Shrimp Scampi Appetizer with Citrus and Scallions Recipe
Introduction
Shrimp Scampi Appetizer is a bright and flavorful starter perfect for any gathering. The combination of citrus, garlic, and butter creates a classic sauce that coats tender shrimp beautifully. Ready in minutes, it’s an impressive yet simple dish to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons light white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) 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
- Step 1: Zest the lemon and limes. Juice the fruit to yield 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Combine the zest, juices, and white wine in a small bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter until melted and hot.
- Step 3: Add the smashed garlic cloves and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add the shrimp and 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 citrus-wine mixture. Cook, stirring gently, until the liquid just begins to boil.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Step 7: Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish and serve immediately with toothpicks for easy appetizer-style eating.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for a gentle kick.
- Substitute lime juice with extra lemon juice if you prefer a more lemon-forward taste.
- Serve over toasted baguette slices for a shrimp scampi bruschetta variation.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
Storage
Store any 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.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure the shrimp sear properly and don’t become watery.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi appetizer?
This appetizer pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks. It’s also great alongside a light salad or on a charcuterie board.
PrintShrimp Scampi Appetizer with Citrus and Scallions Recipe
A zesty and buttery Shrimp Scampi Appetizer that features large raw shrimp cooked in a savory garlic, citrus, and white wine sauce, served with scallions for a fresh finish. Perfect for entertaining, this quick and flavorful dish combines the bright flavors of lemon and lime with rich butter and garlic.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings as appetizer 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Citrus and Wine Mixture
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced to yield 2 tablespoons lemon juice)
- 2 limes (zested and juiced to yield 2 tablespoons lime juice)
- 2 tablespoons light white wine
Shrimp and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1¼ 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, then juice the fruit to obtain 2 tablespoons each of lemon and lime juice. Combine the zest, lemon juice, lime juice, and white wine in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat fat base: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter until melted and shimmering.
- Sauté garlic: Add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with ¾ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn opaque throughout and are just cooked, about 3 minutes.
- Add scallions and citrus-wine: Stir in the sliced scallions and pour in the citrus and wine mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid 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 incorporated. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi mixture to a serving dish and provide toothpicks for easy appetizer serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons and limes for the best citrus flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, they should be just opaque and tender.
- Serving with toothpicks makes this an ideal finger food appetizer.
- Light white wine is preferred to keep the sauce bright and not overpowering.
- Butter is added in two stages to create a silky sauce and finish with richness.
Keywords: shrimp scampi, appetizer, garlic shrimp, citrus shrimp, quick shrimp recipe, seafood appetizer
