Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish.

Garlic: Minced to release its full flavor, it adds a robust taste.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it provides a rich base for the sauce.

White wine: Adds depth and a slight acidity to the sauce.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, it brightens up the dish with a zesty note.

Parsley: Chopped and added at the end for a fresh, herbaceous touch.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and balances the flavors.

When sautéing the garlic in the olive oil, be sure to keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Instead, aim for a light golden color which will enhance the flavor of the shrimp and the overall scampi.

• shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and mild flavor, making them a good alternative for shrimp in this dish.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor that can complement the dish if garlic is not available.

• olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor that pairs well with seafood.

• white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth provides a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol content.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a suitable replacement for lemon juice.

• parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that can enhance the dish in a similar way to parsley.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory, umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and spice, which can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Allow the shrimp scampi to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled shrimp scampi into an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 2-3 days. The garlic and lemon juice will continue to infuse the shrimp with flavor.
• For longer storage, place the shrimp scampi in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container or bag with the date of storage. This helps you keep track of how long the shrimp scampi has been stored.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the shrimp scampi in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to refresh the flavors and prevent the dish from drying out.
• Stir occasionally until the shrimp is heated through. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough and rubbery.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to enhance the presentation and add a burst of fresh flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil or butter is hot, add the leftover garlic shrimp scampi.
  4. Stir occasionally and cook until the shrimp are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh the flavors before serving.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Place the garlic shrimp scampi in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the shrimp from drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the shrimp are warmed through.
  5. Garnish with a bit of fresh parsley before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the garlic shrimp scampi in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Stir the shrimp halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

• Steam Method:

  1. Fill a pot with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer.
  2. Place the garlic shrimp scampi in a steamer basket or a heatproof dish that fits inside the pot.
  3. Cover the pot with a lid and steam for about 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.
  4. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 140°F (60°C).
  2. Place the garlic shrimp scampi in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for about 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the bag from the water bath, and serve the shrimp immediately.

• Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the shrimp and garlic over medium heat.

• Spatula: A tool used to stir and flip the shrimp to ensure even cooking.

• Garlic press: An optional tool to mince the garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice accurately.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the parsley and mincing the garlic if not using a garlic press.

• Cutting board: A surface for safely chopping the parsley and mincing the garlic.

• Serving dish: A dish to transfer the cooked shrimp scampi for serving immediately.

• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning the shrimp while cooking.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the lemon juice and any other small quantities of ingredients.

Prep ingredients ahead: Mince the garlic and chop the parsley in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-peeled shrimp: Buy shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to cut down on prep time.

Measure liquids beforehand: Have the olive oil, white wine, and lemon juice ready to go in small bowls.

Cook in batches: If your skillet is small, cook the shrimp in batches to ensure even cooking.

Serve with pre-cooked sides: Pair the shrimp scampi with pre-cooked pasta or rice for a quick meal.