Shrimp Scampi Recipe offers a delectable combination of succulent shrimp enveloped in a fragrant, buttery garlic sauce, making it an iconic dish that delights seafood lovers worldwide. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests, this recipe showcases the harmonious blend of flavors from fresh, juicy shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs. Known for its simplicity and taste, shrimp scampi can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a delicious yet effortless culinary experience. Whether served over a bed of al dente pasta or accompanied by crusty bread, the rich, savory sauce ensures every bite is packed with umami goodness. Elevate your dining experience with this mouthwatering shrimp scampi recipe that promises both satisfaction and sophistication.
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp Scampi is a popular Italian-American dish featuring succulent shrimp saut ed in a vibrant mix of garlic, butter, and olive oil, often garnished with lemon juice and parsley. This delightful seafood recipe is traditionally served over pasta or alongside crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, Shrimp Scampi is a favorite for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings.
Video of Shrimp Scampi
| – Prep Time | 15 minutes of hands-on prep |
| – Cook Time | 10 minutes of active cooking |
| – Total Time | 25 minutes |
| – Servings | 4 servings |
Shrimp Scampi, a beloved dish with Italian roots, has become a staple in many kitchens worldwide. Originally from Italy, “scampi” referred to a type of small lobster prepared in a buttery, garlic sauce. Over time, this culinary delight evolved, substituting shrimp for scampi and becoming popular for its simplicity and rich flavors. The dish’s popularity soared in the U.S., where the Shrimp Scampi Recipe became synonymous with luxurious yet accessible dining. Its appeal lies in the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and lemon, creating a harmonious taste profile. Many home cooks cherish the Shrimp Scampi Recipe for its quick preparation and the ability to impress guests with minimal effort.
Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
In crafting a vibrant Shrimp Scampi, the choice of ingredients is paramount to achieving a dish bursting with fresh flavors. Start with succulent, fresh shrimp, the star of the recipe, providing a tender and juicy foundation. Complement these with aromatic garlic, finely minced to release its pungent aroma. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for a zesty brightness, and add a variety of fresh herbs like parsley to infuse earthy tones. Finally, incorporate high-quality olive oil and a splash of white wine for depth and richness.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined, preferably fresh or high-quality frozen.
- Olive Oil: Extra-virgin, for saut ing and enhancing flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves, finely minced for a robust aroma.
- Butter: Unsalted, to create a rich and creamy sauce.
- White Wine: Dry, like Sauvignon Blanc, to deglaze and add depth.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, to brighten and balance flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Crushed, for a hint of spice and warmth.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped, to garnish and add a pop of green.
- Salt: Kosher, to season the shrimp and enhance taste.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground, for subtle heat and seasoning.
- Pasta: Linguine or spaghetti, cooked al dente to serve as a base.
Also Read: Lemon Balm Recipe
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Begin your Shrimp Scampi preparation by gathering fresh, deveined shrimp, ensuring they’re patted dry for optimal searing. Heat a skillet, adding olive oil and butter until melted. Saut minced garlic until fragrant, then introduce shrimp, cooking until pink. Deglaze with white wine, adding a splash of lemon juice for zest. Finish with chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Begin by gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of garlic minced, 1/2 cup of dry white wine, juice of one lemon, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and a pound of linguine or spaghetti. Ensure you have a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a colander for draining.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them cook evenly. Season the shrimp on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the prepared shrimp aside for cooking later.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer and cook without stirring for about 2 minutes until the bottom side turns pink and slightly golden. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the second side is pink and opaque, then quickly remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and saut for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned to prevent bitterness.
- Pour the 1/2 cup of dry white wine into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for about 2 minutes until it reduces slightly, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Add the lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together, then taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any juices that have collected on the plate. Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat evenly, and let them heat through for about a minute.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing with tongs to combine it with the shrimp and sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency, ensuring the pasta is well-coated but not soupy.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the shrimp scampi immediately in warm bowls or plates, optionally garnished with additional lemon wedges or freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Also Read: Halibut Recipe
Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi
If you’re craving a delightful seafood dish, mastering the art of shrimp scampi is simpler than you think. Begin by selecting fresh shrimp for the most succulent flavor, and don’t skimp on the garlic it’s the heart of this dish. Use quality olive oil and butter for richness, and a splash of white wine to enhance the depth. Finally, finish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a zesty touch. Enjoy your culinary creation!
- Use Fresh, Wild-Caught Shrimp: Opt for fresh, wild-caught shrimp instead of farmed. They tend to have a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor, which elevates the overall dish.
- Infuse the Olive Oil: Before cooking the shrimp, infuse the olive oil with garlic by gently heating sliced garlic in the oil. This will impart a deeper garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Deglaze with White Wine: Use a splash of quality dry white wine to deglaze the pan after cooking the shrimp. It adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Add a Dash of Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your taste preference to balance the spiciness with the other flavors.
- Finish with Cold Butter: To achieve a silky sauce, finish by swirling in small cubes of cold butter off the heat. This enriches the sauce without breaking it.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Add a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme just before serving to brighten and enhance the dish with fresh aromatics.
- Use Lemon Zest: Besides lemon juice, incorporate lemon zest to intensify the citrus notes. This adds a burst of fresh flavor without the acidity.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: If serving over pasta, cook it until just al dente and finish cooking in the sauce. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and integrate better with the shrimp.
Directions for Making Shrimp Scampi
Welcome to this delightful Shrimp Scampi recipe, a classic dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. In just a few simple steps, you’ll learn how to create a flavorful masterpiece that’s sure to impress. Gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this easy-to-follow guide to making a delicious shrimp scampi that everyone will love.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by peeling and deveining 1 pound of large shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired for presentation. Mince 4 cloves of garlic and chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley for later use.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
- Saut the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and saut for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to curl. Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour 1/2 cup of dry white wine and the juice of 1 lemon into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, 2 more tablespoons of butter, and half of the chopped parsley. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and shrimp in the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce: If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle the remaining parsley over the top and serve immediately, optionally garnished with lemon wedges and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Nutrition Facts of Shrimp Scampi
The Shrimp Scampi Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors with notable nutritional benefits. This dish is rich in protein, primarily from the succulent shrimp, and incorporates healthy fats from olive oil. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, making it a flavorful and nutritious choice for seafood enthusiasts.
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 180 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Conclusion on Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and versatile dish that offers a burst of flavor with every bite, making it an ideal choice for seafood lovers and novices alike. Its quick preparation time and simple ingredients make it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for entertaining guests. Serve it over a bed of linguine or spaghetti for a classic approach, or pair it with crusty garlic bread for a satisfying and hearty meal. The tangy lemon and savory garlic blend seamlessly with the shrimp, creating a mouthwatering experience. Rich in protein and low in calories, Shrimp Scampi is not only delightful but also a healthy choice. Its flexibility allows you to easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs, providing endless possibilities. Embrace the ease and elegance of Shrimp Scampi, and enjoy a taste of the sea right at home.