Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish with a rich cultural presence, often served in coastal towns and cherished for its simple elegance. Many first experience this dish in seafood restaurants like Red Lobster, where the buttery, garlicky shrimp paired with lemon brings a luxurious yet comforting flavor. This recipe captures that essence, perfect for recreating an indulgent meal at home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Shrimp Scampi is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. It uses simple, fresh ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and butter to create a meal that feels both gourmet and comforting. You’ll love the way the flavors come together quickly, making it perfect for a dinner party or an indulgent solo meal. Plus, it’s a lighter dish compared to richer seafood meals, but still bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Shrimp: Use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Frozen shrimp can also work if thawed properly.
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp.
- Garlic: Essential for that fragrant, savory flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh acidity to balance the richness of butter.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs for added depth.
- Turkey Ham: For a smoky flavor without using traditional pork.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated, this adds a savory, nutty finish.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, cooking them until pink on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Pour in lemon juice, stirring in the Italian seasoning. Let this simmer to reduce slightly.
- Combine: Add the shrimp back into the pan, tossing them in the sauce for another minute to warm through and coat evenly.
- Finish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and turkey ham. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- Control Heat: Garlic burns easily, so keep the heat low when sautéing.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp: They should be just pink to stay tender.
- Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the dish a much brighter flavor than bottled.
Helpful Tips:
- You can substitute vegetable broth for the lemon juice if you prefer a less acidic sauce.
- To add a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes before sautéing the shrimp.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Notes:
Feel free to serve this Shrimp Scampi over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Nutritional Information:
This dish is low in carbs and high in protein, with a healthy dose of omega-3s from the shrimp and healthy fats from olive oil and butter. It’s a satisfying option without being too heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but add them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative to make it dairy-free.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet. Freezing is not recommended due to changes in shrimp texture.
Related Recipes:
If you loved this Shrimp Scampi, you’ll also enjoy these other delicious seafood recipes:
Conclusion:
Shrimp Scampi is a timeless dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. With its bright garlic-lemon sauce and tender shrimp, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it with loved ones and savor the flavors of the sea, no matter where you are!
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Shrimp Scampi
Description
Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish with a rich cultural presence, often served in coastal towns and cherished for its simple elegance. Many first experience this dish in seafood restaurants like Red Lobster, where the buttery, garlicky shrimp paired with lemon brings a luxurious yet comforting flavor. This recipe captures that essence, perfect for recreating an indulgent meal at home. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this dish never fails to impress.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Frozen shrimp can also work if thawed properly.
- Butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp.
- Garlic: Essential for that fragrant, savory flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, fresh acidity to balance the richness of butter.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs for added depth.
- Turkey Ham: For a smoky flavor without using traditional pork.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated, this adds a savory, nutty finish.
Instructions
- Sauté Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, cooking them until pink on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add Lemon and Seasoning: Pour in lemon juice, stirring in the Italian seasoning. Let this simmer to reduce slightly.
- Combine: Add the shrimp back into the pan, tossing them in the sauce for another minute to warm through and coat evenly.
- Finish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and turkey ham. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to serve this Shrimp Scampi over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.