Description
At its core, shrimp scampi with Christmas herb butter is an elevated, festive interpretation of the beloved Italian-American seafood classic. Traditional scampi features plump crustaceans quickly cooked in a hot pan alongside garlic, white wine or stock, lemon juice, and cold butter.
Ingredients
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500 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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5 garlic cloves, finely minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
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1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
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½ tsp dried oregano
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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60 ml chicken or seafood stock
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Make the Christmas herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with parsley, rosemary, thyme, oregano, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes, if using. Mix until well combined.
3. Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the herb butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, without allowing it to brown.
4. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes per side, depending on size, until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate temporarily if needed to prevent overcooking.
5. Make the scampi sauce: Pour the stock and lemon juice into the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add the herb butter: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the remaining Christmas herb butter until melted and the sauce becomes glossy.
7. Combine and finish: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently in the sauce for another 30–60 seconds, until cooked through. Stir in the Parmesan cheese if desired and adjust the seasoning.
8. Serve: Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of stock to keep the shrimp tender. Avoid prolonged reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 200 g
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: holiday herb butter shrimp scampi, Christmas garlic butter shrimp, festive herb shrimp scampi