You Will Love This Recipe for Shrimp Scampi

Is there anything more satisfying than a bowl of shrimp scampi paired with some freshly baked focaccia? After years of refining recipes in a bustling restaurant kitchen, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty of simplicity—especially when it can deliver a meal in just 20 minutes!

Whether you’re whipping up dinner on a weeknight or hosting an impromptu gathering, Shrimp Scampi is sure to impress your guests. With the right fresh ingredients, you can craft a dish that feels luxurious without being overly complicated. A hint of lemon zest and a touch more herbs take this recipe to the next level. Trust me, once you try this, it’s bound to earn a permanent spot in your dinner repertoire!

What is Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp Scampi is a quintessential Italian-American dish. The term scampi originally referred to langoustine, a small, lobster-like crustacean with vibrant orange shells. Italian chefs who emigrated to the U.S. found it challenging to get these local delicacies, so they substituted them with readily available shrimp, hence coining the name shrimp scampi.

Traditionally, succulent shrimp is sautéed in a creamy garlic butter sauce, enriched with white wine and a hint of lemon juice for that bright acidity. It’s just divine when served over pasta, allowing that delectable sauce to envelop every strand. Zucchini noodles or a side of focaccia bread also work beautifully.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ingredients

• Shrimp: Use large shrimp (around 21-26 per pound), peeled and deveined. Keep in mind that if you choose jumbo or smaller shrimp, cooking times will differ slightly.
• Garlic cloves: The essential component that brings depth and a savory aroma to the dish.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter so you can adjust the saltiness to your taste.
• Extra virgin olive oil: This adds a rich layer of flavor and balances the dish perfectly.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a lovely warmth and subtle heat.
• White wine: Stick to dry varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay. If you prefer, substitute with broth mixed with a couple of teaspoons of white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar.
• Lemon zest and juice: These provide a refreshing acidity that really elevates the dish.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Best Pasta for Shrimp Scampi

When selecting pasta to pair with your Shrimp Scampi, choose one that complements the rich sauce well. Options like angel hair (cappellini), linguine, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work wonderfully. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, zucchini noodles are fantastic! For a twist, you could also use penne or opt for gluten-free pasta.

Make sure to cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.

Best Wine for Shrimp Scampi

For an authentic flavor, stick to dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. However, you can also opt for other dry varieties such as Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay to achieve that perfect pairing.

How to Make Shrimp Scampi

1. Prep the sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir until fragrant, around one minute.
2. Add wine or broth: Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and lemon zest: Sauté them until they’re opaque and still a tad al dente, which usually takes about 2-4 minutes depending on the size of shrimp. Remember, they will cook a little more after being taken off the heat.
4. Finish: Turn off the heat, then toss in the fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Transfer the delicious shrimp scampi to a bowl, and serve it as an appetizer alongside some focaccia or over pasta for a main course.

Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe Tips

• If serving over pasta: Consider doubling the butter and increasing the wine to 3/4 cup. Adding 1/3 cup of salted pasta water to the shrimp will create a more luscious sauce that sticks perfectly to the pasta.
• Using chicken broth instead of wine: Combine broth with a couple of teaspoons of white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
• If using frozen shrimp: Thaw it overnight in the fridge, or for a quick thaw, rinse them in cold water in a colander until they’re pliable.
• Buy shrimp that’s already been peeled and deveined: This simple step can save you considerable time in the kitchen!
• Leave the tails on: For a beautiful presentation and added flavor!

What to Serve with Classic Shrimp Scampi

Pair your Shrimp Scampi with warm, crusty bread like focaccia or sourdough. It’s also delightful over pasta like angel hair or linguine, or served alongside a fresh and vibrant salad such as chickpea salad or panzanella.

How to Store Leftover Scampi Shrimp

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, warm a couple of tablespoons of broth in a sauté pan, add the leftover scampi, stir gently, cover with a lid, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to maintain the shrimp’s juicy texture!

FAQs

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