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.
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)
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.
Notes
Do not overcook the shrimp; remove them from the skillet once they curl and turn pink.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor impact.
Cast iron skillets retain heat well and give shrimp a beautiful sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 0.2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: shrimp scampi, cowboy scampi, garlic butter shrimp