Garlicky Shrimp Scampi: A Weeknight Winner!
This easy shrimp scampi recipe is a weeknight winner! Loads of garlic and butter make it ridiculously delicious. My secret? Don't overcook the shrimp! Get the recipe now.
- Garlicky Shrimp Scampi: A Weeknight Winner!
- Garlicky Shrimp Scampi: A Weeknight Winner! Recipe Card
- Getting Started: Ingredients & Equipment
- Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters
- Garlicky Shrimp Scampi in Six Easy Steps
- Scampi Secrets: Pro Tips for the Win
- Recipe Notes: Making Your Scampi Spectacular
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's dive headfirst into this!
Garlicky Shrimp Scampi: A Weeknight Winner!
Ever get that craving for something utterly delicious but super easy? honestly, this shrimp scampi recipe is your answer. it's one of those easy pasta and shrimp recipes that just hits the spot.
Think garlic, butter, and perfectly cooked shrimp.
Shrimp Scampi: A Classic With a Twist
The shrimp scampi we know and love is actually an italian-american creation. the dish has similar roots as the "scampi" dish popular in italy, made with nephrops norvegicus , a small lobster also known as dublin bay prawns, that in the us, are substitued by shrimp because they are not normally available.
This version uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, for a flavor explosion in your mouth. this easy scampi recipe is super quick.
It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. it serves four hungry people and is perfect served as shrimp scampi over pasta
Why You'll Love This Scampi
This recipe ticks all the boxes: quick, easy, and packed with flavor. plus, shrimp is a great source of protein.
This shrimp scampi meal feels fancy enough for a date night but is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. what makes it special? it is the fresh garlic and lemon juice that brightens it.
Ready to get cooking? Let's gather our bits and bobs. First, you'll need 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined, of course.
Right then, let's talk shrimp scampi recipe ! honestly, it's one of those dishes that sounds fancy, but is dead easy to make.
Like, easier than putting on your slippers! and who doesn't love a good shrimp scampi meal ?
Garlicky Shrimp Scampi: A Weeknight Winner! Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Getting Started: Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, here's what you'll need for this absolute banger of an easy scampi recipe . Don't worry, nothing too cheffy.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Quality matters here, yeah? Fresh shrimp should smell of the sea, not fishy. Frozen is fine too, just thaw them properly.
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) olive oil.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced. Don't be shy! Garlic is the star.
- ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio). This adds a lovely tang.
- ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth.
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Bottled works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). For a bit of a kick, innit?
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
This recipe is so versatile, think of it as a blank canvas for your tastebuds! This is just a starting point for some amazing shrimp dishes for dinner
Seasoning Notes
Alright, let's get spicy, shall we?
- Garlic and red pepper flakes are a match made in heaven. Seriously, that combo is key.
- Lemon juice brightens everything up. Don't skimp on it! You can use lemon zest as well.
- No white wine? No worries! Chicken broth with a squeeze of lemon juice will do the trick for you and will still result in a delicious shrimp scampi over pasta .
- If you're not keen on spice, leave out the red pepper flakes.
Equipment Needed
Only the essentials here, promise!
- A large skillet or sauté pan. Non-stick makes life easier.
- Tongs for flipping the shrimp.
- Honestly, that's about it! Who needs fancy gadgets?
- Now, that's a delicious, super fast, and easy pasta and shrimp recipes . This is also a great starting point to start exploring some authentic shrimp scampi
My nan used to make a version of shrimp scampi spaghetti all the time, though she used a questionable amount of margarine.
This recipe is a bit more sophisticated! honestly, this is a simple and reliable way to make a shrimp scampi recipe .
You know what? i bet even red lobster would be jealous of this red lobster shrimp scampi recipe ! i think i prefer this one to the red lobster shrimp offer.
We can even swap out the spaghetti, and serve with shrimp scampi noodles or create a new recipe using shrimp scampi noodles recipe , just a few twists.
Seriously, this scampi recipe is a winner. Enjoy! You’ll find plenty of uses for these shrimp recipes for dinner and shrimp recipes easy
Alright, let's chat about making shrimp scampi . honestly, this dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! it's one of those easy pasta and shrimp recipes that tastes way fancier than it is.
Did you know that scampi originally referred to a type of small lobster? crazy, innit? now, it's all about the shrimp.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Matters
First things first: get your stuff together. this is the essential mise en place . peel and devein 1 pound (450g) of shrimp.
Mince 6 cloves of garlic. chop 1/4 cup (15g) of fresh parsley. squeeze the juice from one lemon. got it? good! time-saving tip: buy pre-peeled shrimp, but make sure they are fresh.
Garlicky Shrimp Scampi in Six Easy Steps
This easy scampi recipe is so quick, you'll be scoffing it down in no time.
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat those little guys dry. Season with salt and pepper. Honestly, don't skimp on the seasoning.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 4 tablespoons (60ml) of olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Chuck in your minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute , until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic is the devil.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 1/4 cup (60ml) of dry white wine. Follow it with 1/4 cup (60ml) of chicken broth. Scrape up those yummy bits from the bottom.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp in one layer. Cook for 2- 3 minutes per side. They should be pink and opaque. Don't overcook them! That's the key.
