Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Quick & Easy Seafood Delight

Looking for a simple yet impressive seafood dish? This garlic shrimp scampi recipe is your answer! It's quick, flavorful, and requires minimal ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy appetizer, shrimp scampi is sure to become a new favorite. This recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with ingredients like fresh garlic, dried chili peppers, and a splash of lemon, all cooked in extra virgin olive oil. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce!

What is Garlic Shrimp Scampi?

Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish originating from Italian-American cuisine. It typically features shrimp cooked in a garlic-infused butter or olive oil Sauce, often with wine, lemon Juice, and herbs. The dish is known for its rich flavor and quick cooking time, making it a popular choice for busy weeknights. This garlic shrimp recipe highlights the importance of using fresh ingredients and proper cooking techniques to achieve the best results. By slowly infusing the garlic and chili peppers into the olive oil, you create a complex and aromatic base for the shrimp.

This garlic shrimp scampi recipe provides a delightful experience for seafood enthusiasts. Shrimp scampi distinguishes itself from other shrimp preparations through its specific flavor profile and cooking method. Traditional shrimp preparations might include grilling, frying, or using a variety of sauces, but scampi stands out due to its emphasis on garlic, olive oil, and a touch of acidity from lemon juice. It's a dish where simple ingredients combine to create a rich and satisfying meal.

Serving garlic shrimp scampi is more than just presenting food; it’s about offering an experience. The aroma of garlic-infused olive oil, combined with the bright flavors of parsley and lemon, creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant. The addition of crusty bread transforms the meal, allowing diners to soak up every last drop of the flavorful sauce. This shrimp scampi is a versatile option for casual family dinners or more formal gatherings.

Ingredients for the Perfect Garlic Shrimp

To create an exceptional garlic shrimp scampi, you'll need high-quality ingredients. Here’s a breakdown:

• Jumbo Shrimp:

  Using 1 lb of jumbo shrimp ensures a satisfying bite. Make sure they are peeled and deveined for convenience. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of paprika to enhance their natural flavor.

• Garlic: The recipe calls for 1 bulb of garlic , finely sliced into 12 cloves. This generous amount of garlic is essential for creating the signature scampi flavor. Using fresh garlic rather than pre-minced will provide a more potent and authentic taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil serves as the base for the sauce. Its rich flavor and high smoke point make it ideal for sautéing the garlic and shrimp.
• Dried Chili Peppers: Incorporating 5 dried chili peppers adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dish. These infuse the oil with subtle spiciness, balancing the richness of the garlic and olive oil. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Lemon: A short squeeze of ½ lemon (about 1 Tbsp) adds a vital element of brightness and acidity. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the oil and enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 Tbsp of chopped fresh parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous finish to the scampi. It not only adds flavor but also a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
• Crusty Bread:

  Crusty bread is essential for serving. It's perfect for soaking up the flavorful garlic-infused oil. Toasting the bread lightly will add texture and enhance its flavor.

By carefully selecting and preparing these ingredients, you can elevate your garlic shrimp scampi to a restaurant-quality dish. Remember, the key is to use fresh, high-quality components for the best possible flavor.

Maximizing Garlic Flavor for Shrimp

To truly elevate the garlic flavor in your shrimp scampi, consider these tips:

• Mince Some, Slice Some: Instead of just slicing the garlic, mince a few cloves as well. Mincing releases more of the garlic’s oils, providing a more intense flavor punch.
• Garlic Infused Oil: For an extra garlicky flavor, make a garlic-infused oil in advance. Gently heat olive oil with crushed garlic cloves in a saucepan. Let it simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, then strain the oil and discard the garlic. Use this fragrant oil for cooking the scampi.
• Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder can be added for an extra layer of flavor, but use it sparingly as it can easily overpower the dish.
• Roast Garlic: If you love a mellow, sweeter garlic flavor, use roasted garlic. ROAST a whole bulb of garlic, then squeeze out the softened cloves and add them to the scampi. The roasting process mellows the garlic’s sharpness and adds a nutty depth of flavor.

Preparing the Ingredients

The key to quick and successful shrimp scampi lies in prepping all your ingredients beforehand.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Ensure that your jumbo shrimp are peeled and deveined. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear in the pan. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Slice the Garlic:

   Finely slice the 12 cloves of garlic. This will allow the garlic to infuse its flavor into the olive oil effectively without burning.

3. Chop the Parsley: Chop the fresh parsley and set aside.
4. Prepare the Lemon: Cut a lemon in half so it is ready to squeeze 1Tbsp of lemon juice.

Cooking the Shrimp Scampi

Follow these steps for cooking the garlic shrimp scampi:

1. Infuse the Olive Oil:

   In a large skillet (preferably cast iron), heat ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and dried chili peppers. Slowly heat the garlic and chili over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir occasionally to infuse more flavor into the oil. Cook just until garlic turns slightly golden, being careful not to burn it. This process ensures the oil is fragrant and full of flavor.

2. Add the Shrimp:

   Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

3. Cook the Shrimp: Heat just until cooked halfway (about 2-3 minutes) and then flip. Cook for additional 2 minutes or until shrimps slightly curl and cooked through. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque.
4. Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Remove the pan from heat. Squeeze ½ lemon (about 1 Tbsp) over the shrimp. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp of chopped parsley over the shrimp and toss to combine.

Serving the Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Serving this dish is as important as cooking it. Here’s how to make it a Memorable experience:

1. Toast the Bread: Toast slices of crusty bread until golden brown.
2. Serve Immediately: Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish or leave it in the skillet.
3. Spoon over Bread: Spoon the shrimp and the garlic-infused oil over the toasted bread slices. Ensure each slice gets a generous portion of shrimp and sauce. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious oil.
4. Garnish (Optional): Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for an extra touch of elegance.

Estimating the Expense of a Gourmet Dish

One of the many reasons that shrimp scampi is such a great dish to create is the overall expense required to prepare a restaurant quality meal in your home kitchen. The average cost will generally depend on the region of purchase, seasonality, local availability and premium selections for some ingredients.

Here is a cost breakdown to help guide your shopping budget when looking to prepare this delicious dish:

The price range shown above is indicative of the price for a dish that feeds at least 4 adults. The cost can be further controlled by using smaller shrimp, for example, or buying lesser cost olive oil options and bread selections. Overall, the shrimp scampi is considered an affordable gourment offering.

What Makes Shrimp Scampi a Must-Try Dish?

Here are some of the core features that make shrimp scampi a must-try dish:

• Quick Cooking Time: Shrimp scampi can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the sauce comes together in minutes.
• Simple Ingredients: The recipe relies on a few key ingredients, most of which are pantry staples: shrimp, garlic, olive oil, chili peppers, lemon, and parsley. This simplicity makes it easy to whip up a delicious meal without needing a long list of ingredients.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, olive oil, lemon, and parsley creates a bright, rich, and balanced flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. The chili peppers add a subtle heat that complements the other flavors.
• Elegant Presentation: Served with crusty bread or over pasta, shrimp scampi has an elegant presentation that makes it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The vibrant colors and aromatic sauce make it visually appealing.
• Customizable: While the core ingredients remain the same, shrimp scampi can be customized to suit individual preferences. Add wine, red pepper flakes, or other herbs to tailor the flavor to your liking.

From Appetizer to Main Course: Diverse Applications of Shrimp Scampi

Garlic shrimp scampi is a highly versatile dish that can be adapted for various occasions:

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: When time is short, shrimp scampi provides a fast and satisfying meal. Serve it over pasta or with a side of rice for a complete dinner.
• Elegant Appetizer: Serve smaller portions of shrimp scampi with toasted baguette slices as an impressive appetizer for dinner parties or gatherings. This allows guests to enjoy the flavors without feeling too full.
• Party Platter: Create a platter with shrimp scampi, toasted bread, olives, and cheeses for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer spread. This is perfect for informal get-togethers.
• Date Night Meal: The rich flavors and elegant presentation of shrimp scampi make it a great choice for a romantic date night. Pair it with a crisp white wine for a memorable dining experience.
• Holiday Gathering: Include shrimp scampi as part of a larger seafood spread during holiday gatherings. Its simplicity and universal appeal make it a crowd-pleaser.