Name: Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 9 cloves garlic, 5 finely chopped, 4 grated, divided; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 7 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 3 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, divided; 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup dry white wine; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/3 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for serving

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bright, garlicky flavor and a touch of zest, you’ve got to try my Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe. This isn’t just any shrimp scampi — adding those toasted breadcrumbs gives an irresistible crunch and extra depth that makes this meal feel truly special. Whether you’re whipping this up for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, I promise you’ll love how effortlessly impressive it is.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Delicious: You can make a fancy-tasting dish in just 30 minutes without fuss.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The garlic, lemon, and butter come together beautifully with a hint of heat and zest.
Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping: Adds a lovely texture that makes this shrimp scampi stand out.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for weeknights or entertaining family and friends alike.

A shiny copper pan filled with one layer of cooked shrimp in a light yellow creamy sauce, sprinkled with small green herbs and bits of red chili flakes. The shrimp are bright orange and pink with white edges and their tails still on. A silver spoon rests inside the pan, holding three shrimp in sauce. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with some chunks of light brown bread around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs, garlic shrimp recipes, shrimp scampi with lemon, easy seafood dinner, crispy breadcrumb shrimp

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a bold, fresh flavor profile. When shopping, look for the freshest shrimp you can find–that makes all the difference!

Flat lay of large raw shrimp with shells removed, several whole uncracked brown garlic cloves and some finely minced garlic, a small handful of coarse kosher salt crystals, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, a small pat of unsalted butter, a small white bowl with golden panko bread crumbs, thin strips of bright yellow lemon zest, a small white bowl with clear extra-virgin olive oil, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl filled with pale yellow dry white wine, a halved lemon showing juicy flesh, a small pile of fresh chopped bright green parsley all arranged symmetrically in a harmonious composition, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs, garlic shrimp recipes, shrimp scampi with lemon, easy seafood dinner, crispy breadcrumb shrimp

Large shrimp: Peeled and deveined is the way to go for quick cooking and easy eating.
Garlic: I like to use both grated and finely chopped garlic for layers of flavor and that luscious sauce.
Kosher salt: It seasons beautifully without being overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right kick.
Unsalted butter: The richness in this recipe comes from butter, so use good quality.
Panko bread crumbs: For that fantastic golden crunch.
Lemon zest: Freshly grated lemon zest brings brightness unmatched by bottled lemon.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps cook the garlic and adds a fruity undertone.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A little heat to balance the flavors.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce–if you don’t have wine, a splash of broth with lemon juice can work.
Lemon juice: Fresh is best for that tangy zing.
Fresh parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe is already a winner, but I love making it my own depending on the mood or who’s at the table. Feel free to adjust to suit your taste or dietary needs — you really can’t go wrong.

Skip the wine: When I cook for the kids, I swap the dry white wine for chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice. The flavor still shines!
Add some greens: I like tossing in fresh spinach or arugula towards the end for a pop of color and nutrition.
Extra spicy: If you like heat, double up on those red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
Gluten-free option: Swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts like almonds for a similar crunch.

How to Make Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe

Step 1: Season the shrimp with garlic and chill

The first step is to toss the shrimp with 2 cloves of grated garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Pop it in the fridge for up to 30 minutes. This little rest lets the flavors really soak in without risking the shrimp getting mushy. Pro tip — don’t let the shrimp soak too long or they’ll start cooking in the garlic juice!

Step 2: Toast the breadcrumbs with garlic and lemon zest

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat and add 2 cloves of grated garlic. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 2 minutes — this gentle cooking softens the garlic for a mellow base. Then add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring often, until they’re beautiful golden brown (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in some lemon zest and a pinch of salt for that unforgettable crunchy topping. Transfer this to a bowl so it doesn’t continue cooking and become bitter.

Step 3: Cook the shrimp until just pink

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in batches if necessary—you don’t want to overcrowd the pan or they’ll steam instead of sear. Toss shrimp occasionally until pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. The key is to avoid overcooking them so they stay juicy and tender. Transfer shrimp to a plate using a slotted spoon to leave behind any juices.

Step 4: Build the scampi sauce

In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add crushed red pepper flakes and 5 chopped garlic cloves, cooking until the garlic starts to brown (2-3 minutes)—this step brings that wonderfully aromatic, slightly nutty garlic flavor to the dish. Next, add dry white wine, fresh lemon juice, and the last bit of lemon zest. Let it simmer and reduce by about one-third, concentrating those bright, tart flavors.

Step 5: Finish the sauce with butter and parsley

Turn the heat to medium-low and swirl in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, adding it slowly one tablespoon at a time. This helps the butter emulsify into the sauce, making it silky and rich. Stir in fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous aroma. This sauce is truly where the magic happens — light, buttery, and lemony with just a hint of heat.

Step 6: Toss shrimp and serve topped with garlic breadcrumbs

Return the shrimp and any juices back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the luscious sauce and warm through for about 2 minutes. Then plate it up and sprinkle generously with those crispy garlic breadcrumbs and extra parsley for fresh brightness and crunch. I love how this last touch elevates the dish — it never fails to impress guests who think you’ve been working on it all day!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: I’ve learned that shrimp go from perfectly tender to rubbery in seconds — once they turn pink and curl, it’s time to take them off heat.
Toast Breadcrumbs Separately: Keeping the breadcrumbs toasted separately keeps their crunch and disallows the garlic from burning.
Add Butter Slowly: Swirling in butter one tablespoon at a time means it emulsifies into a silky sauce instead of separating.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest: I once used bottled lemon zest and the flavors were totally flat — fresh zest is a total game-changer here!

How to Serve Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe

Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving—it gives such a fresh pop that brightens every bite. Sometimes I add a few lemon wedges on the side for anyone who wants a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to side for this garlic shrimp scampi is a simple green salad and crusty bread to mop up that buttery sauce. You can’t go wrong with garlic bread or even a light pasta tossed in olive oil to keep things balanced but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this in shallow pasta bowls with a small scoop of risotto or polenta on the side. It makes the meal feel fancy without complicating the prep. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can also add that wow factor when entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the toasted breadcrumbs separate until you’re ready to reheat, so they stay crisp. Reheat the shrimp gently to keep them tender.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this dish, but shrimp tend to get a bit rubbery when thawed. If you freeze, I recommend freezing just the cooked shrimp without the breadcrumb topping, then adding fresh toasted bread crumbs when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of wine or broth to revive the sauce—avoid the microwave if you want the best texture. Add breadcrumbs just before serving to keep the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before marinating and cooking. Excess moisture can prevent a good sear and make the dish watery.
What can I substitute for white wine?

If you don’t have white wine, use low-sodium chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice. It won’t have quite the same depth but still brings delicious flavor to the dish.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to keep the crunchy topping.
How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and curl slightly—this usually takes 2–3 minutes. Pull them off the heat immediately, as they continue cooking a bit in the residual heat.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Garlic Shrimp Scampi with Lemon and Breadcrumbs Recipe turns out every time. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent without being complicated, and it never fails to get compliments in my house. Plus, the crunch from those buttery toasted breadcrumbs – wow, that’s the kind of detail that makes it a keeper recipe. I highly recommend you give it a try and make it your own — I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your rotation, too.