Zingy Shrimp Scampi with Capers Recipe: A Taste of Coastal Magic

Succulent seafood elevates this classic shrimp scampi with capers into a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure.

Briny capers burst with intense flavor against tender, garlic-kissed prawns.

Salt-kissed ocean catches dance alongside zesty lemon notes in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Delicate herbs weave through each bite, creating a harmonious balance of fresh ingredients.

Crisp white wine adds depth and complexity to the light sauce.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen, promising a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Dive into this effortless recipe that brings coastal charm directly to your dinner table.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this shrimp scampi its unique flavor?

Capers, lemon juice, white wine, and fresh basil create a bright, tangy Mediterranean-inspired taste profile that elevates the classic shrimp dish.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess moisture that could make shrimp soggy.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn completely pink and curl slightly, which typically takes 3-4 minutes. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a milder version that suits all taste preferences.

Why Shrimp Scampi With Capers Is Special

• Speedy Seafood Delight: Whip up this restaurant-quality shrimp scampi in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner cravings.
• Burst of Flavor Combination: Enjoy the zesty punch of lemon, the heat from red pepper flakes, and the briny pop of capers that create a complex and exciting taste profile.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Cook everything in one skillet, reducing dishes and making this recipe a stress-free meal solution for home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal kitchen chaos.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences and hunger levels.

Ingredients For Shrimp Scampi With Capers

• Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that serves as the star protein of this classic dish.
• Capers: Tangy, briny flower buds that add a sharp and salty accent to the scampi.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich, smooth base and help create a luxurious sauce for the shrimp.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic liquids that create depth and balance in the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that infuses the dish with a robust, savory flavor.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Blend of spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the shrimp.
• Fresh Basil, Lemon Zest: Fresh herbs and citrus garnish that add brightness and visual appeal to the final dish.

How To Cook Shrimp Scampi With Capers

Step 1: Sizzle The Shrimp

Heat a large skillet on medium flame.

Pour olive oil so it glides smoothly across the pan.

Add shrimp carefully, ensuring they aren’t crowded.

• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 2: Cook Shrimp Perfectly

Flip shrimp occasionally during cooking, maintaining medium heat.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn a delicate pink color.

Be cautious not to overcook, as shrimp can become tough and rubbery.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Sauce

Remove shrimp from skillet.

• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice
• White wine

Deglaze the pan, reducing heat.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes until garlic softens.

Remove from heat and gently fold in butter, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

Step 4: Combine And Reheat

• Capers

Stir gently to coat shrimp with the luscious sauce, warming on low heat.

Step 5: Garnish And Serve

• Additional capers
• Chopped fresh basil
• Lemon zest

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for an extra zesty kick.

Tips For Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Cook shrimp in batches to ensure each piece gets direct heat and browns evenly without steaming.
• Shrimp cook quickly, so monitor them closely. Three to four minutes is perfect to keep them tender and prevent rubbery texture.
• Deglaze the pan with white wine to capture delicious browned bits from shrimp, adding rich, complex taste to the sauce.
• Capers and lemon juice provide bright, tangy notes that cut through the richness of butter and complement the sweet shrimp.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding butter to prevent separation and create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly.

Flavor Variations For Shrimp Scampi

• Keto Friendly Version: Replace white wine with chicken broth and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta to maintain low-carb requirements.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use dairy-free margarine to create a similar creamy sauce without traditional dairy products.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or king oyster mushrooms, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking technique for a plant-based protein option.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add diced tomatoes, olives, and swap capers with chopped fresh parsley to create a Mediterranean-inspired version with similar flavor profiles.

Suggested Pairings For Shrimp Scampi

• Pasta Paradise: Serve over al dente linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic Italian-style meal that soaks up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Salad Companion: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery shrimp and add fresh texture.
• Mediterranean Plating: Arrange on a warm plate with crusty bread for dipping, allowing diners to soak up every last drop of the flavorful lemon garlic sauce.
• Wine & Dine: Match with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright, zesty flavors of the dish.

Storage Advice For Shrimp Scampi

• Place leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Transfer cooled shrimp scampi to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 1 month. Label the container with the date of storage.
• Warm refrigerated shrimp scampi in the microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture. Add a splash of water or white wine to maintain moisture.

Shrimp Scampi with Capers Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean-style Shrimp Scampi with Capers delivers a zesty coastal experience, blending garlic, white wine, and briny capers into a quick, elegant seafood feast. Perfectly seared shrimp nestled over linguine promise a restaurant-quality dinner you can effortlessly create at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 lb (680 g) raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off (large – about 15–20 count per pound)

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest

Liquids and Accompaniments:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 large lemon)
• ½ cup (120 ml) dry white wine
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons capers
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet to medium heat, ensuring even warmth. Drizzle olive oil smoothly across the surface, avoiding excessive sizzling.
2. Carefully arrange shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté shrimp for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they transform into a vibrant pink color. Maintain medium heat and prevent overcooking.
4. Transfer shrimp to a separate plate, keeping them warm.
5. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. Deglaze the pan, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
6. Reduce heat and simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and garlic softens. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smoothly incorporated.
7. Return shrimp to the skillet, add two tablespoons of capers, and gently stir to reheat thoroughly on low temperature.
8. Plate the dish, garnishing with remaining capers, freshly chopped basil, and delicate lemon zest. Optional: Squeeze additional lemon juice for extra brightness.

Notes

• Space out shrimp in the skillet to ensure each piece cooks evenly and develops a perfect golden-brown sear without steaming.
• Medium heat is crucial for tender, succulent shrimp that don’t turn rubbery or tough during cooking.
• Shrimp cook rapidly, so watch carefully and remove from heat the moment they turn pink to maintain delicate texture.
• Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice to capture all the delicious browned bits from cooking shrimp, creating a rich, complex sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 276 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg