Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish that brings together tender shrimp, a rich garlic-butter sauce. Its origins trace back to Italy, where cooks originally prepared scampi—small, lobster-like crustaceans with pale pink shells (also called langoustines). When Italian immigrants came to the United States, they swapped shrimp for scampi but kept the original name. This adaptation gave rise to the iconic Shrimp Scampi we know and love today.
Whether served with pasta or crusty bread, this dish is a timeless crowd-pleaser, made all the better with a few simple cooking tips to perfect the texture and flavor.
What Makes Shrimp Scampi Special?
Shrimp Scampi combines simplicity and elegance. Its rich garlic, and butter sauce pairs beautifully with tender shrimp, creating a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The key to this recipe is ensuring the shrimp are cooked just right—pink all over but still tender, avoiding the tough, rubbery texture that comes with overcooking.
Essential Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi
To prepare an authentic Shrimp Scampi, you’ll need a few fresh and flavorful ingredients:
- Shrimp: Large shrimp or prawns work best. Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the seasoning of the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic without burning it.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of spice.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
- Pasta or Crusty Bread: Serve the scampi over linguine or with bread for soaking up the sauce.
Step-by-Step Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Mince the garlic and chop the parsley.
- Cook the Garlic:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the Shrimp:
- Place the shrimp in the pan in a single layer.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Toss in the chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve Immediately:
- Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked pasta, or pair it with a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. Remove them from heat as soon as they’re pink and slightly opaque.
- Add Texture: A sprinkle of breadcrumbs toasted in olive oil makes a great topping for added crunch.
- Customize Your Dish: Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Scampi
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or bread, and you’ve got a meal that suits any preference.
- Rich and Flavorful: The garlic-butter sauce is a luxurious treat that enhances the natural sweetness of shrimp.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Create the Flavor Base
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter along with the olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Pour in the wine or broth, season with salt, red pepper flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let the liquid reduce by half, which should take around 2 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on their size, until they just turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
Step 3: Final Touches
- Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
- Serve immediately over pasta or alongside a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy your homemade Shrimp Scampi!
Ingredients
Yield:4 servings
- 2tablespoons butter
- 2tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4garlic cloves, minced
- ¾teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ⅛teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1¾pounds large or extra-large shrimp, shelled
- ⅓cup chopped parsley
- Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread
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