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To make Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine (optional, for serving) You can swap some fresh ingredients if needed. For shrimp, frozen shrimp works great. Just thaw it first. If you lack fresh garlic, use garlic powder. About 1 teaspoon is enough. No fresh parsley? You can use dried parsley, but use less—about 1 tablespoon. For lemon, bottled lemon juice is fine, but fresh juice tastes best. If you want less spice, skip the red pepper flakes or use a dash of paprika instead. Here are some tools to help you make the dish: - A large skillet for sautéing - A pot for boiling pasta (if using) - A sharp knife and cutting board for chopping - A spatula for mixing - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy These tools will make your cooking smooth and easy. Enjoy the process as you create this tasty dish! First, gather your shrimp and pasta. If you choose to use pasta, cook it according to the package. Make sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This helps create a nice sauce later. While the pasta cooks, peel and devein the shrimp if needed. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. This step helps the shrimp cook evenly. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells good. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. Next, toss in the shrimp, and season with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque when done. Now, lower the heat and squeeze in the lemon juice and zest. Add the remaining butter and chopped parsley. Stir everything together until the butter melts and blends with the shrimp. If you cooked pasta, add it to the skillet. Use the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Toss until everything is mixed well. Taste it and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot, and enjoy your lovely Garlic Shrimp Scampi! When picking shrimp, look for ones that are pink and firm. They should have a clean smell, not fishy. Fresh shrimp have a slight sheen and should feel cold to the touch. Buying shrimp that are frozen is also a great option. Just make sure they are properly thawed before cooking. To cook garlic just right, always start with medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the hot butter and oil mix. Sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Watch closely! Burnt garlic turns bitter fast. If you’re unsure, take it off the heat early. You can always return it for a moment longer. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more for a kick! Other great ways to enhance flavor are adding lemon zest or fresh herbs. Try fresh basil or chives to switch it up. Experiment with these options to find your perfect balance. {{image_2}} To make a creamy garlic shrimp scampi, add heavy cream. Start by adding ½ cup of cream to the pan after you add the lemon juice and zest. This will create a rich sauce. Stir well to blend it in. This adds a nice, smooth texture and taste to the dish, making it even more satisfying. You can boost nutrition by adding vegetables. Some great choices include spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Add these to the skillet when you cook the garlic. They will soften but still keep their color. This also adds a pop of color to your dish, making it more appealing. For a gluten-free option, skip the pasta. Instead, serve the shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options are low in carbs and full of flavor. If you want to keep it low-carb, just focus on the shrimp and sauce. You will still enjoy a tasty meal without the extra carbs. To keep your garlic shrimp scampi fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps to lock in flavor and moisture. Place the container in the fridge. Make sure to consume the shrimp within two days for the best taste. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. Use a skillet over low heat instead. This method warms the shrimp gently, keeping them tender. Add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of butter to keep the flavor bright. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you want to freeze your shrimp scampi, it’s best to do it before adding pasta. Place the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat gently in a skillet to enjoy. Shrimp cook quickly. In total, it takes about 5 to 6 minutes. When you heat shrimp in a hot skillet, they turn pink and opaque. This shows they are done. If you overcook them, they can get tough. So, keep an eye on them as they cook. Yes, you can! Garlic Shrimp Scampi tastes great on its own. If you skip the pasta, serve it with rice or on a bed of veggies. You can even add it to salads for a fresh twist. The flavors of garlic, lemon, and shrimp shine through. There are many options to enjoy with Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread to soak up the sauce - A light salad with mixed greens - Steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy side - Rice or quinoa for a hearty meal These sides pair well and make your meal complete. Choose what you like best! This blog post covered the ingredients, steps, tips, variations, and storage for perfect Garlic Shrimp Scampi. You learned how to choose shrimp and cook garlic just right. Adapting the recipe lets you try new flavors and suit any diet. Remember to store leftovers well for great taste later. With this knowledge, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Keep cooking and have fun in the kitchen!

Minute Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Savor the taste of Quick & Zesty Garlic Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp are tossed in a delightful garlic butter sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. Serve it with pasta or on its own for a delicious weeknight meal. Click through to explore this flavorful dish and impress your family or guests with minimal effort. Don’t miss out on this culinary delight! #GarlicShrimp #EasyDinner #SeafoodRecipes #QuickMeals
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1 lemon, zested and juiced

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces spaghetti or linguine (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

If using pasta, cook it according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

      Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and opaque.

          Reduce heat to low, then add the lemon juice, zest, the remaining butter, and chopped parsley. Stir until the butter is melted and everything is combined.

            If using pasta, mix the drained pasta into the skillet, adding some reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Toss until well combined.

              Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately while hot.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4