Shrimp Scampi Appetizer with Citrus and Scallions Recipe
Introduction
Shrimp Scampi Appetizer is a bright, flavorful starter perfect for any gathering. Featuring juicy shrimp cooked in a zesty citrus and buttery garlic sauce, it’s quick to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 2 limes
- 2 Tbsp. light white wine
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 4 Tbsp. (½ stick) butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 and ¼ lb. large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ tsp. salt, plus more to taste
- 8 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Zest the lemon and limes, then juice them to yield 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Combine the zest, lemon and lime juices, and the white wine in a small bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
- Step 3: Add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with ¾ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turns opaque in the center, about 3 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in the sliced scallions and the prepared citrus-wine mixture. Cook, stirring, until the liquid just begins to simmer.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Adjust salt to taste.
- Step 7: Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish and serve immediately with toothpicks for easy eating.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic.
- Serve over toasted baguette slices for a more substantial appetizer.
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor, but frozen shrimp can work if properly thawed.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare shrimp scampi appetizer ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and zest mixture ahead, but it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving to keep them tender and juicy.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi as an appetizer?
Shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crostini, or crisp vegetable sticks for dipping in the flavorful sauce.
PrintShrimp Scampi Appetizer with Citrus and Scallions Recipe
This Shrimp Scampi Appetizer features succulent large shrimp sautéed in a luscious blend of citrus, garlic, white wine, and butter, enhanced with fresh scallions. Perfect as a flavorful starter or party snack, it’s a quick and elegant dish that highlights bright lemon and lime zest with buttery richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Citrus and Wine Mixture
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced for 2 tablespoons juice)
- 2 limes (zested and juiced for 2 tablespoons juice)
- 2 tablespoons light white wine
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 and ¼ pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¾ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 8 scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Citrus Mixture: Zest the lemon and limes and then juice them to collect 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Combine the zest, citrus juices, and light white wine in a small bowl and set aside for later use.
- Heat Fat in Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and warm the olive oil along with half the butter (2 tablespoons) until melted and hot.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the smashed garlic cloves to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet along with ¾ teaspoon salt. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque in the center and are cooked through.
- Add Scallions and Citrus-Wine: Stir in the sliced scallions and the previously prepared citrus-wine mixture. Cook, stirring continuously, until the liquid just barely comes to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is silky. Adjust salt to taste if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi mixture to a serving dish and provide toothpicks for an easy, elegant appetizer presentation.
Notes
- Using large raw shrimp peeled and deveined ensures quick cooking and tender texture.
- Adjust salt carefully especially if serving with salty accompaniments or bread.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture; shrimp is best enjoyed hot right out of the skillet.
- Pair with crusty bread or cocktail napkins for clean serving.
- You can substitute light white wine with dry vermouth if preferred.
Keywords: shrimp scampi, appetizer, seafood appetizer, garlic butter shrimp, lemon lime shrimp, party appetizer
