The literal meaning on Shrimp Scampi is ‘Shrimp Lobster’ which doesn’t make sense in theory but this term became popular because Italian chefs in the United States substituted Shrimp in a recipe that used Lobster also known as Scampi. So basically Shrimp Scampi is Shrimp prepared scampi-style. I hope that makes more sense now, phew!
Since, I am someone with dietary restrictions I couldn’t eat shrimp scampi at restaurants because the recipe calls for wine in the preparation. Naturally, I was very intrigued by how beautiful this dish looks and i had to try making it at home without the use of wine. It look me a few times to perfect this recipe and let me tell you if you are someone who also avoid alcohol in your food this recipe is a winner.
Cooking Shrimp to perfection:
The most important thing to keep in mind is how you cook seafood. Shrimp is a tricky one. If not cooked correctly it can become chewy and dry before you know it. Shrimp should always be sauted on high heat for less than 3 minutes per side for the best texture and juiceness.
How to cook Pasta:
Pasta according to package directions should be cooked for around 8 minutes in salted boiling water. However, pasta for this dish needs to be undercooked slightly just so it doesn’t get overcooked when you finish cooking it in the sauce. The term is al-dente when pasta is instructed to undercook for a recipe. Overcooked pasta is the death of this dish, so make sure you closely watch the pasta. Please make sure not to add any oil to the pasta while its boiling, drain and or rinse the pasta for this recipe, otherwise the sauce will not stick to the pasta.
Sauce:
The sauce for this dish is suppose to be a smooth silky buttery sauce in which we are going to use chicken stock instead of white wine. Wine compliments the garlic beautifully in this sauce but due to dietary restrictions chicken stock with freshly squeezed lemon juice is the best alternate to make a flavorful sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Make it a fulfilling meal by serving a simple salad before serving the pasta and accompany it with some warm crusty bread to soak all the delicious garlicky sauce at the bottom of the plate. Another option is to skip the pasta and serve the Shrimp Scampi with some steamed white rice. Watch this fun process video on my instagram, click —> https://www.instagram.com/p/CLsEHYeBHY7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Shrimp Scampi Without Wine
Course: Italian2
servings10
minutes10
minutes300
kcalAn Italian American garlicky shrimp dish cooked in a rich silky butter sauce.
Ingredients
1 cup raw Shrimp with tail on
2 ounces of Cooked Linguine
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped Garlic
3 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp Olive oil
3 tbsp Butter
2 tbsp Lemon juice
1/4 cup Chicken stock
1/2 tsp Crushed red chili flakes (or to taste)
1/2 tsp Black pepper
Salt to taste
Directions
- Cook linguini 1 minute less than package direction in salted water. 1 ounce of dry pasta per person. Do not strain or rinse the pasta. Pasta needs to be added to the sauce directly from the pot it’s boiling in.
- In a saute pan heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter. Once melted add chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- To this add raw tail on shrimp, season with salt, pepper and cook for no more than 2 minutes per side.
- Once the shrimp is slightly pink in color add chicken stock, lemon juice and crushed red chili flakes.
- Wait for the chicken stock to reduce a little and add 1 and a 1/2 tbsp chopped parsley and remaining butter. Stir until the sauce start becomes silky.
- Add the cooked linguine directly from the pot it was boiling in and toss it with the shrimp. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese, parsley and serve immediately!
- Enjoy with some crusty bread.
