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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet to medium heat, ensuring even warmth. Drizzle olive oil smoothly across the surface, avoiding excessive sizzling.
- Carefully arrange shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sprinkle generously with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté shrimp for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until they transform into a vibrant pink color. Maintain medium heat and prevent overcooking.
- Transfer shrimp to a separate plate, keeping them warm.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, white wine, and lemon juice. Deglaze the pan, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- 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.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add two tablespoons of capers, and gently stir to reheat thoroughly on low temperature.
- 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