- Make it Creamy: Take the pan off the heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons (60g) of butter, cubed, the lemon juice, and parsley. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce is silky smooth. We're aiming for that Authentic Shrimp Scampi vibe.
- Taste and Serve: Season with more salt and pepper, if you like. Serve hot, right away! Consider a small dash of red pepper flakes to add some spice.
Scampi Secrets: Pro Tips for the Win
Want to take your shrimp scampi to the next level? Here are a few tricks I've learned over the years.
- Don't crowd the pan! Cook the shrimp in batches if you have to. They'll brown better. The recipe is also perfect for Shrimp Dishes For Dinner .
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients. Always!
- Make-ahead option: You can make the sauce ahead of time. Just add the shrimp right before serving. Toss in some Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti or even Shrimp Scampi Noodles and you've got a Shrimp Scampi Meal .
Honestly, this shrimp scampi recipe is foolproof. you will never need to look at that red lobster shrimp scampi recipe again.
You can have shrimp recipes easy at home! go on, give it a go!
Right then, let's chat about all the little extras for this killer Shrimp Scampi recipe . Honestly, it's the details that take it from "meh" to "OMG!".
Recipe Notes: Making Your Scampi Spectacular
Serving It Up in Style
Right, so you've made your shrimp scampi . now what? forget chucking it on a plate. let's make it look fancy! honestly, presentation does make a difference.
A great way to highlight authentic shrimp scampi is with a sprig of parsley.
Think about twirling your shrimp scampi spaghetti or shrimp scampi noodles around a fork for that perfect bite. serve alongside shrimp scampi over pasta with some toasted garlic bread.
A crisp green salad cuts through the richness, too. don't forget the vino! a chilled pinot grigio? perfect!
Storage Secrets
Right, so you've got leftovers (unlikely, but let's pretend). How do you keep it tip-top?
Pop your shrimp scampi meal in an airtight container. into the fridge it goes. it'll be good for about 2 days, tops.
Freezing is a bit dicey, as the shrimp can get a bit rubbery, if you must, use it in a soup.
Reheating? gently does it! a low heat on the hob, or a quick zap in the microwave (but be warned, it might toughen the shrimp).
Tweak It 'Til You Make It
Fancy a change? No worries!
For a dairy-free version of the easy scampi recipe , use olive oil instead of butter. want it spicier? add extra red pepper flakes.
Seasonal swaps? in summer, chuck in some fresh cherry tomatoes. they are divine.
Nutrition Nitty-Gritty
Ok, i'm no nutritionist, but here’s the lowdown. this shrimp scampi is packed with protein from the shrimp. it's got some healthy fats from the olive oil.
Garlic is good for you, right? it's fairly low-carb, especially if you go easy on the pasta or use courgetti.
Remember, everything in moderation, eh?
So, there you have it. All the insider info for making this shrimp dishes for dinner a total triumph. Get in the kitchen and give it a go. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to keep my shrimp from getting rubbery in this shrimp scampi recipe?
Ah, the dreaded rubbery shrimp! The key is to not overcook them. Shrimp cook very quickly, so you only need about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Remember, they'll continue to cook slightly after you remove them from the heat, so err on the side of undercooking rather than overcooking. No one wants shrimp that bounce like a cricket ball!
Can I make this shrimp scampi recipe ahead of time?
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure out the wine and broth. However, it's best to cook the shrimp right before serving. If you absolutely must make it ahead, gently reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet over low heat, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp. Maybe make it a day before at the most.
I don't have white wine. What can I use instead for this garlicky shrimp scampi?
No worries, happens to the best of us! You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice. This will give you a similar acidity and flavor profile. You could also try a dry vermouth if you have that lurking in the back of the cupboard - it's a surprisingly good substitute in many scampi recipes. Just don't use cooking sherry – that's a flavour bomb you might not want!
What kind of pasta goes best with shrimp scampi?
That's a matter of personal preference, really! But traditionally, linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta are popular choices because the thin strands easily soak up the delicious scampi sauce. But honestly, any pasta you have on hand will work in a pinch. Even some orzo can be a delicious choice!
Is shrimp scampi healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Shrimp scampi can be part of a balanced diet, but it depends on portion size and how it's prepared. Shrimp itself is a great source of protein and low in calories, but the butter and olive oil contribute fat and calories. To make it healthier, you could reduce the amount of butter or use whole-wheat pasta. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation, like a nice treat rather than an everyday affair!
Can I freeze leftover shrimp scampi?
Freezing shrimp scampi isn't ideal, as the shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may separate upon thawing. If you do need to freeze it, make sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, do so slowly over low heat and consider adding a splash of cream or broth to re-emufy the sauce. But ideally, eat it fresh for the best flavour and texture. It's like a good cup of tea – best enjoyed right away!
