Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Fresh Herbs
This lighter version of Shrimp Scampi is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining perfectly sautéed shrimp with aromatic garlic, a splash of bright white wine, and a refreshing hint of lemon. The recipe retains all the rich flavors you'd expect while cutting down on heavy fats. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party, this dish comes together in just minutes, providing a satisfying experience without being overly indulgent. Pair it with a crisp green salad or serve it over whole-grain pasta or quinoa for a nourishing, inviting meal. Just remember, the smaller the shrimp, the more time you'll spend peeling and deveining them—learn from my experience and choose wisely!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive Oil
2 teaspoons (none)
Large Shrimp
28 (peeled and deveined (about 1 1/2 pounds))
Garlic
3 cloves (minced)
Dry White Wine
1/3 cup (none (Sauvignon Blanc recommended))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and sauté for about 1 minute, allowing them to start turning pink.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
4
Pour in the dry white wine along with the salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the alcohol to cook off, about 30 seconds.
5
Reduce the heat to medium, and let the shrimp cook for an additional minute until they are fully cooked through and opaque.
6
Remove the skillet from heat, and stir in the chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice, mixing well to coat the shrimp evenly.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Fresh Herbs?
It is a lighter version of a classic favorite, featuring sautéed shrimp with aromatic garlic, white wine, and a refreshing hint of lemon.
Is this shrimp scampi recipe healthy?
Yes, this version is designed to be lighter by cutting down on heavy fats and using olive oil instead of butter.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What size shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 28 large shrimp, which is approximately 1.5 pounds.
Should the shrimp be peeled before cooking?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined before starting the cooking process.
What type of wine is best for shrimp scampi?
A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, is highly recommended for this recipe.
How long do I need to sauté the shrimp initially?
Sauté the shrimp in a single layer for about 1 minute until they start turning pink.
What kind of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled can work, fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best refreshing flavor.
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi?
You can serve it over whole-grain pasta, quinoa, or with a crisp green salad.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?
The shrimp are done when they are fully cooked through and have become opaque.
Does this recipe contain butter?
No, this specific lighter version uses olive oil to reduce heavy fat content.
How long should I boil the wine mixture?
Bring the wine, salt, and pepper mixture to a boil for about 30 seconds to allow the alcohol to cook off.
What kind of parsley is best for this dish?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped, is used for the best flavor and garnish.
Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but the recipe notes that smaller shrimp take more time to peel and devein.
What category of cuisine does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as European, specifically an Italian-American style dish.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the dish comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
How much white wine is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of dry white wine.
What temperature should I use for sautéing?
You should use medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering.
What should I do to prevent the garlic from burning?
Only sauté the minced garlic for about one minute and stir constantly.
What seasonings are used for the base flavor?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
When do I add the lemon juice and parsley?
Remove the skillet from the heat first, then stir in the parsley and lemon juice.
Is this recipe suitable for an elegant dinner party?
Absolutely, it is described as both a quick weeknight meal and suitable for an elegant dinner party.
Can this be served over quinoa?
Yes, serving it over quinoa is recommended as a nourishing and inviting meal option.
What is the primary protein in this dish?
The primary protein is large shrimp.
How should I garnish the final dish?
You can garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
What is the recommended preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the skillet.
Does the recipe require any heavy cream?
No, this version avoids heavy fats and creams to remain a lighter seafood dish.