Quick Answer
There are several good alternatives you can use instead of white wine in shrimp scampi:
- Chicken or vegetable broth – Replace the white wine with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. The broth adds richness without changing the flavor profile too much.
- Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice adds bright acidity like white wine. Use about 1 tablespoon lemon juice for every 1/4 cup of white wine the recipe calls for.
- White grape juice – The sweetness and mild flavor of white grape juice is similar to white wine. Add white grape juice gradually until you get the flavor right.
- Vermouth – Dry vermouth can be used in place of white wine. Its similar flavor allows you to substitute it 1:1 for white wine.
- Water – For a non-alcoholic version, replace white wine with water. Add extra olive oil, garlic, or lemon to enhance the flavor.
The acidity is the most important component to replace when substituting for white wine. Lemon juice, vinegars, vermouth, and white grape juice all provide acidity similar to wine. Broth and water can work but may need extra flavor boosts.
Why Do You Use White Wine in Shrimp Scampi?
White wine is a classic ingredient used in shrimp scampi. Here are some of the reasons it is added to the dish:
- Acidity – White wine adds tartness that balances the richness of the shrimp, olive oil and butter. It brightens all the flavors.
- Flavor – The wine’s fruity, lightly sweet flavors complement shrimp. It enhances other aromatics like lemon and garlic.
- Body – White wine adds moisture and body, resulting in a more juicy and complex sauce.
- Alcohol – The alcohol cooks off but leaves behind complexity in the sauce.
- Deglazing – Wine dissolves browned bits stuck on the pan as scampi cooks, adding depth.
The crisp acidity is the most important contribution of white wine when cooking shrimp scampi. Substitutes like lemon juice, vinegars and vermouth replicate that tart, bright quality.
Best White Wine Substitutes for Cooking
When a recipe calls for white wine, it’s because the wine adds distinct flavor and acidity. Substitutes that mimic those traits are ideal. Here are the best alternatives:
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
Chicken broth and vegetable broth are flavorful liquids that can be used in place of white wine in many recipes. The broth adds moisture and richness from the bones, meat and vegetables.
For shrimp scampi, substitute broth 1:1 for white wine. Be sure to season with extra lemon, garlic or herbs to brighten the flavor. The broth works well but tastes more neutral than acidic white wine.
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice adds bright, tart citrus flavor like white wine. It has nearly the same acidity level as white wine too.
Use 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for every 1/4 cup of white wine. You may need to add more lemon to taste. The acidity level can vary. Bottled lemon juice works too but may have a slightly more bitter, less fresh taste.
White Grape Juice
Sweet and mild white grape juice is an easy substitute for white wine in many recipes. It has a similar light fruity flavor and acidity.
Replace white wine with an equal amount of white grape juice. Add it slowly, taste and adjust as needed. The sweetness level can vary between juice brands.
Vermouth
Dry vermouth makes an excellent substitute for white wine in cooking. Vermouth is a fortified wine flavored with botanicals. Dry vermouth is crisp, slightly herbal and not too sweet.
Use dry vermouth in place of white wine at a 1:1 ratio. The similar acidity and flavor means you can freely substitute these wines. Reduced-alcohol cooking wines can work too.
Vinegar
Vinegars add tangy acidity and brightness to dishes. White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar have mild flavor that works in savory cooking.
Replace white wine with 1/3 to 1/2 the amount of vinegar. Start with less vinegar – its acidity is stronger than wine. Rice vinegar or white balsamic work too.
Water
For a non-alcoholic shrimp scampi, use water as the white wine substitute. You’ll need to enhance flavor with extra lemon juice, broth, garlic or herbs.
Replace white wine with an equal amount of water. Taste as you cook and add more lemon juice or salt to brighten the flavors. A splash of vinegar also helps mimic the acidity.
How to Substitute White Wine in Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi relies on white wine to deglaze the pan, add acidity and provide a light complementary flavor. Follow these tips for the best substitutions:
Broth
– Use chicken or vegetable broth to replace white wine in a 1:1 ratio.
– For a richer flavor, add extra virgin olive oil, butter, garlic or lemon juice.
– Simmer the broth to allow flavors to concentrate and thicken.
Lemon Juice
– Mix 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice per 1/4 cup white wine that the recipe calls for.
– Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you cook. The acidity varies.
– Boost garlicky, briny flavor with extra garlic, capers, olives or parsley.
White Grape Juice
– Substitute white grape juice 1:1 for white wine.
– Add gradually and adjust sweetness to preference.
– Finish with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for brightness.
Vermouth
– Dry vermouth can be used in place of white wine at a 1:1 ratio.
– Herbal vermouth enhances flavor of herbs like oregano or basil.
– Splash in some chicken broth or lemon juice if you need more acidity.
Vinegar
– For every 1/4 cup wine, use 1-2 tablespoons vinegar.
– White wine vinegar or champagne vinegar work well.
– Start with less vinegar and add more acidity to taste.
Water
– Replace white wine with equal parts water, then boost flavor.
– Increase garlic, shallots, oregano, pepper, lemon juice.
– A splash of vinegar and pinch of sugar enhances the briny taste.
Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine
This shrimp scampi recipe skips the white wine but packs tons of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, butter, parsley and red pepper flakes.
- Cook 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and sauce reduces slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over pasta or rice.
Tips:
- Broth and lemon juice replace the white wine’s flavor and acidity.
- Splash in a teaspoon of white wine vinegar for more brightness.
- Use reduced-sodium broth then season with salt and pepper.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or black pepper for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red wine instead of white wine in shrimp scampi?
It’s best to avoid using red wine in shrimp scampi. The bolder, more tannic red wine would overwhelm the delicate seafood flavor. White wine has fruity, bright qualities that complement shrimp.
Do I need alcohol in my shrimp scampi recipe?
No, alcohol is not a must-have in shrimp scampi. Many excellent versions skip the wine entirely. You can mimic the acidity and flavor by using broth, lemon juice, vinegar or white grape juice instead of wine.
What goes well with shrimp scampi with no wine?
Buttery, lemony shrimp scampi tastes delicious with:
- Pasta – Linguine, spaghetti, angel hair
- Rice – Jasmine, basmati, risotto
- Bread – Garlic bread, focaccia, rolls
- Vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes
Serve shrimp over pasta or rice to soak up the wonderful sauce. Crispy bread and steamed vegetables complement the seafood too.
Can I use vodka instead of white wine in cooking?
You can substitute vodka for white wine in small amounts. Vodka has alcohol to cook off and add depth but no acidity. For shrimp scampi, use no more than 1-2 tablespoons vodka to replace a cup of white wine. Boost bright notes with lemon juice and broth.
Is vermouth a good cooking wine?
Yes, dry vermouth makes an excellent substitute for white wine in cooking recipes. Its flavor profile is nearly identical to white wine, with crisp, herbal, slightly nutty notes. Use dry vermouth 1:1 in place of white wine in shrimp scampi and other seafood, chicken or veggie dishes.
Conclusion
White wine adds wonderful flavor and acidity to shrimp scampi, but you can make tasty versions without it. Lemon juice, broth, vinegar and white grape juice all provide brightness. Cook the shrimp in olive oil and garlic, then deglaze the pan with one of these substitutes. Boost flavors with red pepper, parsley and herbs. Serve over hot pasta or rice for a delightful, wine-free dinner.