Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a popular shrimp dish of Italian origin. It is so simple to cook and the results are always gratifying (both in taste and aesthetics). The simple ingredients (butter, lemon, white wine, garlic and parsley) harmonize very well with the shrimps. The sauce is really good to the last drop – soak it up with some bread or pasta (it makes a great shrimp scampi linguine by the way). This is definitely a practical recipe which is great for both everyday or special occasions :)

See Also:

• Lobster Spaghetti Recipe
• Beer-steamed Prawns Recipe
• Easy Pasta Recipes

P.S. I know we call it “prawn” not “shrimp” locally, but to me, it just seems strange to call it “prawn scampi” since the original name is kind of immortalized.

I like to use the locally available “red leg prawns” for this dish (toggle through the gallery above to see them). They are bigger and meatier, and retain a good size after cooking, giving this dish a luxurious feel.

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Shrimp Scampi Recipe

The prawn heads and shells can be frozen to make prawn or seafood stock.

The sauce is flavourful to the last drop – soak it up with some bread or pasta.

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• 500 grams large prawns (shrimps)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 30 grams butter
• 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried chilli flakes to taste
• 1 glass dry white wine
• zest of half a lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice to taste
• a small handful fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Remove the shells and veins from the prawns.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil and butter. Add garlic and chilli flakes. At the first sight of the garlic changing colour, add the prawns to occupy one layer in the saucepan. Cook the prawns for 2 minutes, then turn them over with tongs to cook for another 2 minutes (cooking time may vary according to the size of your prawns). Take out the prawns and set them aside on a plate.
3. Deglaze the pan by adding white wine. Bring it to a boil, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest and parsley. Return the prawns to the pan and mix them evenly in the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4. Serve the dish on its own, with bread, or over cooked linguine.

Ingredients Used: butter • chilli flake • garlic • Italian parsley • lemon • olive oil • parsley • prawn • shrimp • white wine