Lemon-Lime Shrimp Scampi Appetizer Recipe
A vibrant and zesty Shrimp Scampi appetizer combining fresh citrus flavors, garlic, and a buttery sauce, perfect for entertaining or a light starter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Citrus and Wine Mixture
- 1 lemon
- 2 limes
- 2 Tbsp. light white wine
Shrimp and Sauce
- 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
- Prepare the Citrus Mixture: Zest the lemon and limes, then juice them to get 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Combine the zest, juices, and light white wine in a bowl and set aside for later use.
- Heat the Fat: 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 the Shrimp: Add the shrimp and ¾ teaspoon salt to the skillet. Cook the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until they turn just opaque in the center, about 3 minutes, ensuring they don’t overcook.
- Add Scallions and Citrus-Wine Mixture: Stir in the thinly sliced scallions followed by the prepared citrus-wine mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the liquid just reaches a boil, melding the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to create a silky sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi mixture to a serving dish and provide toothpicks for easy appetizer serving.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the shrimp; they should be just opaque to remain tender.
- Use fresh lemon and lime for the best citrus flavor.
- This dish works best served immediately while warm.
- The white wine adds depth but can be omitted if desired, substituting with extra lemon juice.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a fuller meal.
Keywords: shrimp scampi, appetizer, shrimp appetizer, garlic shrimp, citrus shrimp, easy seafood recipe
