Shrimp Scampi
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Shrimp Scampi recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your dining table. With its garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish that showcases the delicate flavors of shrimp combined with a zesty garlic and lemon sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a favorite for seafood lovers everywhere.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 25 minutes
- Rich and buttery sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta
- Fresh garlic and lemon elevate the flavors beautifully
The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Shrimp scampi is an ideal dish for busy weeknights when time is of the essence but you still want to enjoy a gourmet meal. With a total cooking time of just 25 minutes, this recipe allows you to whip up a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of garlic, butter, and wine creates a rich sauce that complements the shrimp beautifully, making it a satisfying option for both the family and guests alike.
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over your favorite pasta or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option. The flavors are bright and vibrant, making it feel like a special occasion meal, even on a regular Tuesday night.
Elevating Everyday Ingredients
What sets shrimp scampi apart from other seafood dishes is its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients. Fresh garlic and lemon juice are essential for elevating the flavors, creating a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. Using high-quality shrimp makes a significant difference in the taste and texture, so opt for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible for the best results.
The addition of white wine not only enhances the flavor but also helps to deglaze the skillet, capturing all the delicious bits stuck to the bottom. This technique ensures that every bite is packed with flavor, making your homemade shrimp scampi taste like it came straight from a five-star restaurant.
Ingredients
For the Scampi
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooked pasta of your choice (optional)
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or spice according to your preference!
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Add the Wine and Lemon Juice
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Finish the Sauce
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve
Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
This dish is best served immediately for the freshest flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp scampi is traditionally served over al dente pasta, allowing the buttery sauce to cling to each strand. Linguine or spaghetti are popular choices, but feel free to experiment with other pasta types like fettuccine or even gluten-free options. Pairing the dish with a simple side salad can also add a refreshing touch, balancing the richness of the scampi.
For a complete meal, consider serving garlic bread on the side. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, ensuring that none of that delicious flavor goes to waste. A chilled glass of white wine or a light-bodied rosé complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers, shrimp scampi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to reheat the dish on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or extra butter to the skillet to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and to help rehydrate the sauce.
Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Instead, gently warm the scampi until heated through, and enjoy the delightful flavors all over again.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
→ What type of pasta goes best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices that pair well with the sauce.
→ Can I make this dish without wine?
Absolutely! You can substitute the wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Shrimp Scampi
This Shrimp Scampi recipe is a classic Italian-American dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your dining table. With its garlic, butter, and white wine sauce, it's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Scampi
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Cooked pasta of your choice (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, allowing it to simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Remove from heat and stir in the remaining butter until melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked pasta, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 24g