Shrimp Scampi, originally inspired by a dish made with a type of lobster known as Dublin Bay Prawn or Norway Lobster, has evolved into a beloved Italian-American classic. Now made with readily available jumbo shrimp, this dish is ready in less than 15 minutes, blending the succulence of shrimp with a garlicky, lemon-infused sauce.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Perfect as an appetizer or main, it pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies. The rich sauce, a mix of butter, olive oil, and your choice of white wine or chicken broth, brings the flavors to life. Despite its luxurious origins, today's Shrimp Scampi is a simple, yet flavorful dish that adds elegance to any meal.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
For your Shrimp Scampi, gather these ingredients for a straightforward yet flavorful dish. Let's dive in:
- Shrimp: For top-notch flavor in your Shrimp Scampi, go for fresh shrimp. But don't worry, frozen pre-peeled and deveined shrimp are a convenient and tasty alternative I often use. The quality and size of your shrimp can really elevate the dish.
- Garlic: Essential for that unmistakable garlicky depth. I like to use plenty for a bold flavor, but you can adjust according to your taste.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of black pepper and chili flakes adds warmth and a slight kick. Salt helps to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Lemon: The zest and juice bring a vibrant, citrusy lift to the dish, cutting through the richness. Lime juice is a great substitute if lemons are out of reach.
- Chicken Broth: This is my go-to for a non-alcoholic version that's still full of flavor. If you're okay with alcohol, a splash of white wine can add another layer of taste.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, aromatic finish. Coriander is a nice alternative if you're looking to change things up.
- Butter and Olive Oil: These fats create a luxurious sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully, combining for a rich and satisfying flavor.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi at Home?
Join me to master Shrimp Scampi! We'll start by marinating the shrimp to enhance the flavors, then I'll guide you through making the perfect scampi. Check out the photos and video for a clear step-by-step guide. Let's cook!
Discover More Easy to Make Shrimp Recipes:
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- Shrimp Stir Fry
- Sauteed Shrimp
- Fried Shrimp
- Kung Pao Shrimp
- Szechuan Shrimp
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Shrimp Alfredo
- Shrimp Ceviche
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Shrimp Vindaloo
Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 2 tbsp Garlic, fined chopped
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- Lemon Zest, from half lemon
- ¾ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup Chicken Broth, or white wine
- ¾ tsp Chili Flakes
- Fresh Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
Making Shrimp Scampi
- Begin by placing your shrimp in a bowl. Season them with salt and black pepper and allow the shrimp to marinate for 5 minutes, which helps them to fully absorb the seasoning.
- In a pan over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and mixes with the oil, add your finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, incorporate the lemon zest and lemon juice into the pan. Add your seasoned shrimp, ensuring they're spread out evenly for uniform cooking. Let them cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they start to turn pink.
- Carefully stir the shrimp, then pour in the chicken broth along with chili flakes. Allow the shrimp to gently simmer in this aromatic sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the shrimp with the rich flavors of the scampi sauce.
- To finish, sprinkle the fresh parsley over the shrimp for a burst of color and freshness. Remove the pan from the heat. Your Shrimp Scampi is now beautifully prepared and ready to impress.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Thawing Shrimp: If you are using frozen shrimp, ensure they're thoroughly thawed by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. This step is key for even cooking and succulent shrimp.
- Cooking Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat when cooking the shrimp. This temperature is perfect for searing the shrimp to golden perfection while keeping the garlic from overcooking and turning bitter.
- Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in just 5 minutes, so keep an eye on them. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery. Aim for shrimp that are pink and opaque, checking every minute to ensure even cooking. Once they're done, take them off the heat immediately to stop the cooking process. This way, you'll get tender, juicy shrimp every time.
- Pasta Pairing: Serving with pasta? Don't forget to save some of the starchy pasta water. It's incredibly useful for adjusting your scampi sauce to cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Sauce Consistency: When it comes to the sauce, let it gently simmer to achieve the perfect thickness. A well-coated shrimp is a flavorful shrimp. If the sauce gets too thick, a little pasta water can thin it to the ideal consistency.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Serving Suggestions
For a memorable Shrimp Scampi meal, consider these serving suggestions:
- Pasta Pairings: Serve your Shrimp Scampi over a bed of linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta. The pasta beautifully soaks up the sauce, making every bite a delight.
- Rice Options: A side of fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or a more aromatic choice like basmati rice, complements the flavors of the scampi and provides a lovely base.
- Bread for Dipping: Offer slices of crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta on the side. It's perfect for dipping into the rich, flavorful sauce and ensures not a drop goes to waste.
- Vegetable Sides: Lightly steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli asparagus, green beans, or summer squash add a healthy and colorful component to the meal.
- Salad Pairing: A crisp, green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scampi, balancing out the meal.
- For a Lighter Touch: Consider serving the shrimp over a bed of zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option that still satisfies.
Storage Suggestions
Enjoy this dish warm for the best experience. If you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to revisit this delicious meal, reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's nicely warmed through.
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