How to Cook SeaPak Garlic Butter Shrimp

SeaPak Garlic Butter Shrimp (also sold as Shrimp Scampi) is a frozen seafood product featuring whole, tail-off shrimp glazed in a buttery garlic sauce with red bell pepper and herbs.

It’s the #1 retail frozen shrimp scampi in America. Made by SeaPak Shrimp & Seafood Company since 1948.

Most people grab this for weeknight dinners when time is short. The shrimp come pre-seasoned and ready to cook straight from the freezer. No thawing required.

A standard 10 oz box feeds 2 people as a main dish, or 4 as an appetizer.

This guide covers 4 cooking methods: stovetop, oven, microwave, and air fryer. Cook times range from 4 to 17 minutes depending on your equipment.

Product Details

Product: SeaPak Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi

Type: Frozen, unbreaded, pre-seasoned shrimp in garlic butter sauce

Package Sizes: 10 oz, 12 oz, 19 oz (Family Size), 32 oz

Price: $7.48 for 12 oz at Walmart (December 2024)

Storage: Keep frozen at 0F or below

Calories per Serving: 270-350 calories (varies by serving size)

Main Ingredients: Shrimp, butter, water, soybean oil, romano cheese, garlic powder, red bell peppers, parsley, lemon

Allergens: Shrimp, milk. Gluten-free.

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Stovetop for best sauce distribution and tender shrimp. Air fryer works great when you want a lighter result.

Method 1: Stovetop (Recommended)

The package method. Takes 7-8 minutes and produces the most sauce for serving over pasta or rice. You’ll get tender shrimp coated evenly in garlic butter.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Skillet?

Use a medium-sized skillet. Non-stick works best for easy cleanup.

Instructions:

1. Place skillet on burner
2. Preheat on medium-high for 1-2 minutes

Equipment: 10-12 inch skillet, spatula or wooden spoon

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes total. The frozen shrimp go directly into the hot pan.

Instructions:

1. Arrange frozen shrimp in a single layer in the skillet
2. Cook for 7-8 minutes total, stirring occasionally

Temperature: Medium-high (setting 6-7 out of 10)

Time: 7-8 minutes for full box

Step 3: When Do You Stir the Shrimp?

Stir halfway through cooking. This coats each shrimp evenly with the melting garlic butter sauce.

Instructions:

1. At the 3-4 minute mark, stir or flip shrimp
2. Continue cooking until done

Checkpoint: At 4-minute mark, shrimp should be partially pink

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout. No gray or translucent spots should remain.

Instructions:

1. Check that all shrimp are pink and opaque
2. Verify internal temperature reaches 165F
3. Sauce should be bubbling

Target Temperature: 165F internal

Visual Indicator: Pink, opaque flesh with no translucent areas. Shrimp curl into a loose “C” shape.

Method 2: Conventional Oven

Hands-off method. Takes longer (16-17 minutes) but you can prep sides while it bakes. Slightly firmer texture than stovetop.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Oven?

Preheat is non-negotiable here. The shrimp need high heat from the start.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450F
2. Line a baking sheet with foil (optional, for easier cleanup)

Equipment: Oven-safe baking dish or sheet, foil (optional)

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

F for 16-17 minutes. The high temperature creates some browning on the edges.

Instructions:

1. Arrange frozen shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish
2. Place on middle rack
3. Bake for 16-17 minutes total

Temperature: 450F

Time: 16-17 minutes for full box

Step 3: When Do You Stir the Shrimp?

Once at the halfway point. This distributes the sauce and promotes even cooking.

Instructions:

1. At the 8-minute mark, remove dish and stir
2. Return to oven for remaining time

Checkpoint: At 8-minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Same visual cues as stovetop. Pink, opaque, steaming.

Instructions:

1. Check for pink, opaque appearance
2. Steam should rise when you open the oven
3. Internal temperature should read 165F

Target Temperature: 165F internal

Visual Indicator: Pink throughout, sauce bubbling, slight browning on edges

Method 3: Microwave

Fastest method at 4-5 minutes. Trade-off is a softer texture and less sauce reduction. Works fine when you’re in a hurry.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Dish?

Use a microwave-safe dish. A bowl works better than a plate since the sauce pools.

Instructions:

1. Choose a microwave-safe bowl or dish
2. Arrange frozen shrimp in a single layer
3. Cover loosely with a paper towel

Equipment: Microwave-safe dish, paper towel

Step 2: What Power and Time Do You Use?

HIGH power (100%) for 4-5 minutes. Based on an 1100-watt microwave.

Instructions:

1. Microwave on HIGH for 4-5 minutes (full box)
2. For half box, reduce to 2-3 minutes

Power Level: HIGH (100%)

Time: 4-5 minutes for full box

Step 3: When Do You Stir?

At the halfway point. This prevents hot spots and uneven cooking.

Instructions:

1. Pause microwave at 2-minute mark
2. Stir shrimp thoroughly
3. Continue cooking

Checkpoint: At 2-minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Let it stand for 1 minute before serving. The residual heat finishes the cooking.

Instructions:

1. After cooking, let stand 1 minute
2. Check for pink, opaque appearance
3. Verify 165F internal temperature

Target Temperature: 165F internal

Visual Indicator: Pink and opaque throughout, steaming

Method 4: Air Fryer

Not on the official package, but it works. Takes 8-10 minutes at 400F. You get slightly caramelized edges and a less oily finish since some sauce drips off.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Air Fryer?

Preheat for 3 minutes. Use a small oven-safe dish inside the basket to catch the sauce.

Instructions:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400F for 3 minutes
2. Place a small oven-safe dish in the basket (optional, to contain sauce)

Equipment: Air fryer, small oven-safe dish (optional)

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

F for 8-10 minutes. The circulating hot air cooks the frozen seafood evenly.

Instructions:

1. Arrange frozen shrimp in a single layer in the basket or dish
2. Air fry at 400F for 8-10 minutes

Temperature: 400F

Time: 8-10 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Shake or Stir?

At the halfway mark. Shake the basket or stir the shrimp for even cooking.

Instructions:

1. At the 4-5 minute mark, pause and shake basket or stir
2. Continue cooking

Checkpoint: At 4-5 minute mark

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Pink and opaque with slightly caramelized edges. The buttery garlic flavor concentrates.

Instructions:

1. Check for pink, opaque appearance
2. Edges may show slight browning or caramelization
3. Internal temperature should reach 165F

Target Temperature: 165F internal

Visual Indicator: Pink throughout with golden edges, shrimp firm but not rubbery

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety

• Internal Temperature: 165F minimum
• Steam Check: Product should steam when cut open
• Thawing: Never required. Cook from frozen.

Quality Indicators (Done Properly)

• Color: Pink and opaque throughout, no gray or translucent spots
• Texture: Firm but tender, not rubbery
• Shape: Curled into a loose “C” shape
• Temperature: Hot throughout, above 165F

Signs of Overcooking

• Shrimp curled into a tight “O” shape
• Rubbery or tough texture
• Dry appearance
• Shrunken size

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: 8-9 shrimp per serving (about 4 oz). A 10 oz box serves 2 as a main dish.

Serving Ideas

• Over linguine or spaghetti with extra sauce spooned on top
• On a bed of white or jasmine rice
• With crusty garlic bread for dipping into the sauce
• As an appetizer with toothpicks

Pairing Recommendations

• Steamed vegetables or edamame
• Caesar salad
• Roasted asparagus with lemon
• Mashed potatoes
• White wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in an airtight container
• Consume within 3 days

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: 1-2 minutes at 50% power, covered
• Stovetop: 2-3 minutes over medium heat with a splash of butter
• Air Fryer: 2-3 minutes at 300F
• Target Temperature: 165F

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Shrimp are rubbery

Cause: Overcooked

Solution: Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Check doneness early.

Issue: Too much oil or sauce pooling

Cause: Normal for this product

Solution: Drain excess before serving or use a slotted spoon. Try air fryer for less oily results.

Issue: Shrimp not cooking evenly

Cause: Overcrowded or not stirred

Solution: Arrange in a single layer and stir at halfway point.

Issue: Sauce tastes too salty

Cause: Product characteristic

Solution: Serve over unsalted pasta or rice to balance. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon.

