Growing up, my family had a weekly tradition of enjoying a big seafood feast on Friday nights. My dad would come home from work, roll up his sleeves, and get to work in the kitchen, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi. It was always the highlight of my week – sitting around the table, dipping crusty bread into that rich, buttery sauce, and savoring each bite of perfectly cooked shrimp.
To this day, the flavors of Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi take me right back to those cherished family dinners. There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about the combination of tender shrimp, fragrant garlic, and indulgent butter. It’s a dish that instantly lifts my mood and fills me with nostalgia.
That’s why I’m so excited to share my foolproof Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe with you. This dish has become a staple in my household, and I know it’ll soon be a go-to for you too. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, which is a total game-changer on busy weeknights.
Why This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What sets this Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe apart is the perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor and a light, fresh finish. The secret lies in the way the shrimp is cooked – seared to a gorgeous golden-brown on the outside, while staying tender and juicy on the inside. And the garlic-infused butter sauce? It’s pure heaven, elevating the natural sweetness of the shrimp to new heights.
The Secret Behind Perfect Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
The key to achieving that mouthwatering texture and flavor is all in the cooking technique. By searing the shrimp first, you create a beautiful caramelized crust that seals in the juices. Then, you’ll deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. This adds an extra layer of complexity to the sauce, making it truly irresistible.
And let’s not forget the garlic. In this recipe, the garlic is sautéed to perfection, becoming sweet, nutty, and oh-so-fragrant. It’s the perfect complement to the rich, creamy butter that binds it all together.
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Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy, garlicky goodness of Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – a quick and easy low-carb dinner that’s ready in just 10 minutes! Succulent shrimp are cooked in a rich, buttery sauce infused with the fragrance of fresh garlic, creating a truly irresistible meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tbsp unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. – Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. – Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. – Squeeze the lemon juice over the shrimp and stir to combine.
5. – Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. – Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. – Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is delicious on its own or served over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal. For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Shrimp: Look for large, high-quality shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for the most control over the seasoning.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for maximum aroma and taste.
White wine: Dry white wine, like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc, adds acidity and depth.
Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous notes.
Step-by-Step Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Instructions
Preparing Your Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to make, coming together in just about 30 minutes. You’ll need a large skillet or sauté pan to get the job done, and a sharp knife for chopping the garlic and parsley.
1- Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper.
2- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt half of the butter. Once the butter is hot and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re opaque and slightly charred.
3- Transfer the seared shrimp to a plate and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pan.
4- When the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just starting to brown.
5- Carefully pour in the white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
6- Return the shrimp to the pan, toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce, and remove from heat. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve your Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi immediately, with lemon wedges on the side.
Pro Tips for Success
– Use the freshest, highest-quality shrimp you can find for the best texture and flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the shrimp – work in batches if needed to get that perfect sear.
– Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can quickly go from fragrant and nutty to bitter and acrid.
– If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of the pasta cooking water or a bit of chicken or vegetable broth.
Serving and Storing Your Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Perfect Pairings for Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
This Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate versatile dish. It’s equally at home as a special occasion centerpiece or a quick and easy weeknight meal. For a complete keto-friendly dinner, I love to serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, which soak up that luscious sauce beautifully.
If you’re feeling indulgent, pair the Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi with a crisp, dry white wine, like a sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. And don’t forget a big hunk of crusty, low-carb bread for dipping!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
You can also make this dish ahead of time and freeze it for longer storage. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Creative Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Variations
One of the best things about this Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt it to your tastes or the season.
Try swapping out the shrimp for scallops or lobster tails for a luxurious twist. In the summertime, fresh tomatoes or spinach would be a delicious addition. And for a little heat, you can’t go wrong with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Making Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Diet-Friendly
To make this Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe suitable for other dietary restrictions, you’ve got a few easy options:
For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free white wine or broth in place of the regular.
To make it dairy-free, swap the butter for your favorite plant-based alternative, like olive oil or coconut oil.
And for a low-carb or keto adaptation, serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to thoroughly thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking. This will help them develop that perfect sear.
Q: How can I tell when the shrimp are cooked through?
A: Shrimp are cooked when they turn opaque and just barely pink. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi recipe reheats beautifully. Just store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How can I scale this recipe up or down?
A: This recipe is very easy to scale, just adjust the quantities of the ingredients proportionally. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 pound of shrimp per 2-3 servings.
Q: What should I do if the sauce seems too thick?
A: If the garlic butter sauce thickens up too much, you can thin it out by adding a splash of broth, white wine, or even a bit of the pasta cooking water. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Conclusion
There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Keto Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of tender, juicy shrimp, fragrant garlic, and that rich, indulgent butter sauce is simply out of this world.
I hope this recipe brings you the same comfort and joy that it does for me. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, I know your loved ones are going to devour every last bite. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy!
