Mediterranean Diet Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Symphony of Flavors in Minutes

Shrimp scampi, a dish with Italian-American roots, offers a delightful blend of succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and white wine. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. Whether you're aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for a special occasion, this Mediterranean-inspired shrimp scampi recipe is sure to please. The total preparation time is only 15 minutes.

The Origins of Shrimp Scampi

The term "scampi" refers to tiny, lobster-like crustaceans native to the Mediterranean. They are also called langoustines. Italian cooks in the United States, faced with the limited availability of scampi, substituted shrimp while retaining the original name, thus giving birth to the popular dish known as shrimp scampi. This adaptation led to countless variations, each adding a unique twist to the classic recipe.

Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe

This recipe focuses on creating a harmonious blend of flavors using garlic, white wine, and butter. The key to perfectly cooked shrimp lies in timing: cook them just until they turn pink, avoiding the rubbery texture that results from overcooking.

Yields: 4 servingsPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine or broth
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ¾ pounds large or extra-large shrimp, shelled
• ⅓ cup chopped parsley
• Freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon
• Cooked pasta or crusty bread

Ingredient Substitution Guide

• Wine: If you prefer not to use wine, chicken or vegetable broth works as a substitute.
• Pasta: For a low-carb option, consider zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Instructions

1. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Deglaze with Wine: Add dry white wine (or broth), salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes. This reduction intensifies the flavor of the sauce.
3. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and sauté until they just turn pink, 2 to 4 minutes depending on their size. Ensure the shrimp are cooked in a single layer to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.
4. Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.

Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley make a significant difference in the overall flavor of the dish.
• Don't Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery. Cook just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
• Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best served hot, right after cooking.

Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: A Flavorful Twist

For a Mediterranean-inspired variation, this recipe incorporates classic Greek flavors and ingredients, creating a dish that's both healthy and delicious.

Read also: A Review of the Mediterranean Diet in Kidney Disease

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds raw shrimp (15-20 or 20-26 count per pound), peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes, sliced
• Crimini mushrooms, sliced
• Minced garlic
• ½ cup white wine
• Spinach or arugula
• Sliced olives
• Lemon juice
• Cooked pasta (orzo, angel hair, ravioli, or tortellini)
• Optional: feta cheese, capers, fresh parsley, fresh dill, mint

Instructions

1. Season Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping once or twice, until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
4. Deglaze with White Wine: Pour in the white wine and cook for 1 minute to reduce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Add Greens and Olives: Stir in the spinach (or arugula) and sliced olives. Cook until the spinach wilts.
6. Combine: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add lemon juice.
7. Serve: Serve over cooked pasta, garnished with feta cheese, capers, and fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi

• Use Quality Shrimp: Opt for larger shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
• Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the shrimp are spaced out in the skillet to sear properly.
• Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add other Mediterranean-friendly vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus.
• Add a Creamy Touch: For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream to the white wine sauce.
• Pair with Rice or Quinoa: For a variation, serve the shrimp over rice or quinoa instead of pasta.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi: Effortless and Flavorful

This recipe simplifies the cooking process by utilizing a sheet pan, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup white wine
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small dabs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta of your choice

Instructions

1. Prepare Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine zucchini, squash, red pepper, green beans, red onion, and garlic.
2. Season: Add lemon juice, white wine, red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper to the vegetables. Mix well.
3. Arrange on Sheet Pan: Spread the vegetables evenly on a sheet pan. Dab the butter evenly over the vegetables.
4. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and flip the vegetables with a spatula.
5. Add Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp evenly on the sheet pan between the vegetables.
6. Return to Oven: Return to the oven for 7 minutes for small shrimp, 10 minutes for large shrimp, or until shrimp is cooked through.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a minute. Serve over cooked pasta.

Tips for Sheet Pan Shrimp Scampi

• Cut Vegetables Small: Ensure the vegetables are cut small enough to cook quickly and evenly.
• Use a Variety of Colors: A mix of colorful vegetables not only looks appealing but also provides a range of nutrients.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: If necessary, use two sheet pans to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
• Season Generously: Season each bowl of pasta again once it's assembled to enhance the flavors.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Use Shrimp Shells for Flavor: Simmer the shrimp shells in the wine (add some extra wine) for about 10 minutes, strain, and then discard the shells. Use the enriched wine in the recipe to double the flavor.
• Thicken the Sauce: Add half a cup of cooked pasta water to the pan after adding the wine. The starch in the pasta water thickens the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta. Add 1-2 more tablespoons of butter or olive oil.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or mint to brighten up the dish.
• Make it Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, intense flavor to the dish.
• Use Different Types of Pasta: While long, thin pastas like spaghetti or angel hair work well, feel free to experiment with other shapes like linguine or fettuccine.

Nutritional Benefits

Shrimp is a nutrient-rich food, low in calories and high in protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. This Mediterranean shrimp scampi recipe is packed with healthy omega-3s, fiber, and other nutritious ingredients, making it suitable for various diets, including gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and pescatarian.

Read also: Delicious Mediterranean Recipes

Read also: Mediterranean Diet, Instant Pot Style

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