Viral Recipes – Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp Scampi is a classic Italian-American dish known for its simplicity and incredible flavor. This delightful recipe combines succulent shrimp with a rich and zesty sauce made from garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and butter. Here’s a brief overview of how to prepare this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• Lemon wedges, for garnish
• Cooked pasta (such as linguine or angel hair) or crusty bread, for serving

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the Wine and Lemon Juice:
   • Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
5. Add the Butter:
   • Stir in the butter until it melts and forms a rich, flavorful sauce. If desired, add the red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
6. Return the Shrimp:
   • Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute to heat the shrimp through.
7. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the Shrimp Scampi over cooked pasta or with crusty bread. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired.

Taste and Texture

Flavor: The Shrimp Scampi offers a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of garlic, white wine, and lemon juice creates a bright and zesty sauce that perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp. The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Texture: The shrimp are tender and juicy, while the sauce is rich and buttery with a smooth consistency. When served over pasta, the sauce coats the noodles beautifully, creating a luxurious and satisfying dish. Alternatively, serving the Shrimp Scampi with crusty bread allows you to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Conclusion

Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that never fails to impress with its simplicity and incredible flavor. Its rich, buttery sauce and succulent shrimp make it a standout option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether served over pasta or with crusty bread, Shrimp Scampi is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.