Shrimp Piccata Recipe
This easy Shrimp Piccata Recipe is made with lemon, garlic, olive oil, and capers. Learn how to cook with capers and create a simple, flavorful shrimp dinner using everyday ingredients.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Cost: $$$
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.
Notes
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.
• 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
Calories: 450kcal
