Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring large shrimp sautéed in a flavorful combination of butter, olive oil, garlic, white wine, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a pan. The dish is often seasoned with herbs such as parsley and red pepper flakes, then served over a bed of pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s known for its bright, tangy flavors and is a beloved choice for seafood enthusiasts. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What are the Benefits of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi?
With fresh prawns as the main ingredient, this dish provides an abundance of protein and minerals such as zinc and selenium that help maintain good health. In addition, garlic and olive oil contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help boost immunity and heart health. Lemon juice, on the other hand, is rich in vitamin C, which helps promote iron absorption and strengthens the immune system. Moreover, the cookware needed to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is relatively simple. Generally, you will need a pan to cook the prawns and the sauce, as well as a pot to cook the pasta or some bread. This simple cooking process not only maintains the nutritional value of the ingredients, but also maximizes the natural flavor of the food.
Welcome To My Kitchen! Let’s Make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for cooking the shrimp, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon zest and butter until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta.
- Toss everything together until the shrimp and pasta are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients and bold, zesty flavors. The combination of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, and vibrant lemon creates a dish that is both light and satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger meal, Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a delightful culinary experience that evokes the sunny, coastal flavors of the Mediterranean. With its quick preparation and delightful taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve it for a cozy dinner at home or impress your guests at your next gathering.
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Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic dish features succulent shrimp sautéed in a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces (225g) linguine or spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons (60ml) olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for cooking the shrimp, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lemon zest and butter until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with the drained pasta.
- Toss everything together until the shrimp and pasta are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve the Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment
American Kitchen 3-piece Premium Nonstick Skillet
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Caraway Non-Stick Ceramic 9” Circle Pan
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Gotham Steel 8 Quart Large Stock Pot
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Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 3.5-Quart Sauce Pan with Lid
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Buy Now → Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce along with the chicken broth.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delicious finishing touch to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Special Diets
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How can I be sure that my prawns are cooked but not overcooked?
You can tell if the prawns are cooked by looking at their color and shape. Prawns are usually cooked when they turn pink and become firm. Avoid overcooking as prawns will continue to cook outside the pan for a short time, so it's a good idea to remove them before they become completely pink.
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When adding lemon juice to the sauce, how should I control the acidity to make sure it's not too sour?
You can try adding a small amount of lemon juice first and then gradually increase it to your preferred flavor. Alternatively, you can try adding some honey or sugar after adding the lemon juice to balance the acidity, which will make the sauce smoother and more balanced.
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When cooking pasta, how do I make sure they stay "al dente"?
When cooking pasta, you can try the texture of the pasta a minute or two before the time stated on the package. Strain the pasta and rinse it under cold water immediately before it becomes tender to stop the cooking process and maintain its chewy texture.
