Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a popular Italian-American dish typically made with shrimp, garlic, butter, and olive oil. It often includes lemon juice, white wine, and parsley to enhance the flavors. The dish is known for its rich, buttery sauce that is typically served over pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, though it can also be enjoyed with bread or rice.
The shrimp is usually sautéed in the garlic and butter mixture until it becomes tender and flavorful, absorbing the aromatic herbs and lemon. The white wine adds a slight acidity that balances the richness of the butter. The final dish is aromatic, savory, and tangy, with a subtle sweetness from the shrimp. It’s often garnished with fresh parsley to add color and freshness. Shrimp scampi is loved for its combination of bold flavors and easy preparation, making it a staple in many homes and restaurants. If you like this recipe, try my Shrimp Scampi Pasta (Creamy!) next.
Cooking with Wine and Choosing a Wine For Your Shrimp Scampi
Cooking with wine is a great way to enhance the flavor of dishes by adding depth, acidity, and complexity. Wine can be used in a variety of ways, such as in sauces, marinades, braises, or to deglaze pans. The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind the concentrated flavors and aromas of the wine.
Types of wine for cooking:
- Red wine is often used in hearty dishes like beef stews, braised meats, and sauces, contributing rich, robust flavors.
- White wine is commonly used in seafood dishes, chicken recipes, and lighter sauces, offering a crisp, slightly acidic edge.
- Sweet wines, like sherry or port, can add a touch of sweetness to certain sauces or desserts.
Tips for cooking with wine:
- Use good quality wine: You don’t need to use expensive wine, but choose something you’d enjoy drinking, as the flavor concentrates in the dish.
- Don’t cook with “cooking wine”: These wines contain salt and preservatives, which can negatively impact the flavor of your dish.
- Balance the flavors: Wine can be acidic or tannic, so it’s important to balance it with the other ingredients, like butter, cream, or stock.
Wine can elevate simple dishes, transforming them into something sophisticated and flavorful.
Shrimp Scampi
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Colossal Shrimp
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp parsley chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 lemon zested
- 2 cups white wine of your choice
- 1 tsp red pepper flake
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp pepper
- ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
Instructions
- To your cleaned an patted dry shrimp, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Arrange your shrimp in a single layer in a cast iron skillet and set aside.
- To a sauce pan on medium heat, melt one stick of unsalted butter.
- Add in garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Allow this mixture to reduce by half.
- Add in red pepper flakes and parsley. Pour this sauce over your shrimp.
- Bake at 350℉ for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and serve immediately.
