🔥🦐 Cast Iron Shrimp Scampi is a quick, flavorful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your stovetop. Cooking in cast iron gives the shrimp a perfect sear while allowing the garlicky, buttery sauce to simmer beautifully. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up every last drop!
🍋🧄 Cast Iron Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients (Serves 2–4):
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
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Juice of ½ lemon (plus extra wedges for serving)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: Grated Parmesan, for garnish
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Optional: Cooked angel hair or linguine, if serving with pasta
🔥 Instructions:
1. Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet:
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Place your skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot.
2. Sear the Shrimp:
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Pat shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Add olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter to the hot skillet.
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Add shrimp in a single layer — don’t overcrowd. Sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until just cooked and pink.
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Remove shrimp and set aside (they’ll finish in the sauce later).
3. Build the Scampi Sauce:
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
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Add remaining 2 tbsp butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t brown the garlic!
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Pour in the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, until slightly reduced.
4. Finish It Off:
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Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1 minute just to warm through.
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Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
📝 Serving Suggestions:
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Serve over angel hair pasta, zoodles, or garlic bread.
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Drizzle any leftover sauce over rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan or an extra squeeze of lemon for brightness.
🧑🍳 Tips:
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Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long.
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For extra richness, finish with a splash of cream.
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Want smoky flavor? Add a pinch of smoked paprika.