Dairy Free Shrimp Scampi (naturally gluten-free)

Skip the restaurant and make this insanely delicious Dairy-Free Shrimp Scampi recipe right in your own kitchen! Considering all the hype, it is surprisingly effortless to make -- you can make it perfectly yourself every time.

This easy shrimp recipe has only 5 ingredients, and after marinating the shrimp (a highly recommended step) it only takes 6 minutes to make! Most shrimp scampi recipes are naturally gluten-free, and this one is no exception.

The best time to make shrimp scampi is... all the time! It's simple, it's classy, it's made to impress, so it's perfect for date nights, weeknights, and holidays like Valentine's Day, birthdays, and New Year's Eve.

We love to impress guests with a restaurant-style recipe made right at home.

Pair it with Italian Sauteed Onions and Peppers and linguine or angel hair pasta for a full meal. Then end the meal with a super simple but truly decadent Thick Italian Hot Chocolate, Unbelievably Authentic Dairy-Free Tiramisu, Dairy Free Brownies, or Dairy-Free Gelato!

The Secret Ingredient

Before we get started, I'll let you in on the real secret to a phenomenal, restaurant-style shrimp scampi -- it's a splash of white wine to add a little sophistication and that classic flavor.

On a chef's note, that little bit of wine also helps to deglaze the pan quickly making cooking and clean-up a breeze.

If you're loving our quick and easy seafood recipes, check out our amazing Super Easy Paella Recipe that's full of flavor and also includes tender shrimp. Or make our Salmon Quinoa Salad that is sure to impress.

Jump to:

• The Secret Ingredient
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• How to Make Shrimp Scampi
• Make it without wine
• How to serve it with pasta
• What to serve with Shrimp Scampi
• Equipment
• Storage
• Top tip
• Dairy-Free Shrimp Scampi
• Food safety

Ingredients and Substitutions

This 5 ingredient dairy-free shrimp scampi recipe is simple and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together and all the ways you can serve it! Mix in some peppers, zucchini, or snap peas for a delicious shrimp and vegetable scampi dish.

• Shrimp - Use large and uncooked, shelled, and deveined shrimp. Remove the tails if serving in pasta or cooking with vegetables. You can leave them on if they're a finger food. Raw frozen shrimp work perfectly in this recipe, but thaw them completely first.
• Olive oil - An olive oil and butter combination is classic, but I find that just olive oil alone tastes great! You can substitute for another oil of choice, use an oil and dairy-free butter combination, or simply use dairy-free butter.
• Garlic - Fresh garlic cloves are best. Freeze dried garlic is a great substitute when in a pinch. And sliced green onions can substitute if you can't eat garlic.
• Dry white wine - Wine adds a delicate flavor and makes that classic scampi sauce. See the sections below for tips on which wines to choose or how to make shrimp scampi without wine.
• Lemon - A fresh squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, zesty pop of flavor.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

What type of wine is best for shrimp scampi?

Shrimp scampi is best with a dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. A mild, classic flavor is best so it does not overpower the delicate seafood flavor. If sampling wines ahead of time, one with citrus undertones makes an excellent pairing in the dish and also to drink while enjoying your meal.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

There are only two steps to this easy shrimp scampi recipe!

Note: While 120 degrees F is often listed as the appropriate internal temperature for cooking tender shrimp, the USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. I find using a thermometer to check the internal temperature is the best way to cook shrimp safely without over-cooking.

Serve this dairy and gluten-free shrimp scampi by itself, over gluten free pasta, rice, or tossed in a light salad. For an extra bite, sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

Hint: Remove from the heat once the shrimp have finished cooking to prevent them from becoming rubbery. Serve immediately with freshly ground black pepper.

Make it without wine

To make shrimp scampi without white wine, simply leave the wine out! The recipe is still delicious and full of flavor. For a little extra flavor, consider adding fresh parsley or another Italian herb of choice. And to keep that extra zing of acidity, add extra lemon juice before serving!

Fun Fact: Since alcohol has a lower boiling temperature than water, the alcohol content of shrimp scampi boils out quickly and is nearly zero! If you do decide to add a little cooking wine for flavor, you will notice lots of bubbles as the alcohol quickly boils off. You'll see this same bubbling when adding wine to our delicious Vegan Vodka Pasta recipe!

How to serve it with pasta

These delicate shellfish in a light sauce go perfectly tossed in freshly cooked linguine pasta for a classic pairing. Top with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before serving!

What to serve with Shrimp Scampi

While Shrimp Scampi is often served as an appetizer or finger food all on its own, you can also serve it with any of the following combinations to make a full meal:

• Peppers and onions
• Linguine or another pasta
• Steamed rice
• Risotto
• Gnocchi
• Zoodles (zucchini noodles)
• Crusty Bread like this Gluten-Free French Baguette
• House Favorite Minestrone Soup

Equipment

• bowl or container to marinade the shrimp
• skillet
• tongs

Storage

Store in a shallow air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best taste, reheat in a skillet, stirring frequently, until shrimp are your desired serving temperature but no longer (you don't want to overcook them).

Top with more lemon juice before serving since heat diminishes the delicate flavor of the lemon juice.

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Food safety

Tips to make dairy-free shrimp scampi according to FDA food safety standards:

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 145 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat and fish
• Wash hands after touching raw meat and fish
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.