Product Variations and Related Items

SeaPak Garlic Butter Shrimp Package Sizes

• 10 oz (standard) – 2 servings
• 12 oz – 2-3 servings
• 19 oz Family Size – 4-5 servings
• 32 oz (bulk) – 6-8 servings

Similar Frozen Seafood Products

• Costco frozen shrimp – plain, unbreaded option
• Costco panko shrimp – breaded, crispy version
• Costco coconut shrimp – sweet coating
• Costco scallops – different seafood option
• Costco lobster tails – special occasion seafood

Cooking Time Adjustments

For half-box portions, reduce times by about 30%:

• Stovetop: 5-6 minutes
• Oven: 10-12 minutes
• Microwave: 2-3 minutes
• Air Fryer: 5-7 minutes

Which Method Should You Choose?

Choose Stovetop when:

• You want maximum sauce
• Serving over pasta or rice
• You can watch the pan for 7-8 minutes

Choose Oven when:

• You want hands-off cooking
• Making other dishes simultaneously
• Cooking larger portions

Choose Microwave when:

• Speed is the priority (4-5 minutes)
• Cooking a single serving
• Texture is less important than convenience

Choose Air Fryer when:

• You prefer a less oily finish
• You want slightly caramelized edges
• You’re cooking 2-4 servings

Method Comparison Summary

Time Ranking (Fastest to Slowest): Microwave (4-5 min) < Stovetop (7-8 min) < Air Fryer (8-10 min) < Oven (16-17 min)

Sauce Amount: Stovetop (most) > Microwave > Oven > Air Fryer (least)

Hands-Off Factor: Oven > Air Fryer > Microwave > Stovetop

FAQ on How To Cook SeaPak Garlic Butter Shrimp

Do I need to thaw SeaPak garlic butter shrimp before cooking?

No. Cook this frozen shrimp straight from the freezer.

Thawing is not required and may actually lead to overcooking. The product is designed to go directly into your skillet, oven, microwave, or air fryer while still frozen.

How long do you cook SeaPak garlic butter shrimp in the oven?

Bake at 450F for 16-17 minutes for a full box.

Place the frozen shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Stir halfway through. The oven method takes longer but requires less attention than stovetop cooking.

Can you cook SeaPak garlic butter shrimp in an air fryer?

Yes. Set your air fryer to 400F and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Shake or stir at the halfway mark. Use a small oven-safe dish inside the basket to catch the garlic butter sauce. The result is slightly caramelized shrimp with less oil.

What internal temperature should SeaPak shrimp reach when done?

The shrimp must reach 165F internal temperature for food safety.

Use a food thermometer to check. Visual cues also work. Properly cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque throughout with no gray or translucent areas remaining.

How do you cook SeaPak shrimp scampi on the stove?

Saute on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes in a skillet.

Arrange frozen shrimp in a single layer. Stir occasionally. This stovetop method produces the most sauce, making it ideal for serving over pasta or rice.

Can you microwave SeaPak garlic butter shrimp?

Yes. Microwave on HIGH for 4-5 minutes for the full box.

Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a paper towel. Stir at the 2-minute mark. Let stand 1 minute before serving. Texture will be softer than other cooking methods.

What do you serve with SeaPak garlic butter shrimp?

Pasta is the classic pairing. Linguine or spaghetti works great.

Other options include white rice, crusty bread for dipping, or steamed vegetables. The buttery garlic sauce also pairs well with cheese ravioli or tortellini.

How many calories are in SeaPak garlic butter shrimp?

One serving contains 270-350 calories depending on portion size.

A typical serving is 8-9 shrimp (about 4 oz). The product contains 18-21g fat, 14-18g protein, and 2-3g carbs per serving. Check the package for exact nutrition facts.

Is SeaPak garlic butter shrimp gluten-free?

Yes. This product contains no wheat or gluten ingredients.

The shrimp scampi is unbreaded, just shrimp in garlic butter sauce. It does contain shrimp and milk allergens. Always check the package label to confirm current ingredient information.

How do you know when SeaPak shrimp is fully cooked?

Look for pink, opaque flesh throughout. No gray spots.

Properly cooked shrimp curl into a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. The sauce should be bubbling and steaming when done.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook SeaPak garlic butter shrimp using four different methods. Each one gets dinner on the table in under 20 minutes.

The stovetop method delivers the best sauce coverage for pasta dishes. Air fryer gives you a lighter finish with caramelized edges.

Oven works when you need hands-off cooking. Microwave handles those nights when speed beats everything else.

Remember the basics: cook from frozen, stir halfway, and check for 165F internal temperature. Pink and opaque shrimp in a loose “C” shape means you’re done.

Simple weeknight seafood. No thawing required.