Garlic Lemon Shrimp Scampi
Juicy shrimp tossed in a vibrant, zesty sauce of garlic, lemon, and white wine. This classic Italian-American dish is incredibly quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and naturally low-carb when served over zucchini noodles.
For 4 servings
Prepare the shrimp and ingredients.
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
- Thinly slice the garlic and chop the fresh parsley.
TIPDrying the shrimp is key to getting a good sear instead of just steaming them in the pan.Sauté the aromatics.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.
TIPKeep a close eye on the garlic; browned garlic turns bitter quickly.Cook the shrimp.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
TIPShrimp cook very fast. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are opaque to keep them tender and juicy.Create the scampi sauce.
Pour in the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. The sauce will reduce slightly.
Finish and serve.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately over zucchini noodles or your favorite low-carb base.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use the largest shrimp you can find for the best texture and presentation.
- 2For a richer sauce, you can add 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil, but this will increase the calorie count.
- 3Don't substitute bottled lemon juice for fresh. The flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for this dish.
- 4If you don't want to use wine, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth, though the flavor will be different.
- 5Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy free
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses olive oil instead of butter.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or rice.
spicySpicy
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped fresh chili along with the garlic for extra heat.
healthyHealthy
To make it even lighter, serve over a bed of steamed spinach or arugula instead of pasta.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and building, and helps keep you feeling full.
Heart-Healthy Fats
This recipe uses extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, known to support cardiovascular health.
Low in Carbohydrates
With no pasta or grains, this dish is naturally very low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and other low-carb diets.
Good Source of Selenium
Shrimp is a great source of selenium, an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of shrimp scampi can be very healthy. It's high in lean protein from the shrimp and uses heart-healthy olive oil. Serving it with zucchini noodles makes it a low-carb, nutrient-dense meal.