History and Origin
The origins of Shrimp Scampi are as intriguing as its flavors. “Scampi” actually refers to langoustines, a type of small lobster found in the Mediterranean and northeastern Atlantic. Italian immigrants in America, unable to find scampi, adapted the traditional preparation methods to the abundant shrimp found in American waters. Over time, this fusion of Italian cooking techniques and American ingredients evolved into the dish we know and love today. Shrimp Scampi became a symbol of the Italian-American culinary experience, representing both the old world and the new.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Ingredient List
- 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they start to turn pink.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has reduced slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining butter, lemon zest, and chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Selecting Shrimp: Look for fresh, plump shrimp with a mild ocean scent. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
- Wine Selection: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice.
- Garlic Preparation: For the best flavor, mince the garlic fresh just before cooking. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- Cooking Temperature: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp. They should be pink and slightly curled, but still tender.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 0.5g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
