Lemony Garlic Shrimp with Rice

Indulge in the exquisite simplicity of Shrimp Scampi with Rice, a culinary masterpiece that brings together succulent shrimp, rich garlicky butter, zesty lemon, and a hint of white wine. This incredibly flavorful dish is not only a delight to the palate but also remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for both bustling weeknight dinners and elegant entertaining. In just 30 minutes, you can transform fresh ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that promises to impress. Get ready for this recipe to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, offering a perfect blend of comfort and gourmet flair.

Shrimp scampi on a bed of rice on a white plate.

Contents

Why This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Shines

There’s a reason shrimp scampi has remained a beloved classic, and this recipe elevates it even further. It’s an elegant dish that truly tastes as if it came from a fine dining establishment, yet it’s surprisingly simple to master in your own kitchen. Here’s what makes it so irresistibly good:

Effortless Elegance: Don’t let its sophisticated appearance fool you. This dish comes together with minimal fuss, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something spectacular. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, then bathed in a luxuriously rich sauce crafted from butter, fragrant garlic, a splash of white wine, and bright lemon. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, it’s a complete meal bursting with incredible flavors.
Versatile Dining Experience: Whether you’re seeking a quick, delicious meal after a long day or planning a special dinner party for friends and family, this shrimp scampi fits every occasion. It strikes the perfect balance between simple weeknight comfort and impressive gourmet fare. Your guests will be amazed by the depth of flavor and quality, making you the star chef of the evening. It’s truly a restaurant-quality dish made accessible for home cooks.
Balanced Flavor Profile: The magic of this scampi lies in its harmonious blend of flavors. The sweetness of the shrimp, the pungent warmth of garlic, the richness of butter, the subtle tang of white wine, and the bright acidity of fresh lemon all come together to create a symphony of taste that is both comforting and invigorating.

The Origins of Scampi

While often used interchangeably, “scampi” actually refers to a type of small, langoustine-like crustacean, particularly popular in Italy and parts of Europe. However, in North America, the term “shrimp scampi” has evolved to describe shrimp prepared in a garlic butter sauce, often with white wine and lemon, mimicking the traditional preparation method for scampi. This evolution has given rise to the beloved dish we know today – a celebration of garlic, butter, and seafood that has captivated palates worldwide. Our recipe honors this tradition, using plump shrimp to deliver a truly authentic and satisfying scampi experience.

Essential Ingredients for Flawless Shrimp Scampi

The success of any great dish begins with quality ingredients. For this Shrimp Scampi with Rice, each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavors and textures that make it so memorable. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

Shrimp: The star of the show! Opt for large shrimp (1 ½ pounds, peeled and deveined) for a substantial bite. You can use fresh or frozen, but if frozen, ensure they are completely thawed before cooking to prevent overcooking and achieve the best texture.
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons of good quality olive oil, divided, serve as the initial cooking fat, providing a smooth base and helping to prevent the butter from burning.
Garlic: Four cloves of fresh minced garlic, divided, are crucial for that signature pungent, aromatic flavor. Fresh garlic makes a world of difference compared to pre-minced versions.
Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and the sauce. Adjust to your personal taste.
Dry White Wine: A third cup of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) adds a crucial layer of acidity and complexity, deglazing the pan and contributing to the sauce’s depth. See chef’s tips for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons, typically the juice of one lemon, are vital for cutting through the richness of the butter and brightening the entire dish. Freshly squeezed is always superior to bottled for this recipe.
Butter: Four tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into slices and at room temperature, are emulsified into the sauce to create a luxurious, velvety texture and rich flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: A quarter teaspoon adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice, balancing the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: One tablespoon of fresh parsley, stirred in at the end and used as a garnish, adds freshness, color, and a herbaceous note.
Cooked Rice: Three cups of pre-cooked rice provide the perfect absorbent bed for the flavorful shrimp and sauce. Any medium or long-grain white rice works beautifully.
Lemon Wedges: Four wedges for serving, allowing everyone to add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus right before enjoying.

Overhead view of shrimp scampi on a plate of white rice.

Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi and Rice

Elevate your shrimp scampi from good to extraordinary with these expert tips, ensuring every component of your meal is cooked to perfection:

Properly Defrosting Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, never rush the defrosting process with warm or hot water, as this can encourage bacterial growth and negatively affect texture. The safest and best methods are either to transfer them to a sealed bag and place them in the refrigerator overnight, or for a quicker approach, submerge the sealed bag of shrimp in a bowl of cold water in your sink for 15-20 minutes, gently moving them around occasionally until fully thawed. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water before patting dry.
Achieving Fluffy, Flavorful Rice: While store-bought cooked rice works, for truly exceptional rice, try this technique: Heat a small amount of butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Rinse and drain your rice thoroughly, then add it to the hot skillet. Stir constantly for a couple of minutes until the grains are lightly toasted and slightly translucent. This quick toasting process, often called pilaf-style cooking, helps to create separate, fluffy grains and adds a subtle nutty flavor. Then, add the water (or broth), bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook according to package directions without peeking. This method ensures each grain is perfectly cooked and distinct.
The Power of Fresh Ingredients: While convenience has its place, certain recipes demand the vibrancy of fresh ingredients. For this shrimp scampi, always opt for fresh lemon over bottled lemon juice. The bright, nuanced acidity of fresh lemon is incomparable and is a key component to the dish’s signature zest. Similarly, fresh parsley offers a far superior flavor and visual appeal compared to dried parsley. These small choices make a huge impact on the final taste.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the shrimp, it’s crucial to cook them in a single layer without overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, steaming the shrimp instead of searing them, which results in a rubbery texture. Work in batches if necessary, transferring cooked shrimp to a plate while you cook the rest.
The Art of “Fond” and Deglazing: After searing the shrimp, you’ll notice browned bits sticking to the bottom of the pan – this is called “fond” and it’s packed with flavor. When you add the white wine, lemon juice, and other liquids, use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up these bits. This process, known as deglazing, incorporates all that delicious concentrated flavor into your scampi sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, typically just 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and curl into a C-shape. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Remove them from the pan as soon as they are done, even if they look slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook a little from residual heat. They’ll also warm through again when returned to the sauce.
Wine Substitution: If you prefer to skip the alcohol, dry white wine can be easily substituted with an equal amount of good quality chicken broth or vegetable broth. While the flavor profile will be slightly different, it will still yield a delicious and aromatic sauce.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Rice: While rice is a fantastic base, shrimp scampi is also wonderful served with pasta (linguine or spaghetti are classic), crusty bread for dipping in the sauce, or alongside a simple green salad or steamed asparagus for a lighter meal.

Flavorful Variations to Explore

While this classic Shrimp Scampi with Rice recipe is perfect as is, there are many ways to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Classic Pasta Scampi: Easily transform this into the beloved pasta version by tossing the finished shrimp and sauce with 8-12 ounces of your favorite cooked pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or even angel hair work wonderfully). Ensure you reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Spicy Scampi Kick: If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or even more, depending on your spice tolerance. A pinch of cayenne pepper could also be added for an extra fiery touch.
Add Fresh Vegetables: Introduce some greens or other vegetables for added nutrition and color. Spinach, cherry tomatoes (halved), or finely chopped bell peppers can be added to the pan in the last few minutes of the sauce simmering, allowing them to wilt or soften slightly.
Herbaceous Twist: While parsley is traditional, consider experimenting with other fresh herbs. A sprinkle of fresh chives or a tiny bit of fresh dill could offer a different aromatic profile.
Creamy Scampi: For a richer, more decadent sauce, stir in about ¼ to ½ cup of heavy cream after the sauce has slightly reduced, just before returning the shrimp to the pan. This will create a luscious, velvety finish.
Lemon-Herb Infusion: For an even more intense lemon flavor, you can add a bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice. Just be careful not to include the white pith, which can be bitter.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Irresistible Shrimp Scampi with Rice

Ready to create this spectacular dish? Follow these clear instructions to achieve perfectly cooked shrimp and a luscious, flavorful sauce every time. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring a delicious result even for novice cooks.

