Description

A quick and flavorful Shrimp Scampi recipe featuring garlic, lemon, and plant-based butter, delivering fresh and vibrant tastes. Perfect for busy evenings or hosting, this dish offers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Aromatics

1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 garlic cloves, minced finely
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

3 tbsp butter (plant-based)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Herbs and Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Thin lemon slices (optional for garnish)

Serving Suggestions

Cooked pasta, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or spiralized zucchini noodles, for serving

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Mince the garlic finely and chop the fresh parsley. Zest and juice the lemon. Organize all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth preparation.
Sauté Garlic and Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, locking in juiciness and flavor.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat slightly and stir in the plant-based butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently and let the sauce meld together, creating a silky coating for the shrimp.
Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the sauce and sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Stir lightly so the shrimp absorb the flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Serve the Shrimp Scampi hot over your choice of cooked pasta, grain, or vegetable base. Spoon extra sauce over the top for a rich and flavorful finish.

Notes

Choose fresh or properly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
Zest the lemon before juicing to enhance aroma.
Cook garlic gently to prevent bitterness.
Use quality olive oil for a subtle fruity note.
Finish with fresh parsley for brightness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 195mg

Keywords: shrimp scampi, garlic shrimp, plant-based butter scampi, quick shrimp recipe, lemon shrimp, gluten free shrimp