Name: Cowboy Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on optional); 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 lemon wedge (for serving)

Cowboy Scampi is a fiery, buttery twist on the classic shrimp scampi, infused with bold Western flavors that pack heat and a little smoky charm. This dish features succulent shrimp seared in a sizzling cowboy butter sauce, where garlic, lemon, paprika, and fresh herbs come together in one unforgettable bite. Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a standalone appetizer, it’s a rustic indulgence with restaurant-quality flair.

What makes Cowboy Scampi stand out is its fusion of spice-forward seasoning and comforting richness. It takes the elegance of shrimp scampi and dresses it down for the campfire crowd—with a bit of cowboy swagger. You don’t need a lasso to wrangle this dish, just a skillet and a handful of pantry staples.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into Cowboy Scampi, having the right tools can elevate the entire cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Skillet (Preferably Cast Iron): Essential for getting that high-heat sear on the shrimp and caramelizing the cowboy butter sauce without scorching. Cast iron holds heat beautifully.
Microplane or Garlic Press: Since garlic is a key player in this dish, you’ll want to finely grate or press it to unlock its full flavor and help it blend smoothly into the butter.
Zester: Fresh lemon zest brightens the richness, so a zester is handy for pulling that citrus punch without bitterness.

Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for scraping the fond (those flavor-packed brown bits) from the pan as you deglaze.
Citrus Juicer (Optional but Helpful): For extracting every last drop of lemon juice without seeds.
Mixing Bowl: To toss the shrimp with spices before they hit the heat. Ensures even coating and faster prep.

Ingredients for the Cowboy Scampi

Each ingredient in Cowboy Scampi plays a key role in building bold, layered flavor:

Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The main star. Opt for fresh or thawed-from-frozen shrimp with tails on for extra flavor and presentation.
Butter: Forms the base of the cowboy butter sauce. It creates the rich, velvety coating for the shrimp.

Fresh Garlic (minced): Intensifies the savory notes and infuses the butter with pungent warmth.
Paprika: Adds earthy spice and a gorgeous reddish hue. Smoked paprika deepens the Western feel.
Red Pepper Flakes: For that subtle cowboy kick. Adjust to taste.

Lemon Zest and Juice: Brightens and balances the butter’s richness with fresh citrus acidity.
Chopped Parsley: Adds color and freshness, cutting through the bold flavors.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify every other component.

Olive Oil: Helps the butter emulsify and gives the shrimp a quick sear.

How To Make the Cowboy Scampi

Step 1: Season and Prep the Shrimp

In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Let this sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the pan. This seasoning preps the shrimp for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil. Sear the shrimp in a single layer for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they begin to curl and brown slightly. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Cowboy Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and allow it to melt. Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and juice. Let everything bubble gently for a minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Return Shrimp and Coat

Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the cowboy butter sauce. Let them cook together for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and glistening.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving. Spoon the buttery sauce over the top and finish with a lemon wedge on the side.

How to Serve and Store Cowboy Scampi

Cowboy Scampi is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can spoon it over warm linguine or creamy mashed potatoes for a full meal, or serve it with toasted sourdough or crusty French bread to soak up that rich cowboy butter sauce. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted vegetables or a simple arugula salad.

If you’re serving it at a gathering, try toothpicking the shrimp for a bold, finger-friendly appetizer.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to re-emulsify the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes. If you like it hotter, add more flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute plant-based butter, though it may slightly alter the flavor. The richness will still be there.

What’s the best shrimp size to use?

Large shrimp (21-25 count per pound) are ideal. They hold their shape well and sear nicely.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and season the shrimp in advance. Cook just before serving for the best texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the shrimp—do it in batches if needed.

Want More Shrimp & Seafood Ideas?

If this Cowboy Scampi recipe hit the spot, you might love diving into these other seafood-forward dishes from Life With Olivia:

• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta Recipe for island-inspired spice and comfort.
• Seafood Stuffed Shells if you’re craving cheesy, oven-baked indulgence.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails when you want an elegant surf option.
• Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage Broccoli for a quick one-pan meal.
• Shrimp Salad Recipe for something lighter but just as flavorful.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it anytime: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add extra heat or mix it with pasta? Did you try serving it taco-style?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions and tips are always welcome — let’s make cooking better together!

Cowboy Scampi

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cowboy Scampi is a bold twist on classic shrimp scampi, bringing smoky heat, zesty lemon, and herbaceous butter together in one unforgettable skillet meal. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a rustic yet refined dish.

Instructions

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with salt, black pepper, paprika, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Let sit for 10 minutes to marinate.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear shrimp in a single layer, about 1–2 minutes per side, until just opaque. Remove and set aside.

3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Return shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the cowboy butter sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes.

5. Garnish with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge. Serve immediately.