Shrimp Scampi With Rice

A classic and beloved seafood dish, this Shrimp Scampi with Rice features succulent shrimp cooked with garlic and smothered in a rich white wine, butter, and lemon sauce, then elegantly served over fluffy rice. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes |
Cook Time: 15 minutes |
Total Time: 30 minutes

Shrimp are cooked with garlic and smothered in a white wine, butter and lemon sauce, then served over rice. This delightful dish serves approximately 4 people.

Authored by: Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe

Serves: 4 servings

Ingredients

3 cups cooked rice
1 ½ pounds large shrimp (peeled, deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
4 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
salt (to taste)
⅓ cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice of approximately 1 lemon)
4 tablespoons butter (cut into 4-5 slices, at room temperature)
freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
4 lemon wedges

Equipment

medium bowl
spatula or wooden spoon
Large skillet
Tongs
large plate

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half of the minced garlic. Stir gently until the shrimp are evenly coated. Set the bowl aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is warm, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the surface. Continue heating until the oil is hot and shimmering.
Add the remaining minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for approximately 60 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Quickly place the seasoned shrimp into the skillet in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sprinkle salt lightly over the shrimp and cook undisturbed for 1 minute.
After 1 minute, flip the shrimp and cook for another minute on the second side. Once the shrimp are opaque and slightly curled, shake off any excess oil back into the skillet and transfer the cooked shrimp to a large plate. Set aside. Repeat this process with any remaining shrimp.
Once all the shrimp are cooked and set aside, add the white wine, fresh lemon juice, butter, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the same skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits of garlic or shrimp that may be stuck to the bottom of the skillet – these bits are full of flavor!
Bring the mixture to a low boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the sauce for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has slightly reduced and thickened.
Stir the chopped fresh parsley into the sauce, then return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Gently spoon the sauce over the shrimp to coat. Simmer the dish for just 1 minute, or until the shrimp are warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them at this stage.
Once the shrimp are just warm, remove the skillet from the heat. Portion the cooked rice onto individual serving plates. Top the rice with equal servings of shrimp and a generous amount of the delicious scampi sauce. Garnish with a fresh lemon wedge and serve immediately for the best flavor and experience.

Notes

Dry White Wine: For the best results, we recommend using a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer to omit alcohol, a good quality chicken broth or vegetable broth makes an excellent substitute and will still yield a very flavorful sauce.
Shrimp Preparation: It is crucial that if you are using frozen shrimp, they are fully defrosted before you begin cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Shrimp Scampi

Below are some common questions to help you master this delicious shrimp scampi recipe and ensure a perfect outcome every time.

What kind of shrimp should I use for scampi?
For the best results, use large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count per pound) that are peeled and deveined. You can purchase them fresh or frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking, as detailed in our chef’s tips.
Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed immediately after it’s prepared because shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if reheated. However, you can prep your ingredients (mince garlic, chop parsley, thaw shrimp) in advance to significantly cut down on cooking time.
What if I don’t have white wine? Can I substitute it?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use white wine, or simply don’t have any on hand, an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth makes an excellent non-alcoholic substitute. While the flavor profile will differ slightly, it will still yield a delicious and aromatic sauce.
What are some good side dishes to serve with shrimp scampi with rice?
Beyond the rice, shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
How do I store leftover shrimp scampi?
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Is shrimp scampi healthy?
Shrimp scampi can be a healthy meal, especially when served with rice or vegetables. Shrimp itself is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood. The butter and oil contribute to the fat content, but it’s a dish that can fit into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

More Delicious Seafood Recipes to Savor

If you’re a fan of seafood, you’re in luck! Here are some other incredible recipes featuring the freshest catches that are sure to become new family favorites. Explore these options for your next meal inspiration:

Lobster Mashed Potatoes
Seafood Baked Potato
Teriyaki Shrimp
Salmon Patties & Lemon Garlic Sauce
Seafood Chili
Air Fryer Tuna Steak
Lemon Garlic Butter Barramundi
Seafood Jambalaya
Tuna Tetrazzini

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