Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Optional: Lemon slices for garnish The main stars of this dish are the shrimp and the fresh flavors. You want large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for easy eating. The butter and olive oil create a rich base. Garlic adds a nice punch, while lemon brings brightness and zest. Red pepper flakes add heat, so adjust them to fit your taste. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. Fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. You can use either linguine or spaghetti for the pasta. If you want to make it pretty, lemon slices look great on top! - Additional herbs (e.g., basil or thyme) - White wine for added depth of flavor - Parmesan cheese for a creamy variation To make this dish your own, think about adding other herbs like basil or thyme. A splash of white wine can deepen the flavors, making the dish even more special. If you like creamy sauces, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness. - Boil the pasta: Start with a big pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside. - Prepare the shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, mix 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it melt. This mixture is the base for the shrimp. - Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute. Stir often to keep the garlic from burning. - Cook shrimp until pink and translucent: Increase the heat a bit and add 1 pound of shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque. - Add lemon zest and juice: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the zest of 1 lemon and the juice of 2 lemons. Stir to coat the shrimp well. - Incorporate pasta and additional ingredients: Toss the reserved linguine into the skillet. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil. Mix well. If too thick, add some reserved pasta water. - Stir in parsley and adjust seasoning: Add 1/2 cup of chopped parsley. Taste your dish. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. - Plate and garnish for serving: Divide the shrimp scampi onto plates. Garnish with lemon slices and more parsley. Enjoy your fresh, tasty meal! - Selecting fresh shrimp: Look for shrimp that smell sweet and have a firm texture. Fresh shrimp should have a shiny, translucent appearance. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy odor or dull skin. When you buy shrimp, ask for it to be peeled and deveined for ease. - Avoiding overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly. They should turn pink and opaque in about 2-3 minutes per side. If they curl tightly, they are likely overcooked. Pay close attention while cooking to ensure they remain tender and juicy. - Balancing flavors with lemon and seasoning: The lemon adds brightness to shrimp scampi. Use both zest and juice for depth. Start with less salt and pepper, and taste as you go. Adjust seasonings based on your preference. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish. - Best side dishes for shrimp scampi: Garlic bread pairs well with shrimp scampi. A light salad with fresh greens complements the dish nicely. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. - Recommended wine pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works well. The acidity of the wine matches the lemon in the dish. You could also try a light Pinot Grigio for a refreshing choice. - Presentation tips for an elegant finish: Use a large white plate to showcase the dish. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. Adding a few sprigs of parsley on top adds a lovely touch. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. {{image_4}} You can play with this recipe in fun ways. Here are some ideas to try: - Creamy lemon garlic shrimp scampi: Add cream to make it rich. Just stir in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream after you add the lemon juice. This gives a smooth, velvety sauce. - Shrimp scampi with vegetables: Toss in fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes. These veggies add color and nutrition. Add them when you cook the shrimp for a quick, tasty option. - Spicy shrimp scampi: Adjust the heat! Increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper. This adds a nice kick. Start small, then taste and add more as you like. If you need gluten-free choices, here are some great swaps: - Zucchini noodles: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini. It’s light and fresh. Sauté the zucchini for just a few minutes until tender. - Gluten-free pasta: Many brands offer gluten-free versions. Cook them just like regular pasta for a satisfying meal. - Alternative protein substitutes: Try chicken or tofu if shrimp isn’t your thing. Cook them in the same way you would cook the shrimp. This keeps the flavors intact. To store shrimp scampi, let it cool before placing it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent strong odors from other foods. Shrimp scampi lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. When reheating shrimp scampi, use low heat to keep the flavors. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to help with moisture. Stir often to avoid burning. If using the microwave, cover the dish loosely to trap steam. This keeps the shrimp tender and juicy. What can I serve with shrimp scampi? You can serve shrimp scampi with many dishes. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for dipping in the sauce. - A fresh green salad for a light side. - Steamed vegetables for color and nutrition. - Rice or quinoa for a hearty option. How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked? Shrimp are fully cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should curl into a C shape. If they are still gray or translucent, they need more time. Cooking shrimp takes about 2-3 minutes per side. Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time? You can prepare shrimp scampi ahead of time, but it’s best to cook it fresh. If you need to prepare it early, cook and store the shrimp separately. Reheat gently before serving, but avoid overcooking. What to do if the sauce is too thick? If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir well to combine. You can keep adding water until you reach your desired consistency. How to adjust for spice levels? To adjust spice levels, you can add more red pepper flakes for heat. If it’s too spicy, add extra butter or cream to mellow it out. Taste as you go to find the right balance. You can’t find fresh shrimp; what’s the best frozen option? If you can't find fresh shrimp, look for frozen shrimp labeled as "wild-caught." Make sure they are peeled and deveined. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water. Approximate calories per serving Each serving of shrimp scampi has about 400-500 calories. This depends on how much pasta you use and added ingredients. Breakdown of macronutrients - Protein: 30g from shrimp. - Carbohydrates: 50g from pasta. - Fats: 20g from butter and olive oil. Nutritional benefits of ingredients used Shrimp are a great source of lean protein and low in fat. Garlic has health benefits, including boosting your immune system. Olive oil provides healthy fats, and lemon adds vitamin C. Lemon garlic shrimp scampi is simple and tasty. You learned about key ingredients, preparation, and cooking steps. I shared tips to ensure perfect shrimp and creative variations for your dish. Remember, customize it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Proper storage and reheating are key to keeping flavors fresh. With these insights, you can impress anyone with your cooking. Enjoy your meal and the smiles it brings!$

Discover the delightful flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich garlic and lemon sauce tossed with linguine will elevate your dinner experience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish!

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Optional: Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook as per the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet set over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the mixture to melt and blend together, creating a flavorful base for the shrimp.

Sauté Garlic: Into the skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, ensuring you stir continuously to prevent the garlic from browning. You'll want to enjoy the fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen.

Cook Shrimp: Increase the heat slightly and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them generously with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color and become opaque. This indicates they are perfectly cooked!

Combine Ingredients: Once the shrimp are done, carefully add the lemon zest and juice into the skillet. Stir everything together to ensure the shrimp are well-coated. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Add Pasta: Toss the cooked linguine into the skillet along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil. Mix well to combine all ingredients. If you prefer a creamier dish, feel free to incorporate more of the reserved pasta water until you reach the right texture.

Finish: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley, and taste the dish to see if it needs any additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice for the perfect zing.

Serve: Plate the shrimp scampi attractively by dividing it among your serving plates. Garnish with lemon slices and an extra sprinkle of parsley for that vibrant finishing touch.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

- Optional Presentation Tips: For added elegance, consider arranging lemon slices on the side of each plate and scattering a few sprigs of parsley on top of the pasta for a pop of color. Serve with a crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce!