Easy Shrimp Scampi
Juicy shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic and tarragon butter sauce, finished with lemon and parsley, served over pasta for a delightful, easy seafood meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. shrimp, peeled ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon steak sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- hot cooked linguine or fettuccini ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onion and garlic in butter in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add dried tarragon, lemon juice, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, for 5 to 6 minutes until shrimp turns pink.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the shrimp.
- Serve the shrimp scampi over hot cooked linguine or fettuccini.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're out of tarragon, dill or basil can be great substitutes. To save time, you can use pre-peeled shrimp. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should turn pink and opaque but still tender. For a twist, add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp scampi over hot cooked linguine or fettuccini for a classic pairing. A side of garlic bread complements the dish well, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would also enhance the meal, creating a balanced plate. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it may overcook the shrimp, making them rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Shrimp Scampi contains roughly 260 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value) and potassium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking, which you can do overnight in the fridge or quickly under cold running water. Pat them dry to prevent excess water from affecting the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute margarine with a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. Ensure that any sauces used are also dairy-free. This will still yield a deliciously flavorful shrimp scampi without the dairy.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a light salad. You can also serve it alongside steamed asparagus or broccoli for a fresh vegetable option. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of Zesty Pot Roast.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).