Garlicky Goodness: Quick & Easy Shrimp Scampi
Right then, let's dive straight into it, shall we? i'm so excited to share my go-to shrimp scampi recipe with you.
Honestly, it's a lifesaver on those nights when you just can't be bothered to cook, but still want something a bit fancy.
Garlicky Goodness: Your Quick & Easy Shrimp Scampi Awaits!
Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge thinking, "what on earth can i make?" this shrimp scampi recipe is your answer, mate! it's my absolute go-to for those nights.
Imagine juicy jumbo shrimp scampi swimming in a luscious white wine shrimp sauce , bursting with garlicky flavour. sounds good, eh?
A Little Bit of Italy in Your Kitchen
This italian shrimp recipe isn't some ancient family secret, mind you. it's been adapted from many different scampi recipes and improved with time with the perfect proportions.
But it's reminiscent of sun-soaked italian coasts, simple ingredients, and pure deliciousness. think of it as a quick trip to italy, without the flight! ready in about 25 minutes, this easy seafood dinner will feed six hungry bellies.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Scampi
Honestly, what's not to love? it's proper quick, tastes amazing and even sneakily healthy ish! shrimp is packed with protein. this lemon butter shrimp recipe is perfect for a mid-week treat or even a posh dinner party, i've done both.
What makes it extra special? the restaurant style shrimp scampi sauce so rich, so garlicky, so good. honestly, it is amazing to taste it with pasta like shrimp scampi linguine .
Now, grab your apron and let's get cooking. first, let's have a gander at the ingredients you'll need. don't worry, most of them are probably already lurking in your kitchen! oh, and don't be afraid to chuck in some shrimp scampi with vegetables .
Courgettes or spinach work a treat!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for some garlicky goodness! we're making shrimp scampi recipe and i can already smell the garlic.
..yum! this isn't your average, boring italian shrimp recipe ; this is next level stuff. we're talking restaurant style shrimp scampi , only better because you're making it.
This recipe is also easy seafood dinner .
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's get down to brass tacks what you'll actually need. I’m all about keeping things simple, so don’t worry, we won’t be needing any fancy schmancy gadgets.
Main Ingredients
- Shrimp: 2 pounds (900g) raw, extra large shrimp. I usually go for tail-on, because they look pretty. Honestly, go for the Jumbo Shrimp Scampi ; you won't regret it! For quality, look for firm shrimp that aren’t slimy or smelly. Nobody wants dodgy prawns.
- Garlic: 5-6 cloves , minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s the star of the show. The fresher, the better!
- Parsley: 3 tablespoons , fresh, minced, plus extra for garnish. Dried parsley? Only if you’re really in a pinch. Fresh makes a huge difference.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons . Extra virgin, naturally. It adds a lovely richness.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted. Don't skimp.
- White Wine: ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine. I like Pinot Grigio. It makes for a beautiful White Wine Shrimp Sauce .
- Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons , fresh. Bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it. We're making Lemon Butter Shrimp Recipe , so don't hold back.
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon .
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon . If you like a bit of kick, like me!
Seasoning Notes
Okay, let's talk flavour. We're aiming for that perfect balance.
- Essential Spice Combinations: Garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes are the backbone. They bring the heat and depth.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: The white wine and lemon juice are your secret weapons. They brighten everything up and add a zing that makes your mouth water.
- Quick Substitution Options: No white wine? Chicken broth works in a pinch. Just don’t tell anyone I said that!
Equipment Needed
Right, onto the tools. This is super simple.
- Essential Tools: A 10-12 inch skillet.
- Common Household Alternatives: Got no garlic press? Just mince it real fine with a knife. No lemon juicer? Squeeze it with your hands! Easy peasy.
Alright, that's it for ingredients! now get your stuff together; we're about to cook up some magic! this quick shrimp scampi is going to be the highlight of your week.
I'm thinking that you might need to make shrimp scampi linguine . trust me, you'll love it! if you want to make it healthier, try shrimp scampi with vegetables .
Alright, let's dive into making some seriously good Shrimp Scampi recipe ! Forget fancy restaurants. We are about to nail this at home. Seriously.
Garlicky Goodness: Quick & Easy Shrimp Scampi
This isn't your average italian shrimp recipe , folks. we're talking succulent jumbo shrimp scampi swimming in a crazy good garlic butter sauce.
Think zingy lemon, a whisper of white wine, and boom! an easy seafood dinner that's ready faster than you can say "domino's.
" trust me, this quick shrimp scampi is insanely delicious.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
Okay, first things first: let's get organised. chop those 5-6 cloves of garlic . honestly, the more garlic, the better, right? mince about 3 tablespoons of parsley .
Measure out your ½ cup of dry white wine pinot grigio is my go-to. squeeze that lemon for 3 tablespoons of juice .
And, pat those 2 pounds of shrimp dry . soggy shrimp? no, thank you! this lets them brown properly. remember safety first .
