Shrimp Scampi Made Simple
Shrimp scampi is a classic for good reason. It is quick to make, relies on a short list of ingredients, and puts the shrimp front and center. When cooked properly, the shrimp stay tender and sweet while the sauce adds richness without feeling heavy.
At Maine Shelled Lobster, we believe the best seafood dishes are often the simplest ones. Shrimp scampi is a perfect example. With quality shrimp and careful timing, you can create a restaurant worthy dish at home in under twenty minutes.
Why Shrimp Quality Matters
Shrimp scampi leaves very little room for error or shortcuts. The shrimp are not hidden behind heavy sauces or breading, so size, texture, and flavor matter.
Our Super Colossal White Shrimp are an excellent choice for scampi. With only 8 to 12 shrimp per pound, they are large enough to stay juicy while cooking quickly. They are peeled, deveined, and tail on, which keeps prep minimal and makes them easy to handle in the pan.
Because the shrimp are Individually Quick Frozen, they retain their firm texture and clean flavor. You can thaw only what you need and return the rest to the freezer without compromising quality.
Ingredients You Will Need
- Super colossal white shrimp, thawed and patted dry
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic
- Dry white wine or seafood stock
- Fresh lemon
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh parsley
Shrimp scampi works best when the ingredient list stays short. Each element should support the shrimp rather than compete with it.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Prepare the Shrimp
Thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, pat them dry thoroughly. Dry shrimp sear better and cook more evenly. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and a portion of the butter. Allow the fat to warm until it shimmers, but do not let it smoke.
Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about thirty seconds. The garlic should become fragrant without browning. This step builds flavor for the entire dish.
Sauté the Shrimp
Add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for one to two minutes until the underside turns pink and opaque. Flip and cook for another one to two minutes. Remove the shrimp from the pan as soon as they are just cooked through. Check out our how to sauté shrimp article for more details.
Build the Sauce
With the pan still warm, add the white wine or seafood stock. Scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer briefly to concentrate the flavor. Add the remaining butter and stir until the sauce looks glossy.
Finish the Dish
Return the shrimp to the pan and toss gently to coat. Finish with fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a small pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Remove from the heat immediately.
How to Serve Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is best served right away while the sauce is warm and the shrimp are tender. Spoon it over pasta, serve it with crusty bread, or enjoy it on its own with a simple vegetable on the side.
The large size and firm texture of super colossal shrimp make each bite satisfying without needing much else on the plate.
A Practical, Approachable Seafood Dish
Shrimp scampi does not need to be complicated to be memorable. With quality shrimp, gentle heat, and attention to timing, it becomes a dependable dish you can return to again and again.
At Maine Shelled Lobster, our mission is to make great seafood easier to enjoy at home. Whether it is Maine lobster meat or super colossal shrimp, we focus on products and guidance that help you cook with confidence and share good meals around the table.