Looking for a dinner that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to make? Shrimp scampi is your answer! This classic dish features tender shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic, butter, and lemon sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get a healthy dose of protein.
Ingredients Needed
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 4 tablespoons butter, divided
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
* 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
Step By Step Making
1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Do not overcook. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Let it simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
7. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add the chopped parsley. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp in the sauce and allow the shrimp to finish cooking through, about 1 to 2 more minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutritional Value
A typical serving of shrimp scampi (without pasta or rice) contains approximately:
* Protein: 20-27 grams
* Calories: 247-280 kcal
* Carbs: 2-3 grams
Health Benefits
Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your body. It’s also packed with important nutrients like selenium and astaxanthin, which are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants can help protect your cells from damage and may support brain health and immune function. Additionally, shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for heart health.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
