The moment you take a bite of shrimp scampi, your taste buds will dance in delight. Imagine tender shrimp sautéed to perfection, swimming in a luscious garlic and butter sauce, with a hint of lemon that brightens every mouthful. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that can whisk you away to a cozy Italian trattoria or a sun-kissed seaside restaurant.
I remember the first time I made shrimp scampi for my family—everyone was smitten! The aroma wafting through the house was like an invitation to dinner, and soon enough, we were all fighting over the last shrimp. Perfect for date night or casual gatherings, this delightful recipe promises to impress. Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Shrimp scampi is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The robust garlic and buttery sauce create an unforgettable flavor profile that will leave your guests raving
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it makes any plate pop
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over pasta, rice, or even on its own!
Cooking shrimp scampi always brings back fond memories of laughter and good food shared with loved ones.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Fresh Shrimp: Opt for large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor in every bite.
-
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves—nothing beats the aromatic punch they bring to the dish!
-
Unsalted Butter: The creamy richness of butter is crucial for achieving that luxurious sauce.
-
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps cook the shrimp perfectly.
-
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
-
Pasta (optional): Spaghetti or linguine are fantastic choices to soak up all that delicious sauce.
-
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also a fresh burst of herbal flavor.
-
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to spice things up!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them—chop garlic, squeeze lemon juice, and clean your shrimp. This makes cooking smooth and efficient.
Sauté Garlic in Butter and Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter with one tablespoon of olive oil until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant.
Add Shrimp and Cook Until Pink: Toss in your shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; this ensures proper cooking.
Add Lemon Juice and Seasoning: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with salt and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to coat those succulent shrimp in zesty goodness.
Combine with Pasta (if using): If you’re serving this with pasta, add cooked spaghetti or linguine straight into the skillet. Toss everything together so each strand gets coated in that heavenly sauce.
Finish with Fresh Parsley and Remaining Butter: Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter along with chopped parsley. This final touch adds richness while also brightening up your dish visually.
Now you have your delicious shrimp scampi ready to serve! Enjoy every delightful bite as you savor the flavors crafted lovingly in your kitchen.
You Must Know
- Creating the perfect shrimp scampi is all about timing and freshness
- The garlic should sizzle, not burn, creating an aroma that gets your mouth watering
- Remember, fresh shrimp will always elevate your dish—frozen just won’t cut it for this one!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For a flawless shrimp scampi, sauté garlic in butter first, add shrimp until pink, then finish with pasta and herbs. This sequence ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon juice for lime or add red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also personalize your dish beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use large shrimp for best texture and presentation; they cook evenly and look impressive on a plate
- Always season your pasta water well; it’s the first chance to infuse flavor
- Lastly, use fresh herbs right before serving to brighten the dish
Cooking shrimp scampi always reminds me of my best friend’s dinner party where I accidentally set off the smoke alarm—but we still devoured every bite!
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Yes, but fresh shrimp yields a better texture and flavor in your dish.
What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Linguine or spaghetti are traditional choices that complement the sauce wonderfully.
How can I make shrimp scampi spicier?
Add red pepper flakes during cooking or serve with a spicy dipping sauce on the side.
Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic and butter sauce, brightened by fresh lemon juice. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Serve it over pasta or on its own for a delightful culinary experience that will have everyone asking for more!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- 1. Gather and prep your ingredients: mince garlic, squeeze lemon juice, and clean the shrimp.
- 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil until bubbly. Add garlic and sauté until golden brown.
- 3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding.
- 4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes if using.
- 5. If adding pasta, toss cooked spaghetti or linguine into the skillet to coat with the sauce.
- 6. Remove from heat and stir in remaining butter and chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
