Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that’s beloved for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It highlights the delicate sweetness of shrimp with a rich, garlicky, and buttery sauce that’s often finished with a touch of brightness from lemon juice and fresh herbs.
Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Shrimp: Shrimp is the star of the dish. It’s usually peeled and deveined, with the tails left on or off depending on preference. Larger shrimp, like prawns, are often preferred for their meatiness and juiciness.
- Garlic: Garlic is essential to scampi! It’s typically minced or finely chopped and sautéed in butter and oil until fragrant. The garlic infuses the sauce with its pungent and savory flavor.
- Butter: Butter provides richness and a luxurious texture to the sauce. It’s often combined with olive oil to prevent it from burning at higher temperatures.
- White Wine: Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is frequently used to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth can be substituted.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the butter and garlic.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick of heat and a touch of complexity.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for scampi, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
How it all comes together:
The shrimp is typically sautéed in the garlic butter sauce until it’s just cooked through, turning pink and opaque. The white wine or broth is added to deglaze the pan, creating a flavorful sauce that coats the shrimp. The dish is then finished with lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
Why it’s so popular:
- Quick and Easy: Shrimp Scampi is a relatively quick and easy dish to prepare, making it a great weeknight meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon juice creates a sauce that’s both rich and bright, complementing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Versatile: It can be served on its own as an appetizer or paired with pasta, rice, crusty bread, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Elegant: Despite its simplicity, Shrimp Scampi has an elegant quality that makes it suitable for both casual and more formal occasions.
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying seafood dish, Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is a classic choice that’s sure to impress.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
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Pin RecipeIngredients
2 tbsp Olive Oil- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 5 Large Garlic Minced
- 1¼ lbs. Shrimp Prawns Cleaned & Deveined. Tails off
- 1 pinch Salt To Taste
- 1 Pinch Black Pepper To Taste
- ¼ Cup White Wine Or Chicken Broth
- ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ¼ Cup Parsley
Get Recipe IngredientsInstructions
- Combine olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Add them to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until just beginning to turn pink. Flip the shrimp halfway through.
- Pour in the white wine (or broth) and add red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce by about half.
- Stir in the remaining butter, lemon juice, and chopped fresh parsley. Take the pan off the heat immediately to prevent overcooking the shrimp.
- Enjoy your Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi over your preferred serving option - rice, pasta, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition
List of Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ¼ lbs shrimp (prawns), cleaned, deveined, tails off
- Pinch of salt, to taste
- Pinch of black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi 3
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi 2
History of Garlic Shrimp Scampi
While the name “scampi” might make you think of Italy, the dish we know and love as Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi actually has a fascinating history that blends Italian inspiration with American innovation.
The Italian Connection:
- Scampi in Italy: In Italy, “scampi” refers specifically to a type of small lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). It’s often prepared simply, grilled or sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and white wine. This method of cooking shellfish with garlic and butter is definitely a key element in the history of our scampi.
The American Twist:
- Immigrant Influence: When Italian immigrants came to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they brought their culinary traditions with them. However, scampi (the small lobsters) weren’t readily available in America.
- Shrimp Steps In: Resourceful cooks adapted the Italian preparation by using the abundant shrimp found in American waters. This led to the creation of what we now know as Shrimp Scampi.
- Mid-20th Century Popularity: Shrimp Scampi gained significant popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, becoming a classic on restaurant menus and a staple in many home kitchens.
Evolution of the Dish:
- Early Versions: Early American versions of Shrimp Scampi were often simpler, featuring shrimp cooked with butter, garlic, and white wine, sometimes with a touch of lemon juice.
- Later Additions: Over time, other ingredients like parsley, red pepper flakes, and even breadcrumbs were added to create variations on the classic dish.
A Culinary Fusion:
So, while the true origins of Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi might be a bit of a culinary puzzle, it’s essentially an Italian-American creation. It’s a testament to how immigrant communities adapt their traditions to new environments and ingredients, ultimately enriching the culinary landscape.
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