Simple Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Dish
Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This simple shrimp scampi recipe delivers big on flavor and is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a romantic meal, this dish is sure to impress.
What You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (Tip: You can buy pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save time!)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (Tip: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor!)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (Optional, but recommended: A crisp white wine enhances the scampi flavor)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Cooked pasta of your choice (Linguine or spaghetti work best)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious shrimp scampi:
1. Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the dish bitter.
3. Add the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Deglaze the pan (optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute or two, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor.
5. Stir in lemon juice and seasonings: Add the lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for another minute.
6. Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi immediately over your cooked pasta. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi:
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less lemon juice, garlic, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
- Add some vegetables: For a heartier meal, add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with a side salad and crusty bread for a satisfying and delicious dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What kind of pasta is best? Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices, but you can use any pasta you like.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It's best to make this dish fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time.
This simple shrimp scampi recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using the hashtag #SimpleShrimpScampi.
