Prepare yourself for one of the most exquisite and luxurious seafood dining experiences of your entire life — Broiled New Zealand Scampi! Also known as New Zealand Lobster, these stunning pinkish crustaceans with long slender claws taste like a magnificent cross between a shrimp and a lobster — delicate, succulent, and gloriously sweet!
When I traveled to New Zealand in 2025, I did not come across New Zealand scampi.
So imagine my surprise when I found this delicacy at the seafood counter in my local San Antonio HEB at home!
New Zealand scampi is very expensive, but because this was during the Christmas holidays I decided to splurge and get some.
I'm excited to share a simple recipe for this scampi with you, but first let me tell you a teeny bit about this beautiful crustacean!
Jump to:
What Is New Zealand Scampi?
Per Wikipedia, New Zealand Scampi's scientific name is Metanephrops challengeri.
It is also known as New Zealand lobster, and is actually a species of lobster, found in cold water off the coasts of New Zealand.
They are pinkish in color, with long slender claws, and very beautiful to behold.
NZ scampi are prized for their delicate and succulent sweet flavor, like a cross between a shrimp and lobster.
They are gorgeous, delicious, and you will have an exquisite dining experience sitting down to a plate of New Zealand Scampi!
Several methods, including grilling and sautéing, can be used to prepare these scampi.
However, I love broiling them with simple seasonings, which I will describe below!
🥘 Ingredients
This is a simple recipe with simple ingredients. So I recommend that you buy the best quality ingredients that you can for the best results.
Here's what you will need:
- New Zealand Scampi - I realize proper NZ scampi will be hard to come by in the United States. I was so fortunate to find these at my local HEB! If you can't get your hands on NZ scampi, then you can easily substitute langoustines, or even ginormous shrimp (adjust the broiling time for shrimp smaller than langoustines or NZ scampi)
- Butter - rich salted grass-fed butter is highly recommended! Kerrygold is a great one to use, and Costco (as of this writing) sells New Zealand grass-fed butter!
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh chili - Thai chilis are perfect for this recipe. They are fruity and spicy and amazing chilis! Use red ones for an extra pop of color!
- Italian parsley
- Lemon
- Salt
Seven ingredients are all you need to create one of the most incredible dishes ever!
Now I'll show you how easy it is to prepare this broiled seafood dish, with a cooking time of about 4 minutes!
🔪 Instructions
Cut the scampi in half lengthwise. The easiest way to do this is to use a pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Line a rimmed sheet pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil, and place the scampi on the pan.
Melt the butter on low heat in a small saucepan. Add the garlic, chili, and parsley, stir to combine for about 30 seconds.
Use half of the butter mixture to baste the scampi, and reserve the rest for later. Add the lemon to the tray, then sprinkle the salt over the scampi.
Turn on the LOW broil setting on your oven. Once heated, place the scampi around 6" under the heated broiler, and broil for approximately 4 minutes, or until the scampi is opaque.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the scampi, as you definitely want to avoid overcooking it with too much time under the broiler!
Once cooked, removed from your oven and pour the remaining melted butter mixture over the scampi. Time to enjoy your scampi immediately!
Suggestions For Serving
I suggest serving your New Zealand scampi with some crusty bread and a gorgeous salad for an incredible meal!
If so inclined, I recommend you pick up the scampi and use your tongue to savor the buttery garlicky flavors on the shell, as well as enjoying the scampi's meat. If you want to do this in private, I completely understand.
I prepared this dish for our Christmas dinner, December 25, 2025, and it was certainly a meal to remember.
The ingredient amounts and a printable recipe card with my original recipe can be found below!
Enjoy!
FAQ
If you'd like to substitute shrimp in this recipe, be sure to buy the largest raw shrimp that you can. I would recommend leaving the shell on when broiling, and you'll need to adjust the broiling time as it should take less time to broil shrimp than NZ scampi. You could also sub langoustine's for the scampi!
Some Other New Zealand Recipes That You Will Enjoy!
Here are some other New Zealand inspired recipes that you will enjoy:
- Easy Homemade New Zealand Kiwi Smash Burger Recipe
- New Zealand Hokey Pokey Ice Cream Recipe
- Easy Indian Butter Chicken Pie
Join Me On A Fun Food Journey!
Finally, I invite you to come along on this food journey with me! Please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food horizons! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here.
Cheers!
Grace
Easy Broiled Buttery Garlicky New Zealand Scampi Recipe
Equipment
- sheet pan or baking sheet, suitable for use under the broiler
- aluminum foil to line the sheet pan
- small saucepan
- kitchen shears or a sharp knife for cutting the scampi in half lengthwise
Ingredients
- 1 lb New Zealand Scampi cut in half lengthwise
- 4 tablespoon butter I suggest using a rich salted grass fed butter like Kerrygold
- 2 ts garlic minced (approximately 3 large cloves)
- 1 ts fresh chili minced (red Thai chilis are PERFECT for this recipe!)
- 1 tablespoon Italian parsley finely minced
- 1 each lemon cut in half
- ⅛ ts salt plus additional to taste
Instructions
- Cut the scampi in half lengthwise, using a pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife. Line a rimmed sheet pan or baking tray with aluminum foil, and place the scampi on the pan.
- Melt the butter on low heat in a small saucepan. Add the garlic, chili, and parsley, stir to combine for about 30 seconds.
- Use half of the butter mixture to baste the scampi, and reserve the rest for later. Add the lemon to the tray, then sprinkle the salt over the scampi.
- Turn on the LOW broil setting on your oven. Once heated, place the scampi around 6" under the heated broiler, and broil for approximately 4 minutes, or until the scampi is opaque.
- Be sure to keep a close eye on the scampi, as you definitely want to avoid overcooking it!
- Once cooked, removed from your oven and pour the remaining melted butter mixture over the scampi. Time to enjoy your scampi immediately!