Irresistible Scampi Recipe: A Garlic Shrimp Delight

The aroma of sizzling garlic and shrimp fills the air as I prepare a dish that never fails to impress. Scampi, a delightful seafood classic, combines tender shrimp with a buttery, garlicky sauce that dances on your taste buds like a tap-dancing shrimp at a fancy seafood gala.

Growing up, my family would gather around the table for special occasions, and scampi always made an appearance, making everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation. Whether it was a cozy Sunday dinner or a festive holiday feast, this dish brought us together in laughter and joy, creating memories as rich as its flavors.

I remember one evening when my cousin tried scampi for the first time and exclaimed it was “like a party in my mouth.” Who knew shrimp could throw such wild parties?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Shrimp: Select large, fresh shrimp for the best texture; frozen works too if thawed properly.

• Garlic: Use plenty of fresh garlic; it’s the heart and soul of this dish.

• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control flavor; it adds that rich creaminess we crave.

• Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil enhances flavor while keeping the butter from burning.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish; bottled just won’t do it justice.

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; feel free to chop generously!

• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional but recommended for those who enjoy a little heat in their life.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and deveining your shrimp if they aren’t prepped. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Melt Butter & Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until bubbly. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Sauté Garlic & Shrimp: Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Toss in the shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.

Add Flavorful Zest: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice along with red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything gently but excitedly so that those flavors mingle beautifully.

Finish with Herbs & Serve: Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley for freshness. Plate immediately with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up all that glorious sauce.

Now you have a stunning plate of scampi ready to dazzle your family! Not only is it quick and easy to prepare but also full of flavor guaranteed to spark joy at mealtime. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing garlic in butter for maximum flavor, then add shrimp until they’re perfectly pink. Meanwhile, cook pasta to al dente for the best texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp for scallops or add zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. Experiment with herbs like basil or parsley to personalize your dish!

Storing & Reheating

Store scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent rubbery shrimp.

Cooking scampi reminds me of my first dinner party, where my friends devoured every last bite, leaving me feeling like a culinary genius!

FAQ

What is scampi?

Scampi traditionally refers to shrimp cooked in garlic and butter sauce.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even results.

How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp turn pink and opaque when cooked through; avoid overcooking for best texture.

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Garlic Shrimp Scampi: A Flavorful Classic

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Garlic Shrimp Scampi, a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with the perfect blend of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and rich butter. This quick yet elegant meal is perfect for any occasion, making it a go-to recipe for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Serve it over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of the buttery sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep the shrimp by peeling and deveining if necessary. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil until bubbly.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Toss in the shrimp; cook until pink and opaque (2-3 minutes per side).
5. Stir in lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix gently.
6. Remove from heat and fold in chopped parsley.
7. Serve immediately over pasta or with crusty bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 220mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding white wine to the pan after sautéing the garlic before adding shrimp. Swap shrimp for scallops or add zucchini noodles for a unique twist on this classic recipe. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan; this allows for even cooking and browning of the shrimp.