1-First Step: Get everything ready Before turning on the stove, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, juice the lemon, and measure out the butter, oil, wine or broth, and seasonings. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels so they sear better and do not water down the sauce. Since shrimp cooks in a flash, having everything close by makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.

2-Second Step: Warm the pan with oil and butter Set a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Let the butter melt fully, then swirl the pan so the fats mix together. The olive oil helps keep the butter from browning too fast, which is especially useful if you like a lighter garlic butter shrimp scampi sauce.

3-Third Step: Cook the garlic until fragrant Add the minced garlic to the hot pan and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir constantly so it does not burn. You want the garlic to smell sweet and fragrant, not dark or bitter. This short step builds the base flavor for the whole dish, so keep a close eye on it.

4-Fourth Step: Add the shrimp and season Add the large shrimp or prawns to the skillet in a single layer if you can. Season with salt and cracked pepper to taste. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes on the first side, just until they begin turning pink. Then flip each shrimp and cook the other side briefly. The goal is to keep the shrimp tender, not rubbery.

5-Fifth Step: Add wine or broth and simmer Pour in the dry white wine or broth, then add the crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Bring the pan to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes. During this time, the liquid should reduce by about half and the shrimp should finish cooking through. If you are skipping wine, broth gives the sauce a savory finish without changing the quick cooking method. Do not walk away during this part. Shrimp can go from perfect to overcooked very quickly.

6-Sixth Step: Finish with butter, lemon, and parsley Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the lemon juice, and the chopped parsley. Turn off the heat right away. The butter melts into the sauce and gives it a glossy finish, while the lemon juice keeps everything fresh and bright. The parsley adds color and a clean herbal note that balances the richness of the shrimp scampi.

7-Final Step: Serve right away Spoon the garlic butter shrimp scampi over rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, or zucchini noodles. This dish tastes best fresh from the pan, when the shrimp is juicy and the sauce is silky. If you want a simple dinner pairing, try serving it alongside a crisp vegetable side or a light sweet treat after the meal, such as mini cheesecake recipe for a special occasion spread.