Quick and Tasty Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a classic and beloved Italian-American dish that features tender shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic, butter, and white wine sauce. This flavorful dish is often served over pasta, rice, or crusty bread, allowing the sauce to be fully enjoyed with every bite.
THE PERFECT MEAL FOR ANY OCCASION
Shrimp scampi has been a favorite for decades, and it continues to be a go-to recipe for many. It’s a dish that’s quick to prepare, yet rich in flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any special occasion. The shrimp are delicate in flavor, with a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the garlic and butter sauce. The addition of white wine, lemon juice, and parsley adds brightness and balance, making the dish even more enjoyable.
This Italian-American favorite is most often served over pasta, with a side of crusty bread or rice pilaf, to ensure every last drop of the flavorful sauce is soaked up.
WHAT IS SHRIMP SCAMPI?
Shrimp scampi is a dish that originates from Italy, particularly from coastal regions like Liguria, where seafood is plentiful. It is a simple yet delicious dish made with shrimp, garlic, lemon juice, and a rich butter sauce. While it may be easy to prepare, shrimp scampi bursts with complex flavors and is sure to impress any seafood lover.
It’s a dish that can be prepared in minutes, making it a great option for those who want a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of garlic, butter, and white wine creates a sauce that coats the shrimp perfectly, making every bite an indulgent experience.
WHAT IS SHRIMP SCAMPI MADE OF?
To make shrimp scampi, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Extra-virgin olive oil and butter: These fats provide a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
- Garlic: As it cooks, garlic becomes sweet and nutty, adding depth to the flavor.
- Dry white wine or broth: This is used to deglaze the pan and add a layer of acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
- Kosher salt: Season the dish to taste.
- Black pepper and red pepper flakes: Add these for a little bit of heat and spice.
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined shrimp are used for the best results.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and a burst of freshness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps cut through the richness of the butter.
HOW TO MAKE SHRIMP SCAMPI
- Start by patting the shrimp dry to ensure they cook evenly.
- In a pan, melt butter and olive oil, then add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the dry white wine or broth, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and are no longer translucent.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice to brighten the dish.
- Remove the pan from the heat and serve immediately, ensuring the shrimp are coated with the delicious sauce.
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST SHRIMP SCAMPI
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp scampi is best when the shrimp are cooked just until they turn pink. Overcooking them can make them rubbery and tough. Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them carefully to avoid this.
- Use enough white wine: A dry white wine adds a wonderful acidity to the dish, balancing the richness of the butter. Make sure to use enough wine to deglaze the pan properly, allowing the flavors to develop fully.
SHRIMP SCAMPI WITHOUT WINE
For those who prefer not to use wine, shrimp scampi can easily be made without it. Simply substitute the wine with chicken broth. The broth will still create a flavorful sauce, though it will have a slightly different depth than wine. This is also a great option for preparing a kid-friendly version of the dish.
HOW TO REHEAT SHRIMP SCAMPI
If you have leftover shrimp scampi, there are a few ways to reheat it:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp scampi in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s thoroughly warmed.
- Stovetop: Place the shrimp scampi in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through.
- Microwave: Place the shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even reheating.
WHAT WINE TO USE FOR SHRIMP SCAMPI
The best wine for shrimp scampi is a dry white wine. The acidity in the wine helps balance the richness of the butter and complements the delicate flavor of the shrimp. Some excellent choices include:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Adds a citrusy, bright note that enhances the freshness of the shrimp.
- Pinot Grigio: Offers a light, fruity flavor that pairs well with the garlic and butter sauce.
- Chardonnay: Known for its buttery and slightly citrusy flavor, Chardonnay is a great choice for those who prefer a richer wine.
- Riesling: If you prefer a touch of sweetness, Riesling adds a balanced sweetness without overpowering the dish.
When making shrimp scampi, it’s best to use a wine that you enjoy drinking, as a good portion of it is used in the recipe. Be cautious of using overly sweet wines, as they can overpower the delicate shrimp flavor and other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup dry white wine or broth
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt or adjust to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes or adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-1/2 pounds large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Begin by drying the shrimp with a paper towel, then set them aside.
- In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil, heating over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- Pour in the white wine or broth, then add the salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Turn the heat up to high and let the mixture boil, reducing the wine by half, which should take around 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they become pink, which should take about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Finish by adding the parsley and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir everything together, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Keep an eye on them, and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink and are no longer translucent.
- Use enough white wine: A high-quality dry white wine enhances the dish by adding acidity and depth of flavor. Be sure to use enough to properly deglaze the pan.
- Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.
Nutrition
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