Shrimp Scampi is a classic, flavorful dish that's both quick and easy to prepare. Here's a straightforward recipe for a delicious Shrimp Scampi:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta (if using):
- If you're serving the scampi with pasta, cook it according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, about 1 minute.
- Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until the shrimp are heated through.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Serve:
- If you're using pasta, toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce. Otherwise, serve the shrimp scampi on its own or with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce at the end, if desired.
- Fresh lemon juice is best, but if you don’t have a fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.
Enjoy your Shrimp Scampi! It’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
