Gordon Ramsay’s Shrimp Scampi is a quick, elegant, and flavor-packed dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with white wine, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This dish delivers a perfect balance of richness, brightness, and spice, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What Makes Gordon Ramsay’s Shrimp Scampi Special?
Gordon Ramsay’s shrimp scampi stands out because of its quick cooking technique, fresh ingredients, and perfectly balanced flavors. The shrimp are seared for a crispy bite, then tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a splash of white wine for depth. The addition of lemon juice and red pepper flakes creates the perfect contrast of acidity and heat.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Turkey Gravy
- Gordon Ramsay’s Lemon Butter Caper Sauce
- Gordon Ramsay Parmesan Chicken
- Gordon Ramsay Meatballs And Spaghetti
Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-quality flavor – A rich garlic butter sauce elevates the dish.
- Bright and zesty – Lemon juice and white wine add freshness and acidity.
- Perfectly cooked shrimp – Searing locks in flavor and gives them a crispy bite.
- Versatile serving options – Enjoy with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients Needed for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 lemon (juice + zest)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ lb (225g) linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi
- Prepare the shrimp – Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the shrimp – Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic – In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine – Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced.
- Add lemon and spice – Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes, letting the flavors meld.
- Return the shrimp – Toss the shrimp back into the pan, coating them in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Finish with fresh parsley – Sprinkle with chopped parsley and remove from heat.
- Serve immediately – Plate over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Best Sides to Serve with Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi
- Pair with pasta – Linguine or spaghetti works best to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Serve with garlic bread – A crispy baguette is perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
- Add a fresh green salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Enjoy with roasted vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes complement the dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi
- Use large shrimp – Bigger shrimp stay juicy and have a better texture when seared.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – They only need 1-2 minutes per side to stay tender.
- Deglaze with wine for depth – White wine adds a rich, slightly tangy flavor.
- Balance flavors with lemon juice – A touch of acidity enhances the buttery sauce.
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste – Avoid pre-minced garlic for maximum flavor.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi
- Make it extra spicy – Add more red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
- Try a creamy version – Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
- Swap wine for broth – Use chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
- Add cherry tomatoes – Sautéed tomatoes bring sweetness and a pop of color.
- Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option – Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini for a lighter dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi
- Store in an airtight container – Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat on the stove for best results – Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth or butter to refresh the sauce.
- Avoid microwaving – This can overcook the shrimp, making them rubbery.
- Freeze for later use – Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month, but fresh is best for texture.
FAQs
What is the best type of shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Large or jumbo shrimp (16-20 counts per pound) are the best choice for shrimp scampi. They stay juicy and tender while providing a satisfying bite when seared.
Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken or vegetable broth. A splash of lemon juice can also help maintain the dish’s brightness and depth of flavor.
How do you thicken the shrimp scampi sauce?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce naturally. Alternatively, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a slightly thicker consistency.
What pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine and spaghetti are the best choices, as they hold the sauce well. Other options like fettuccine or angel hair can also work, depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Gordon Ramsay’s Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate quick and elegant seafood dish, combining juicy shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and a zesty white wine reduction. Whether served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
PrintGordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi – A Restaurant-Quality Seafood Dish
Gordon Ramsay’s Shrimp Scampi is a quick, elegant, and flavor-packed dish featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with white wine, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This dish delivers a perfect balance of richness, brightness, and spice, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 lemon (juice + zest)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ lb (225g) linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp – Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and season with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the shrimp – Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and slightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic – In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine – Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced.
- Add lemon and spice – Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes, letting the flavors meld.
- Return the shrimp – Toss the shrimp back into the pan, coating them in the sauce. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
- Finish with fresh parsley – Sprinkle with chopped parsley and remove from heat.
- Serve immediately – Plate over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.