Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay is recommended)
- Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Clean and Devein Shrimp:
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for presentation if desired.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
- Heat the Olive Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Garlic:
- Add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the Shrimp:
- Add the cleaned shrimp to the skillet.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Remove the Shrimp:
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Add Wine and Lemon Juice:
- Pour the white wine and fresh lemon juice into the skillet.
- Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Season and Reduce:
- Add the Italian seasoning to the skillet.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Incorporate Butter:
- Gradually add the softened butter to the skillet, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return Shrimp to Skillet:
- Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet.
- Toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Add Parmesan and Parsley:
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp.
- Add the chopped parsley and stir to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the shrimp scampi hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.
Cook Notes and Variations
Cook Notes:
- Wine Choice: Use a dry white wine like Chardonnay for the best flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
- Shrimp: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. They should be pink and opaque when done.
- Butter: For a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of butter to 3/4 cup.
Variations:
- Keto Version:
- Serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Ensure the Parmesan cheese and butter used are high-quality and free from additives.
- Low-Carb Version:
- Substitute the pasta with spaghetti squash or shirataki noodles.
- Use a low-carb white wine or replace with vegetable broth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Shrimp scampi is best served fresh, but you can prepare the garlic and sauce ingredients ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
5. What sides go well with shrimp scampi?
This dish pairs well with pasta, garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delightful and impressive dish that you can easily recreate at home. With its rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to various dietary needs, including keto and low-carb diets. Enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!
