Shrimp 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
Scale
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
