If you love the classic, lemony-garlic taste of shrimp scampi, but don’t feel like bothering with the wine, this shrimp scampi recipe without wine is for you. We use simple broth as a white wine alternative to make the very best non alcoholic scampi sauce around.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Shrimp scampi is here to stay- and for good reason. Sweet succulent shrimp delicately sauteed in butter with zesty garlic, fresh herbs, and lively lemon is certainly hard to beat.
But what about the wine in shrimp scampi? Can you make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes, you can! The secret to our non alcoholic scampi sauce in this recipe is broth. It is the best white wine substitute for scampi sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable.
Not only can you make shrimp scampi without wine, it is remarkably easy. This recipe can be made in just about 15 minutes and only requires the use of one skillet.
However, the instructions included here are just for the shrimp. If you are making this shrimp scampi no wine recipe as part of a larger meal, you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Need inspiration for meal ideas? We got you covered! I’ve included a helpful list of ways to incorporate this scrumptious shrimp scampi recipe without wine into any meal.
Ingredients for Easy Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi sauce is traditionally made with garlic, butter, and white wine with various spices and other ingredients tossed in from version to version.
However, as the name implies, this shrimp scampi recipe without wine is a completely non alcoholic version.
In this homemade version, we use broth as an easy, affordable white wine substitute.
The results are just delicious, and you don’t have to go out and purchase any wine!
- Butter
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Garlic – minced
- Broth – seafood, vegetable, or chicken
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Large Shrimp – peeled, tails on
- Fresh Parsley – chopped plus extra for serving
- Lemon – juiced plus wedges for serving
Should You Remove Shrimp Tails Before Cooking?
As long as the outer shell and legs have been removed, the decision to cook with or without the shrimp tails is up to you. Your recipe will be fine either way!
It depends on your preferences, how you are planning on preparing your shrimp, and who you are feeding.
Coconut shrimp or shrimp cocktail appetizer? You probably want to leave it on. Popcorn shrimp? No tails needed. You get the idea.
For the best results, this shrimp scampi no wine recipe suggests leaving the tails on for cooking for a few reasons.
The tails will hold in some of the juices, enhancing flavor while also jazzing up presentation.
Furthermore, since this recipe might be served a la carte, the tails make a handy little serving handle.
However, it isn’t necessary and it’s perfectly okay to cook with tails removed.
You might prefer this if you have young children and/or picky eaters that will be sharing in your shrimp scampi without wine.
Of course, you can always cook with tails on and pinch them off for the picky ones. They’ll never know!
How to Make Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Set a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt together the butter and olive oil.
STEP TWO: Add the garlic to the skillet and saute for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
STEP THREE: Now add the broth, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer for about 1-2 minutes, allowing enough time for the liquid to be reduced down by half.
STEP FOUR: Toss the shrimp into the skillet and saute until they just start turning pink, or for about 3-4 minutes. Finally, mix in parsley and lemon juice. Remove the pan from heat.
STEP FIVE: Serve immediately with more lemon wedges or with pasta and crusty bread if you prefer. Enjoy!
Tips for Making this Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe without Wine
- Get the added flavor from the broth instead of wine. Make sure to use either seafood, vegetable, or chicken broth. Since we aren’t using wine, it’s important to bring in some extra flavor in a different way. Above all, don’t use water!
- Shrimp cooks really quickly, so keep an eye on the skillet. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and almost rubbery, so sauté just until they turn pink and opaque. It shouldn’t take more than 3-4 minutes.
- Add fresh herbs and extra lemon juice at the end of the cooking time to brighten up this easy shrimp scampi recipe. The parsley adds a touch of freshness, and the citrus provides a zesty kick! Both balance out the richness of the butter and olive oil.
What to Serve with Easy Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi recipe without wine can be enjoyed in a surprising number of ways. Here are a few ways you can serve your scampi:
- As a satisfying appetizer or snack, with a few lemon wedges and crusty bread
- With angel hair, linguine, or the pasta of your choice
- Served over a bed or lemony rice or orzo
- Alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or any of your favorite vegetables
- Along with some homemade garlic cheese bread or this easy air fryer garlic bread recipe
- On a fresh garden or Caesar salad
- Try pairing it with Zucchini Noodles for a gluten free, keto option
How to Store Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe Leftovers
Let any leftover shrimp scampi cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Other Seafood Recipes You’ll Love:
- Air Fryer Cod
- Instant Pot Tilapia Fish Tacos
- Air Fryer Haddock
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Tilapia
- Instant Pot Crab Legs
- Air Fryer Oysters
Other Easy Ways to Prepare Shrimp
If shrimp scampi isn’t your thing, don’t fret. Try some of my other easy and irresistible shrimp recipes:
- Shrimp Fried Rice
- Shrimp with Lemon and Pepper
- Frozen Shrimp in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp
- Air Fryer Shrimp Tempura
More Cast Iron Recipes
- Steak Fajitas
- Cast Iron Chicken Breast
- Cream Jalapeno Corn
- Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin
- Sauteed Butternut Squash
- Carne Asada Quesadillas
- Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe without Wine
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup broth seafood, vegetable, or chicken
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1 ½ pounds large shrimp peeled, tails on
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for serving
- 1 lemon juiced, plus more wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large cast iron skillet set over medium heat, melt butter together with olive oil. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add broth, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Add shrimp and sauté 3-4 minutes until they just turn pink.
- Stir in the parsley and lemon juice and remove the skillet from the heat. Serve with more lemon wedges (over pasta, or with crusty bread.)
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
I made this tonight. I used a chicken boullion cube to make chicken stock (used the pasta water to make it.) and boiled the shrimp shells in it for more flavor. I doubled the spices, (except salt), garlic, lemon and parsley.
This was Fabulous. Great recipe.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Jody!