Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with lemon, garlic, butter and white wine. It’s quick, easy and absolutely delicious! This Members Mark shrimp scampi recipe will show you how to make restaurant-quality shrimp scampi at home in just 20 minutes
Shrimp scampi consists of large shrimp that are sautéed in garlic butter and splashed with white wine and lemon juice. The term “scampi” technically refers to a type of lobster, but in the United States it has become synonymous with shrimp cooked in this flavorful, garlic-butter sauce.
This seafood dish originated in Italy, but became popular in the United States after World War II when American soldiers returning from Italy recreated the dish stateside. The classic way to enjoy shrimp scampi is over spaghetti or linguine, with the shrimp and garlicky sauce spooned over the hot pasta. A fresh salad and crusty bread complete the meal.
Shrimp scampi is such a simple recipe, but it tastes incredibly luxurious. The velvety lemon garlic sauce takes just minutes to prepare. It highlights the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering their delicate flavor. Once you learn how easy it is to make this restaurant classic at home, you’ll never order shrimp scampi at a restaurant again!
Why Choose Members Mark Shrimp for Shrimp Scampi?
Members Mark shrimp are a great choice for scampi and other seafood dishes. Here’s why:
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Large Size – Members Mark jumbo shrimp are 16-20 or 21-25 count per pound. Their large size means you get plump, juicy shrimp that really stand out in dishes like scampi.
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Peeled and Deveined – Members Mark shrimp come peeled and deveined, so they are ready to cook right out of the package. You don’t have to bother with any tedious shrimp prep.
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Wild-Caught – Members Mark shrimp are responsibly wild-caught in the clear, cold waters of the Pacific Ocean near the Galapagos Islands. They have a fresher, sweeter flavor than farm-raised shrimp
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Great Value – You get high quality shrimp for less than what you would pay at the grocery store seafood counter. Members Mark makes this indulgent dinner affordable.
So if you want tender, deliciously plump shrimp bathed in rich garlic butter sauce, Members Mark wild-caught shrimp are the way to go! Now let’s get cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is what you’ll need to make Members Mark shrimp scampi for 4 people:
- 1 1/2 lbs Members Mark Wild-Caught Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined (approximately 30-35 shrimp)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
Having the ingredients prepared ahead of time makes cooking go much more smoothly, so peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, chop the parsley, and measure out the chicken broth and lemon juice before you start cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now let’s go over the simple process for how to cook Members Mark shrimp scampi:
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta water comes to a boil, start on the shrimp. Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Shrimp
Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they start to turn pink. The shrimp will finish cooking later.
4. Deglaze with White Wine
Once the shrimp are seared on both sides, pour in the white wine and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine come to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Add Chicken Broth and Lemon Juice
Next, stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Toss with Pasta
Add the drained pasta and chopped parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the garlic butter shrimp sauce.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. You want the shrimp scampi to have a robust garlic lemon flavor that isn’t overly salty. Divide into bowls and enjoy!
For an extra hit of flavor, top with additional parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crostini or a garden salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Shrimp Scampi in the Oven
You can also bake this shrimp scampi in the oven, which saves you from having to watch the stove. Here’s how:
1. Preheat and Prepare Shrimp
Preheat oven to 450°F. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in an oven-safe dish.
2. Make Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes. Stir in wine, broth, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
3. Pour Sauce Over Shrimp
Pour sauce over shrimp and toss to coat. Bake 12-14 minutes, turning shrimp over halfway through.
4. Toss with Pasta
Once shrimp are cooked through, remove dish from oven. Add drained pasta and parsley to pan. Toss to coat in sauce.
Baking the shrimp scampi infuses it with delicious garlicky flavor. Just remember to stir the shrimp halfway through so both sides get coated in sauce.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
Follow these tips for shrimp scampi that tastes like you ordered it at an upscale Italian restaurant:
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Don’t overcook the shrimp – Shrimp only need 2-3 minutes per side to turn pink and become opaque. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery.
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Use fresh ingredients – This simple recipe relies on a few quality ingredients. Use juicy lemons, fresh parsley, and avoid pre-minced garlic in a jar.
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Splash with white wine – A splash of crisp white wine adds a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors. Sauvignon Blanc is a classic choice.
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Serve it hot – Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh out the pan while the garlic butter sauce is still warm and velvety.
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Have crusty bread ready – Don’t forget the bread to soak up all that delicious sauce! Fresh baguette, ciabatta or focaccia are perfect.
With Members Mark shrimp and these easy tips, you’ll have a gourmet meal ready in 20 minutes. Impress your family or guests with your culinary skills. This shrimp scampi is sure to satisfy any seafood lover.
Common Questions about Shrimp Scampi
If you’re new to making shrimp scampi at home, here are answers to some common questions:
What kind of shrimp is best? Go for larger shrimp like jumbo or colossal. Smaller shrimp overcook too quickly. Wild-caught is preferable for flavor.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw them first. Pat dry before cooking.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter? Yes, or do a mix of half butter and half olive oil. The butter gives great flavor though.
Do I really have to devein the shrimp? It’s not mandatory, but it does make the scampi more appealing. Just use a paring knife to slice along the back and remove the vein.
Can I serve scampi over rice instead? Absolutely. Tossing it with pasta adds nice texture, but rice is a fine substitute.
What wine pairs best? A light, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Avoid oaky Chardonnay.
Now you’re ready to make the best shrimp scampi with Members Mark shrimp! This easy recipe will become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. Just remember to serve it hot over pasta or rice for the ultimate Italian comfort food.
