Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

$- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish - Lemon slices, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. The shrimp provide protein and a sweet flavor. Garlic adds a strong, savory taste that enhances the dish. Butter and olive oil create a rich sauce that binds all flavors together. Lemon zest and juice add brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness. Red pepper flakes bring heat, while salt and pepper boost all the flavors. The pasta serves as a base, soaking up the sauce. To ensure the best results, use large shrimp for a meaty bite. Mince the garlic finely to release its oils. When cooking, don't let the garlic brown, or it will taste bitter. Cooking the shrimp until they turn pink keeps them tender and juicy. If you need alternatives, here are some ideas: - Shrimp: Try scallops or chicken for a different protein. - Butter: Use vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option. - Lemon: Lime juice works well if you want a different citrus twist. - Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can replace regular pasta. - Fresh parsley: Basil or cilantro can be used for a fresh garnish. These substitutions can help customize the dish to fit your taste or dietary needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add some salt and bring it to a boil. This step helps flavor the pasta. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it’s firm but not hard. Before you drain the pasta, save 1 cup of the cooking water. This water will help make the sauce later. After saving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, pour in 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Heat the skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Stir it gently for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell nice but not turn brown. Browning can make it bitter. Once the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the shrimp. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of large shrimp to the skillet. Season them with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. After cooking, add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon to the skillet. Stir everything together. If the sauce looks thick, gradually mix in some reserved pasta water until it’s silky. Finally, toss in the drained pasta and mix it all well. Taste your dish and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. When making Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, avoid these common slip-ups: - Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp cooks fast. Cook only until they turn pink and opaque. - Burning garlic: Garlic should smell sweet, not bitter. Sauté it on medium heat. - Not reserving pasta water: Always save some pasta water. It helps create a silky sauce. - Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget salt and pepper. These enhance the dish's bright flavors. To get the right texture in your shrimp scampi, follow these tips: - Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp has a better flavor and texture than frozen. - Cook pasta al dente: This keeps pasta firm and helps it hold the sauce. - Add pasta to the sauce: Mix the drained pasta with the shrimp and sauce for even coating. - Adjust sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Making your dish look great is easy with these ideas: - Use shallow bowls: They showcase the colorful shrimp and sauce beautifully. - Garnish well: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Lemon slices make it pop. - Sprinkle red pepper flakes: This adds a nice visual touch and hints at spice. - Serve hot: Enjoy it right away for the best flavor and texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Shrimp: Always opt for the freshest shrimp available, as this will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. If possible, buy shrimp that is still in the shell and peel it yourself for maximum freshness. Mind the Garlic: To prevent the garlic from burning and turning bitter, ensure you sauté it over medium heat and watch it closely. Garlic should become fragrant, not brown. Adjust the Spice: Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you prefer a spicier kick. Pasta Water is Your Friend: The reserved pasta water is a great tool for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. Add it gradually to ensure your sauce remains silky and doesn’t become too watery. {{image_4}} If you want to switch it up, try using chicken or scallops. Chicken breast works well; just cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cook it the same way as shrimp. For scallops, cook them until golden brown. They add a sweet, buttery taste. You can even go for a plant-based option, like tofu or tempeh. Use firm varieties and press them to remove excess moisture. This keeps them from getting soggy in the pan. Adding veggies boosts the dish's nutrition and flavor. Consider spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the end. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness; toss them in when you add the shrimp. Bell peppers add crunch and color; slice them thin and sauté them first. These additions make the dish more colorful and healthy. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo. For those who love spice, kick up the heat! Start with more red pepper flakes. A whole teaspoon gives a nice kick. You can also add sliced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers. If you want a smoky flavor, toss in some smoked paprika. Adjust the spice to your taste. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in! To keep your leftover shrimp scampi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to place it in the fridge. It will stay tasty for about two days. Always let the dish cool down before sealing it. This way, it won't trap steam and make your shrimp soggy. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. I recommend using a skillet for the best results. Heat it on medium-low. Add a splash of water or broth to help steam the shrimp. This keeps them juicy and flavorful. Stir the dish gently until it's warm. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save shrimp scampi for later, freezing works well. Put the dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. Just make sure to label the container with the date. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. This way, you can enjoy that zesty lemon flavor anytime! For shrimp scampi, I recommend using linguine or spaghetti. Both of these pastas hold the sauce well. They have a nice bite and pair well with shrimp. If you prefer a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Just cook them according to the package directions. Yes, you can make shrimp scampi ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh. Cook the shrimp and sauce, then store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat the shrimp mixture. Cook the pasta right before serving to keep it al dente. To avoid overcooking shrimp, watch the color closely. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. If you see them curling tightly, they are done. If you cook them too long, they become rubbery. Always use medium-high heat for best results. You now have all the info needed to make a great Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. We covered the key ingredients and their roles. You learned how to cook pasta just right and prepare shrimp for great taste. Remember the tips to avoid common mistakes and make it look nice on a plate. You can try variations for different flavors too. Finally, proper storage helps keep your dish fresh. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty meal with friends and family!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

A flavorful shrimp dish with lemon, garlic, and a hint of spice, served over pasta.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.25 cup unsalted butter
0.25 cup high-quality olive oil
1 large lemon, zest and juice
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
for garnish lemon slices

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet set over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil. Allow the fats to melt together. As the butter is melting, add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is aromatic but not browned to prevent bitterness.
Cook the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Season them with red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Sauté the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, cooking until they turn a vibrant pink and are opaque throughout.
Incorporate Lemon: Once the shrimp are cooked, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the flavors. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve a silky sauce that clings lightly to the shrimp.
Combine Pasta: Gently introduce the drained pasta into the skillet. With tongs or a large fork, toss the pasta with the shrimp and the zesty sauce until every strand is well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve: Plate the delightful shrimp scampi into individual serving bowls. Finish by generously sprinkling fresh parsley over the top and arranging lemon slices alongside for a burst of color and brightness.

Notes

For an extra touch, consider serving the scampi in shallow, wide bowls, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out, and adding a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for visual appeal.

Keyword garlic, lemon, pasta, scampi, shrimp