Recipe for the Best Shrimp Scampi – Red Crab Edition
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish known for its rich flavors and succulent shrimp. Although, it is a popular choice on seafood menus, but one place that truly excels in serving this delectable dish is Red Crab. You can easily find it by looking up “seafood near me“. In this blog, we will uncover the secrets behind the best shrimp scampi recipe. Moreover, you will learn how to recreate this culinary masterpiece in your kitchen. Allowing you to savor the taste of Red Crab‘s world-class cuisine from the comfort of your home.
Table of Contents
Recipe Breakdown: Shrimp Scampi
To make the best shrimp scampi, you will need these ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 12 oz. linguine or spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Red Crab Cuisine
Before diving into the recipe, it is important to understand the significance of Red Crab‘s cuisine. Firstly, it is a family-owned seafood restaurant near me that is known for its exceptional seafood recipes. Including its rich shrimp scampi. Moreover, Red Crab uses the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and their shrimp scampi is a shining example of this dedication to excellence.
Furthermore, the combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant garlic, rich butter, and a splash of white wine creates an irresistible symphony of flavors. Without further ado, let’s dive into recreating the best shrimp scampi at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp.
- Next, rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Furthermore, dried shrimp will sear and brown easily, enhancing the flavor of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add pasta and let it boil until done.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. Moreover, you can toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté it until it becomes fragrant and turns golden. However, be careful not to let it brown too much, as this can result in a bitter taste.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Step 5: Add White Wine
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan.
- Allow the wine to simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly and infuse the shrimp with its flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Butter and Lemon
- Reduce the heat to low, then add the butter to the pan in small pieces.
- Gently stir the butter into the sauce. However, allow it to melt and create a creamy texture.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the pan and stir it in as well. Furthermore, the lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
Step 7: Combine Shrimp and Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the shrimp and sauce.
- Toss everything together, ensuring that the shrimp and pasta are well coated in the garlic, butter, and wine sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp scampi for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve the dish garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi with a glass of white wine and some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Perfection
To truly capture the essence of the best shrimp scampi, here are some tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a rich, savory shrimp scampi is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Thus, opt for the best shrimp, fresh garlic, and a good-quality white wine.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: As the shrimp cooks quickly, avoid overcooking them. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. So, as soon as they turn pink and curl, they are done.
- Balance the Sauce: The balance of butter, garlic, wine, and lemon juice is crucial. Hence, taste and adjust the quantities to your liking.
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes when seasoning the shrimp. Also, adjust the amount to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed immediately, as it can lose its glaze if left to sit too long. Hence, serve it hot and savor every bite.
Pairing Suggestions
To complement your shrimp scampi, consider some delightful pairing options:
- Wine: A crisp, dry white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc makes an excellent pair with shrimp scampi. The wine’s acidity and citrus notes harmonize with the dish’s flavors.
- Garlic Bread: A side of warm garlic bread is a classic choice to soak up the savory sauce. However, you can make your own or buy the baguette from a bakery.
- Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad with its creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese pairs well with the shrimp scampi, offering a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli can add a colorful and healthy touch to your meal, balancing the richness of the shrimp scampi.
frequently asked questions
What is the sauce of Shrimp Scampi made of?
The sauce of shrimp scampi is made with a bit of butter, olive oil, white wine, garlic, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. However, if you like, you may add a little parsley for garnish as well.
What is the best wine to make Shrimp Scampi?
The best wine to use is a dry, crisp white wine as it washes away the buttery and olive oil flavors in between bites. Some suggestions include Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or unoaked Chardonnay.
What goes well with Shrimp Scampi?
You might want to give zucchini noodles a try. They pair best with shrimp when cooking shrimp scampi.
How do you thicken Scampi sauce?
The best and easiest way to thicken the scampi sauce is by adding flour. The flour helps thicken the sauce as well as adds flavor to it.
Conclusion
Recreating the Red Crab‘s shrimp scampi at home allows you to experience the unique flavors of one of the best shrimp recipes in your kitchen. Hence, by following this step-by-step guide you can savor the same culinary excellence that Red Crab has been offering for decades.
The combination of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and white wine creates a dish that is both luxurious and comforting. Whether you are preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Shrimp scampi is a timeless recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
So, gather the ingredients, channel your inner chef, and embark on a culinary journey to bring the flavors of Red Crab into your own home!
