Shrimp piccata is one of those simple dishes that feels special every time you make it. The combination of buttery sauce, bright lemon, and briny capers creates a fresh, light flavor that pairs beautifully with tender shrimp.
This shrimp piccata recipe skips the wine but keeps all the balance and richness you’d expect from the classic version.
With just a few ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like something from a restaurant.
A play on the classic chicken piccata recipe, this dish simply switches out the chicken for delicate shrimp.
You can find the traditional version of piccata in my cookbook, Invent Your Recipe Italian.
Capers play a big role in this dish, adding a salty tang that brings everything together. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook with capers or how to use capers in pasta, this recipe is a great place to start.
They add depth without overpowering, and once you start using them, you’ll find yourself reaching for that little jar more often.
Simple, flavorful, and easy to make, this shrimp piccata recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers.
How to Cook With Capers
If you’re new to capers, think of them as a seasoning rather than a main ingredient. They bring salt, acidity, and depth to sauces like this one.
A little goes a long way, and rinsing them lightly can soften their intensity if needed. This shrimp piccata recipe is a great introduction to capers recipes because the flavors are balanced and approachable.
How to Make Shrimp Piccata Recipe with No Wine
How To Prepare Shrimp Piccata Recipe:
- In a large pot or skillet, add the butter and melt on medium heat.
- Next, add the garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Next, add in the shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes, mixing occasionally. Next, add in the capers, chicken broth, parsley, salt, ground black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally, or until the shrimp is cooked to your liking.
How to Serve Shrimp Piccata Recipe:
Mixed with cooked pasta, or serve with a side of your favorite grain or potatoes.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
If you enjoyed this shrimp piccata recipe, here are a few related recipes that pair well with the same cooking style and ingredients:
- Asparagus and Shrimp Scampi (Without Wine)
- Pasta Meals Without Meat
- Scallop Pasta with Zucchini and Tomatoes
- Easy Meals with Seafood
- Italian Seafood Recipes
These recipes follow the same philosophy: simple ingredients, flexible techniques, and reliable results.
Invent Your Recipe
Shrimp piccata is a classic for a reason, but it’s also a great recipe to adapt. With a buttery lemon sauce, garlic, and capers as the base, small changes can take this dish in slightly different (and equally delicious) directions depending on what you have on hand.
Here are some easy ways to make it your own:
Seafood & Protein Options
- Shrimp works beautifully, but scallops are a great substitute and cook just as quickly.
- Thin chicken cutlets can be used for a more traditional piccata-style dish.
- For a lighter seafood option, try chunks of cod, sole, or flounder.
Butter & Fat Choices
- Use a mix of butter and olive oil for a lighter sauce with added depth.
- For a dairy-free option, swap butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter.
Broth & Liquid
- Chicken broth keeps things classic, but vegetable broth works just as well.
- Add a splash of white wine in place of some of the broth for extra brightness and complexity.
Capers & Add-Ins
- If capers aren’t your favorite, chopped green olives offer a similar briny bite.
- Add thin slices of shallot or red onion along with the garlic for extra flavor.
- Toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes for a fresh, slightly sweet contrast.
Herbs & Finishing Touches
- Parsley is traditional, but fresh basil, dill, or thyme also pair nicely with lemon.
- Finish with lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino adds richness if serving with pasta.
Serving Variations
- Spoon the shrimp and sauce over spaghetti, linguine, or orzo.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or rice to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter meal, pair with sautéed greens or a simple salad.
This shrimp piccata recipe is a solid starting point. Keep the lemony, buttery sauce as your foundation, then adjust the protein, herbs, or add-ins to fit your taste and your kitchen.
This shrimp piccata recipe proves that you don’t need wine or fancy ingredients to create something flavorful and elegant.
The combination of shrimp, lemon, butter, and capers delivers a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to bring a touch of Italian flavor to your kitchen any night of the week.
And if you’ve fallen in love with those little bursts of flavor from the capers, explore more capers recipes; they’re wonderful in pasta, chicken dishes, or even tossed into salads.
Keep it simple, cook from the heart, and enjoy every bite.
The Recipe
Shrimp Piccata Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves sliced
- 16 ounces large shrimp cleaned and deveined
- 2 tablespoons capers
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
How To Prepare Shrimp Piccata:
- In a large pot or skillet, add the butter and melt on medium heat.
- Next, add the garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes. Next, add in the shrimp and sauté for 2 minutes, mixing occasionally. Next, add in the capers, chicken broth, parsley, salt, ground black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 5 minutes, mixing occasionally, or until the shrimp is cooked to your liking.
How to Serve Shrimp Piccata:
- Mixed with cooked pasta, or serve with a side of your favorite grain or potatoes.
Invent Your Recipe
• Shrimp works beautifully, but scallops are a great substitute and cook just as quickly.
• Thin chicken cutlets can be used for a more traditional piccata-style dish.
• For a lighter seafood option, try chunks of cod, sole, or flounder.
Butter & Fat Choices
• Use a mix of butter and olive oil for a lighter sauce with added depth.
• For a dairy-free option, swap butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter.
Broth & Liquid
• Chicken broth keeps things classic, but vegetable broth works just as well.
• Add a splash of white wine in place of some of the broth for extra brightness and complexity.
Capers & Add-Ins
• If capers aren’t your favorite, chopped green olives offer a similar briny bite.
• Add thin slices of shallot or red onion along with the garlic for extra flavor.
• Toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes for a fresh, slightly sweet contrast.
Herbs & Finishing Touches
• Parsley is traditional, but fresh basil, dill, or thyme also pair nicely with lemon.
• Finish with lemon zest for extra citrus flavor.
• A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino adds richness if serving with pasta.
Serving Variations
• Spoon the shrimp and sauce over spaghetti, linguine, or orzo.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or rice to soak up the sauce.
• For a lighter meal, pair with sautéed greens or a simple salad.
This shrimp piccata recipe is a solid starting point. Keep the lemony, buttery sauce as your foundation, then adjust the protein, herbs, or add-ins to fit your taste and your kitchen.
Nutrition
