Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as vibrant as it is easy to make! The One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a delightful blend of succulent shrimp bathed in a buttery, garlicky sauce with a fresh zing from lime and cilantro. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor, bringing a bright, citrusy freshness alongside the rich, velvety texture of butter and garlic. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive yet straightforward, delivering restaurant-quality taste using just one pan for easy cleanup. Once you try this, it’s guaranteed to become your go-to shrimp dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the heart and soul of the recipe, carefully chosen to bring perfect balance between richness, brightness, and a little citrusy kick. Each one plays its part in making the dish simple yet unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour: Helps give the shrimp a light, crispy coating and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for sautéing the shrimp to golden perfection.
- 1 1/2 pound jumbo shrimp (cleaned and deveined): The star ingredient, juicy and tender, ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Adds a rich creaminess and smooth finish to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with its unmistakable savory aroma and bold flavor.
- 1/4 cup chardonnay or dry white wine: Brings a subtle depth and slight acidity that balances the butter beautifully.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice: Delivers a zesty punch that lifts and brightens every component.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped): Adds a fresh herbal note with a pop of vibrant green color.
- Lime wedges and more cilantro for garnish: Perfect for an extra burst of flavor and eye-catching presentation.
How to Make One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season and Flour the Shrimp
Start by mixing the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow bowl—this simple step is key to creating a light, crispy coating on the shrimp that will hold the sauce nicely. Toss your clean, deveined jumbo shrimp in the flour mixture until each piece is well coated. This little extra step makes a world of difference in texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. When shimmering, add the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each side for about 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and golden. Don’t rush this step; the perfect sear brings out their natural sweetness. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside—trust me, you’ll want to save all those pan juices.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet, letting it mingle with those yummy shrimp drippings. Then add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and translucent. That garlicky aroma signals pure deliciousness ahead.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. This combination will bubble up briefly; let it come to a boil before reducing the heat. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmer lets the flavors meld, softening the sharpness of the lime and wine into a harmonious blend.
Step 5: Add Butter to Finish the Sauce
Now for the magic! Gradually whisk in the remaining butter, a few tablespoons at a time, allowing each to melt slowly into the sauce. This technique creates a silky, luscious texture that clings beautifully to the shrimp. The sauce will thicken slightly and shine with richness.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece in that dreamy sauce. Sprinkle a little extra fresh cilantro on top for color and freshness. Don’t forget to add lime wedges around the pan so everyone can adjust their tartness to taste.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your beautifully sauced shrimp hot, pairing it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. This dish is not only delicious but also quick, perfect for those nights when you want something special with very little fuss.
How to Serve One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro aren’t just for show—they add extra zing and brightness exactly when you want it, right at the table. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also offers a subtle heat that complements this zesty dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
This scampi shines alongside fluffy rice, fettuccine pasta, or even crusty toasted bread to soak up every luscious drop of the sauce. Light, simple sides work best to let the bold flavors of shrimp and lime stand front and center.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this recipe over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. You can also toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked quinoa or couscous for added texture and nutrition. No matter how you present it, this One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe looks stunning and tastes like a celebration on a plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Because the shrimp are cooked gently in the sauce, they keep a lot of their moisture and flavor even after chilling.
Freezing
While shrimp dishes freeze okay, the texture can change slightly. If you want to freeze, place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Use within one month for best flavor and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking the shrimp, which can make them rubbery. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or extra lime juice to revive the sauce’s freshness if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before coating in flour. This helps achieve that perfect sear without steaming the shrimp.
Is white wine necessary, or can I substitute it?
White wine adds a lovely depth, but if you prefer not to use alcohol, a splash of chicken broth or lemon juice can work well to maintain acidity and flavor complexity.
How spicy is this dish?
This One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe is generally mild with fresh, zesty flavors, but if you like a little heat, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper is a great way to customize the spice level.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to coat the shrimp. The cooking process remains the same and the result is just as tasty.
What’s the best way to prevent shrimp from overcooking?
Cook the shrimp just until they turn opaque and curl slightly. Since this recipe involves a few cooking stages, be mindful to remove shrimp from heat as soon as they’re done to keep them tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent yet comes together in minutes with minimal fuss. Bright, buttery, and packed with fresh flavors, it’s perfect for entertaining or cozy nights at home. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s become such a beloved recipe to share and savor again and again!
Print
One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining succulent jumbo shrimp sautéed in a zesty cilantro lime butter sauce with a hint of garlic and white wine. Perfectly coated and ready in under 20 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner served alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 pound jumbo shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
Sauce
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup chardonnay or dry white wine
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (finely chopped)
Garnish
- Lime wedges
- Additional fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix the all purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be used to lightly coat the shrimp.
- Heat the pan and olive oil: Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Coat and cook the shrimp: Toss the cleaned and deveined shrimp in the flour mixture, coating them evenly. Add the shrimp to the hot pan in batches and cook for about 2-3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté garlic in butter: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn it.
- Add wine, lime juice, and cilantro: Pour in the chardonnay or dry white wine, freshly squeezed lime juice, and finely chopped cilantro. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook gently for 2 full minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate remaining butter: Gradually whisk in the rest of the butter, a few tablespoons at a time, allowing each addition to fully melt before adding more, creating a smooth and rich sauce.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece in the flavorful cilantro lime butter sauce. Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro on top for extra aroma and color.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the shrimp hot, garnished with lime wedges. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, toasted bread, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
- Enjoy your meal: Dig in and savor the fresh, tangy flavors of this quick and delicious shrimp scampi.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to coat the shrimp.
- If white wine is not available, substitute with chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice for acidity.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- The sauce can be adjusted in lime juice or cilantro according to taste preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
