Delicious Scampi Recipes to Make at Home
Scampi, those succulent little prawns, are a culinary delight. Their delicate flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of ingredients, making them incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these scampi recipes are sure to impress. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Garlic Butter Scampi: A Classic Favorite
This recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. The rich, garlicky butter sauce perfectly complements the sweet shrimp. It's simple, elegant, and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound scampi, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta (linguine or spaghetti are ideal)
Instructions:
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the scampi: Add the scampi to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
- Deglaze the pan (optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Stir in lemon juice and seasonings: Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Toss with pasta: Toss the cooked pasta with the scampi and sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Spicy Scampi with Chili Flakes and Lemon
For those who enjoy a little kick, this spicy scampi recipe is a must-try. The chili flakes add a fiery zest that complements the sweetness of the scampi beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound scampi, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: Follow steps 1-7 from the Classic Garlic Butter Scampi recipe, substituting the ingredients listed above.
Scampi with Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) - A Lighter Option
This recipe is a lighter, healthier twist on the classic scampi. Zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound scampi, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the scampi: Add the scampi and cook until pink and cooked through.
- Add zoodles: Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Deglaze (optional) and Season: If using white wine, deglaze the pan. Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately: Serve the scampi and zucchini noodles immediately.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique scampi masterpiece! Remember to use fresh, high-quality scampi for the best results. Enjoy!