Be extra careful with sharp knives.
Scampi Time: step-by-step
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium high heat.
- Cook the 2 pounds of shrimp in batches. 2 minutes per side. They should be pink. Set them aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter . Add 5-6 cloves of minced garlic . Sauté for 1 minute . But don't burn it !
- Pour in ½ cup of white wine and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice . Simmer 2- 3 minutes . Scrape the bottom.
- Return the shrimp. Add ¾ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper . Cook 4- 5 minutes . Stir it all.
Pro Tips for Scampi Superstars
Want next level scampi? here are my secrets. first, don’t overcook the shrimp . seriously, rubbery shrimp are the worst. second, try making the white wine shrimp sauce ahead of time.
It's even better the next day. finally, a little trick: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a kick !
So, what are you waiting for? get cooking! this lemon butter shrimp recipe is calling your name. serve it over shrimp scampi linguine or even just with some crusty bread.
You'll feel like you're in a fancy restaurant style shrimp scampi . don't forget to explore variations like shrimp scampi with vegetables .
Enjoy!
Alright, here we go! let's dive into some extra bits about this amazing shrimp scampi recipe . think of these as chef's secrets.
They'll help you go from good to omg, this is amazing! restaurant style shrimp scampi , right here in your own kitchen!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Scampi Game!
Honestly, it's the little things, innit? it is what separates good food from truly great food. with this easy seafood dinner , we really want it perfect.
Let's talk serving, storing, and tweaking this italian shrimp recipe to your liking.
Serving Suggestions: Making it Look Swanky
Presentation matters, yeah? plating can really elevate your quick shrimp scampi . think about twirling your shrimp scampi linguine into a nest on the plate.
Then, arrange the jumbo shrimp scampi on top, drizzling with extra white wine shrimp sauce . a sprinkle of fresh parsley? chef's kiss! as a side, some crusty bread is spot on.
It is ideal for soaking up every last drop of that glorious sauce. maybe a crisp glass of pinot grigio.
Perfect!
Storage Tips: Keeping the Scampi Magic Alive
Right then, leftovers. if you've made too much garlic shrimp pasta (is there such a thing?), refrigerate it asap. pop it in an airtight container.
It'll be good for up to 2 days. freezing? i wouldn't recommend it. the shrimp can get a bit rubbery.
Reheating? gently heat it in a pan over low heat. stir occasionally, or microwave it in 30-second bursts. honestly, it's best fresh, but a bit of leftover scampi never hurt anyone.
Variations: Scampi Your Way!
Want to play around with this lemon butter shrimp recipe ? course you do! fancy a dairy-free version? no worries! use vegan butter and a splash of nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe.
Want a bit of a kick? add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili. for a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted asparagus or courgette when in season to the shrimp scampi with vegetables .
Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Good for the Soul
Okay, let's talk numbers. this shrimp scampi recipe is pretty good for you. shrimp is packed with protein, and garlic is a natural immune booster.
It's relatively low in carbs if you're not piling it on pasta. just keep an eye on the butter and olive oil.
Everything in moderation, yeah?
So, there you have it! a few extra tips to make your shrimp scampi experience even better. don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and make it your own.
Now go forth and scampi!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my shrimp from becoming rubbery when making Shrimp Scampi?
Ah, the age-old question! Overcooked shrimp are no fun, are they? The key is to not overcook them. Cook the shrimp for only about 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Removing them from the pan as soon as they're cooked through is also essential, even if it's to a plate.
Remember that they will continue to cook a little bit from the residual heat of the pan so a little under is better than a little over!
Can I make this Shrimp scampi recipe ahead of time?
While Shrimp Scampi is best served fresh to maintain the shrimp's texture, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure out the other ingredients. You can even peel and devein the shrimp. But, when cooking the recipe, you really want to cook the shrimp and sauce fresh!
What kind of wine should I use for Shrimp Scampi?
A dry white wine works best in a Shrimp Scampi recipe. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a crisp dry Riesling are all excellent choices. Avoid sweet wines, as they'll throw off the balance of the dish.
If you don't want to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted, but the wine adds a lovely depth of flavour.
Can I add cream to my shrimp scampi?
Absolutely! For a creamier scampi, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end of the cooking process, just before serving. This will enrich the sauce and give it a luscious texture. It's a bit of a "naughty but nice" addition, as Mary Berry would say!
How should I store leftover shrimp scampi?
Leftover Shrimp Scampi should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 1-2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. Adding a splash of broth or water can help keep it moist.
You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
Is Shrimp Scampi healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Shrimp Scampi can be a relatively healthy dish, as shrimp is a good source of lean protein. However, the butter and oil contribute to the fat content. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of butter, use olive oil instead, and serve it with whole wheat pasta or brown rice and plenty of veggies.
Also, be aware of sodium if you are watching salt intake.
Garlicky Goodness Quick Easy Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
