitchen.

Shrimp Scampi & Rice – Garlic Butter Heaven

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this restaurant-quality shrimp scampi in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving delicious seafood without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: Master this simple recipe with minimal cooking skills, guaranteeing tender shrimp bathed in a luxurious white wine and butter sauce that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, swap rice for pasta, or add extra vegetables to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile meal for everyone.
• Restaurant-Style Elegance at Home: Impress dinner guests or elevate a casual family meal with professional-looking shrimp that's perfectly seared and coated in a rich, zesty sauce, all prepared with basic kitchen ingredients.

Key Parts of Shrimp Scampi With Rice

• Shrimp: Classic seafood protein with sweet, delicate flavor and quick cooking time. Fresh or frozen shrimp work best, with medium or large size recommended.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking base with light flavor. Extra virgin preferred for better taste.
• Butter: Creamy sauce enhancer with rich flavor. Unsalted butter gives better control of salt levels.

• Garlic: Powerful flavor booster with intense aroma. Fresh garlic cloves provide best taste.
• Black Pepper: Warm, sharp spice that adds depth to the dish. Freshly ground recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and slight kick. Adjust quantity for personal spice preference.

• White Wine: Provides complex flavor and helps deglaze pan. Dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc work well.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that balances richness. Fresh lemon juice preferred over bottled.

• Parsley: Fresh, green herb that adds color and light flavor. Flat-leaf parsley recommended.

• Rice: Neutral base that absorbs sauce perfectly. Long-grain white rice suggested.

Steps for Shrimp Scampi with Rice

Step 1: Marinate The Shrimp

Grab a medium bowl and coat the shrimp with olive oil and half of the minced garlic.

Let the shrimp soak up those delicious flavors while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Warm Up The Skillet

Fire up a large skillet over medium heat.

Pour in olive oil and wait until it starts to shimmer and dance with heat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Toss the remaining garlic into the hot skillet.

Stir and cook for about a minute until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 4: Cook The Shrimp

Carefully place shrimp in a single layer across the skillet.

Sprinkle with salt and let them sizzle undisturbed for one minute.

Flip each shrimp and cook another minute until they turn opaque and curl slightly.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 5: Create A Magical Sauce

Pour white wine and lemon juice into the skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan.

Let the liquid simmer and reduce for two minutes.

Step 6: Build The Sauce

Gradually add butter to the skillet, stirring until it melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Sprinkle in black pepper and red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Step 7: Reunite Shrimp With Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet.

Gently toss to coat every morsel in the luxurious sauce.

Warm everything together for about a minute.

Step 8: Plate And Serve

Spoon the succulent shrimp and sauce over fluffy rice.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top and serve with bright lemon wedges on the side.

Scampi Pro Tips For Tender Shrimp

• Pat shrimp dry before marinating to ensure they sear instead of steam, creating a delicious golden exterior.
• Cook shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve a nice caramelized texture and prevent steaming.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the sauce's flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
• Adjust butter quantity to thicken or thin the sauce, creating a silky texture that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
• Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version or use gluten-free white wine to make the dish celiac-friendly.

Storing Shrimp Scampi With Rice Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water or white wine to keep the dish moist and prevent drying out.
• Microwaving can make shrimp tough and rubbery. If using a microwave, heat in short 15-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each interval.
• Keep rice separately from the shrimp to prevent sogginess. Reheat rice in a microwave with a damp paper towel to restore moisture and prevent it from becoming dry.

Crisp Sides For Shrimp Scampi

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the rich, buttery sauce.
• Citrus-Infused Cocktail Companion: Mix a refreshing lemon drop martini or citrus spritzer that echoes the recipe's bright lemon notes and provides a tangy, palate-cleansing effect.
• Herbal Side Salad Suggestion: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the dish's freshness and provide a peppery contrast to the creamy shrimp scampi.
• Crusty Bread Recommendation: Serve warm, garlic-rubbed Italian bread to soak up the delicious white wine and butter sauce, adding a delightful textural element to the meal.

Shrimp Scampi Serving Swaps

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace white wine with gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use dairy-free margarine to maintain the creamy sauce texture while keeping the recipe allergen-friendly.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute shrimp with large pieces of firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms. Marinate plant-based protein in similar garlic and oil mixture before searing for similar flavor profile.
• Low-Sodium Modification: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of wine, reduce added salt, and increase herb seasonings like parsley and red pepper flakes to boost flavor without extra sodium.

FAQs

• What type of wine works best for this recipe?

White wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay complement the shrimp perfectly and add bright, crisp flavors to the sauce.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before marinating to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess water in the pan.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn opaque and slightly curl, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference or omit them entirely for a milder flavor profile.

Shrimp Scampi With Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Shrimp Scampi with Rice glides from Mediterranean kitchens straight to your dinner plate, bringing zesty garlic and buttery seafood together. Mediterranean herbs and tender shrimp promise a delightful meal that satisfies your craving for elegant, simple cuisine.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Cooking Liquid and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Fats and Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 4 lemon wedges

Base:

• 3 cups cooked rice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by marinating them in olive oil and half the garlic, allowing the flavors to infuse while you prep other ingredients.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium heat, adding olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface.
3. Introduce the remaining garlic to the hot oil, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning.
4. Carefully place shrimp in a single layer across the skillet, ensuring each piece has direct contact with the pan surface. Sprinkle with salt and let them develop a golden sear for approximately one minute.
5. Flip the shrimp and cook the opposite side until they turn opaque and slightly curl, indicating perfect doneness. Transfer to a separate plate to rest.
6. Deglaze the skillet by pouring white wine and lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan bottom.
7. Reduce the liquid by simmering, creating a concentrated base for the sauce.
8. Incorporate butter gradually, whisking until the sauce becomes silky and emulsified. Season with black pepper and red pepper flakes for depth and heat.
9. Return the shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them in the luxurious sauce and warming them through.
10. Plate the shrimp over prepared rice, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus brightness.

Notes

• Control garlic’s intensity by adjusting quantity, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the delicate shrimp flavor.
• Select fresh, high-quality shrimp with a sweet, clean smell for the most delectable results.
• Prevent overcooking by removing shrimp immediately when they turn opaque and slightly curled, maintaining tender texture.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth or seafood stock for alcohol-free version, preserving the sauce’s depth and complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg