Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe (Easy Dinner)

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Shrimp scampi is a quick and tasty dinner option you can whip up in just 20 minutes. This classic dish combines juicy shrimp with a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce. You’ll love how the flavors blend together to create a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Served over angel hair pasta or with crusty bread for dipping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. The simple ingredients and easy steps make it a great choice for both new and experienced cooks. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic shrimp scampi:

  • 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced

You’ll also want to prepare some cooked angel hair pasta or your favorite side dish to serve with the scampi.

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This will help your cooking process go smoothly and quickly.

Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference in this dish. Try to use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley if you can. They’ll give your scampi the best flavor.

Instructions

Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil, letting them melt together.

Toss in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. This brings out its flavor and reduces sharpness.

Now add your shrimp to the pan. Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle pepper and oregano over the shrimp.

Cook and stir the shrimp for about 4-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn pink.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, and fresh parsley over the shrimp.

Switch your oven to broil. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely! You want the cheese and bread crumbs to turn golden brown.

Take the skillet out carefully – it’ll be hot! Serve your shrimp scampi over cooked pasta or with your favorite side dish.

Enjoy your delicious homemade shrimp scampi!

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can swap out ingredients to make this shrimp scampi recipe your own. Try using scallops or chunks of firm white fish instead of shrimp for a different seafood experience.

For a lighter version, replace half the butter with extra olive oil. You can also use ghee or coconut oil for a unique flavor twist.

Don’t have fresh garlic? Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder as a substitute. For a zestier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

No parmesan on hand? Try pecorino romano or asiago cheese. You can even use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Instead of angel hair pasta, serve your scampi over:

  • Zucchini noodles
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Crusty bread

For extra flavor, toss in some cherry tomatoes or artichoke hearts during the last few minutes of cooking. A splash of white wine can add depth to the sauce too.

Experiment with herbs! Replace parsley with basil, cilantro, or dill for a fresh taste. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice instead of lemon for a tropical twist.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

For the best shrimp scampi, use fresh, high-quality shrimp. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work well too. Just thaw them completely before cooking.

Don’t overcook the shrimp! They cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and curl into a C-shape.

To add extra flavor, try marinating the shrimp in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

Make sure your pasta is al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauce.

For a lighter version, use less butter and more olive oil. You can also swap the pasta for zucchini noodles.

Storing leftover shrimp scampi is easy. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat.

Freeze any extra shrimp scampi for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Try these tasty variations:

  • Add red pepper flakes for some heat
  • Toss in some cherry tomatoes
  • Mix in sautéed spinach or asparagus

Remember, shrimp scampi is best served immediately. The flavors are at their peak when it’s fresh and hot!

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