Shrimp Scampi without Wine (Ready in About 10 Min)

This Shrimp Scampi without Wine is an easy family dinner recipe you can have on the table in 15 minutes. You can serve simple shrimp scampi as an appetizer or with any of your favorite low carb sides for a full meal. 

If one of the reasons you’ve been hesitant to make shrimp scampi recipes before is because they’re often made using wine, then you’ll love this recipe. Tender and succulent shrimp are sauteed in a savory and simple garlic butter sauce that gives the shrimp so much flavor, you’ll never miss the wine.

This is a family friendly classic recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner but is elegant enough, you can serve it for special occasions.

Because shrimp cook so quickly, they make a great go-to ingredient to have on hand. We love to take them and sauté them in a little butter and olive oil and serve them over a simple green salad. Or for a really quick and easy meal that also low carb, try these Shrimp Bowls with Cilantro Rice.

What’s Needed to Make Wine-Free Shrimp Scampi

• 3 T. unsalted butter
• 1 T. fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 lb. Jumbo shrimp (10/15 ct.), peeled, deveined, and tail removed
• 1 large organic lemon, zest and juice
• 1 T. ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: fresh parsley leaves, chopped

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add raw shrimp in a single layer to the sauté pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until shrimp starts to turn pink.
3. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and ground cumin to the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and remove from heat.
5. Spoon shrimp mixture over a bed of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Drizzle some shrimp scampi sauce over each serving and top with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Serve immediately with a simple green salad and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container.

What Can I Serve with this Shrimp Scampi?

You can serve shrimp scampi with just about anything! Here are some great options to consider:

Low Carb Side Options:

• Zucchini Noodles
• Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
• Easy Roasted Asparagus
• Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
• Zucchini Noodles
• Cauliflower Rice
• Angel hair Palmini noodles or gluten free pasta

Carb Side Options:

• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Angel Hair Pasta
• Cilantro Lime White rice
• Broiled Crab Cakes
• Toasted Crusty Bread

Why You Should Save Your Shrimp Shells

Freeze your leftover shrimp shells! Shrimp shells and tails are loaded with delicious, briny flavor. They are great for making gumbos, soups, and stews.

Tips for Making the Best Shrimp Scampi

• The most important thing is to not overcook the shrimp. They’ll become tough and rubbery.
• Choosing great shrimp is the key to any recipe. Shrimp are tiny lobster-like crustaceans, with pale pink shells. You can find them at most any grocery store fresh or frozen, cleaned or in a shell. Though buying fresh shrimp is best, if you have to buy frozen, look at the package at the ingredients. It should just say, “packaged in water” or “shrimp and water.”
• You’ll want jumbo or extra large shrimp for scampi.
• If you can find them, look for easy-peel shrimp. It really helps the peeling process.

Add-ins and Variations for this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe

• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash hot sauce.

• Wine: If you really want to make this recipe with a white wine sauce, I recommend using a dry white wine like pinot grigio.

• Toppings: Parmesan cheese, toasted bread crumbs or pine nuts make great toppings.

• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with any of your favorite herbs. Italian seasoning, like basil, thyme or rosemary are all great.