Keto Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Succulent shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with bright lemon notes and fresh herbs, creating a luxurious keto-friendly dish that's ready in minutes.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
8 mins
Serves:
4 servings
An overhead shot of a white ceramic oval dish filled with plump, pink shrimp glistening in a golden butter sauce. The shrimp are arranged in a circular pattern with specks of vibrant green parsley and red pepper flakes creating beautiful color contrast. A halved lemon sits at the edge of the dish, with a few drops of juice visible on the surface of the sauce. The dish is photographed in soft natural light on a dark slate surface, with a small ramekin of extra sauce and a glass of chilled white wine partially visible at the frame's edge. Steam rises gently from the hot dish, carrying the aromatic scent of garlic and butter.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">680g large shrimp, peeled and deveined</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">45ml olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml dry white wine (or chicken broth for strict keto)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g fresh parsley, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large skillet or sauté pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen tongs</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Begin by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels - this is crucial as excess moisture prevents proper searing and can make your sauce watery. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the butter (30g) and all the olive oil to the pan. Once the butter has melted and begins to foam slightly (but before it browns), add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned - garlic becomes bitter when overcooked.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed). Cook for about 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should form a slight C-shape when properly cooked - if they curl into a tight O-shape, they're overcooked. Remove the shrimp to a plate and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pour the white wine (or broth) into the same pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan - these contain concentrated flavor compounds that will enrich your sauce. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2 minutes, which concentrates the flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 30g of butter to the pan, swirling to create an emulsified sauce. Once melted, stir in the fresh lemon juice. The acid from the lemon balances the richness of the butter, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Return the shrimp to the pan along with any accumulated juices (these contain valuable flavor). Toss gently to coat in the sauce and warm through, about 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp at this stage.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, which adds both color and a fresh herbaceous note that complements the richness of the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. For a complete keto meal, this pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad. The warm sauce should be slightly thickened but still liquid enough to pool slightly on the plate - perfect for dipping!</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cookie
🔥 Calories: 112 calories
🥑 Fat: 10 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 3 g
🍭 Sugar: 0.5 g
🍗 Protein: 3 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 24 mg
🧂 Sodium: 75 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make garlic butter shrimp ahead of time for meal prep?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Clean and season the shrimp, mince the garlic, and measure ingredients in advance. For actual meal prep, cook as directed but slightly undercook the shrimp, then refrigerate for 1-2 days. Gently reheat in a pan, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.

What can I serve with garlic butter shrimp to keep it low-carb?

Excellent keto-friendly pairings include cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles (zoodles), sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad with avocado. For added fat, consider serving with a side of melted butter for dipping or sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn from translucent grey to opaque pink and form a relaxed "C" shape. If they curl into a tight "O" shape, they're overcooked. They typically need only 2-3 minutes per side depending on size. Always watch them closely as they cook quickly and become rubbery when overdone.

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