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Ingredients:
1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 1/2 cups white wine (or chicken broth)
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
Make the Sauce: Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Let it cook until the liquid reduces by half.
Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the Italian seasoning and butter. Allow the butter to melt and incorporate into the sauce without separating.
Combine and Serve: Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Timing: Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s crucial not to overcook them. They should just turn pink and opaque.
Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly.
Butter: Adding the butter over low heat helps to prevent it from separating and ensures a smooth, rich sauce.
Wine Reduction: Reducing the wine is essential to concentrate the flavors and remove the raw alcohol taste.
Conclusion
Shrimp scampi is a versatile dish that can be adapted to fit various dietary needs and preferences without losing its core appeal. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different ingredients, the result is a delicious and elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, and a rich, buttery sauce is sure to make shrimp scampi a staple in your culinary repertoire.
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