Introduction: How to Prepare Grilled Shrimp Scampi: Garlic-infused and Quick Seafood Dish
Grilled Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and quick seafood dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends and family. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
What is Grilled Shrimp Scampi?
Grilled Shrimp Scampi is a dish that originated in Italy and is now enjoyed by many around the world. It consists of succulent shrimp that are marinated in a garlic-infused butter sauce and then grilled to perfection. The shrimp are served with a side of pasta or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
This dish is perfect for those who love seafood and want to try something different. It’s also a great option for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor.
Why is it a great dish to make?
Grilled Shrimp Scampi is a great dish to make for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties.
Secondly, it’s a healthy option as shrimp is a lean protein that’s low in calories and high in nutrients. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.
Lastly, it’s incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, including pasta, rice, or vegetables. This makes it a great option for those who want to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and textures.
Now that you know what Grilled Shrimp Scampi is and why it’s a great dish to make, let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to prepare it!
Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Grilled Shrimp Scampi is a quick and easy seafood dish that is perfect for any occasion. To prepare this delicious meal, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Butter | 1/2 cup, unsalted |
| Lemon | 1 medium, juiced |
| Parsley | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best possible flavor for your Grilled Shrimp Scampi.
Shrimp
The star of this dish is the shrimp. Make sure to use fresh, large shrimp that have been deveined and shelled. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Garlic
Garlic is a key ingredient in this recipe. Use fresh garlic cloves, minced finely to release their full flavor.
Butter
Butter is used to create a rich, creamy sauce for the shrimp. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
Lemon
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dish.
Parsley
Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over the top of the shrimp before serving.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are used to season the dish to taste. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the shrimp and garlic.
Preparing the Shrimp
Before grilling the shrimp scampi, it is important to properly clean and marinate them. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your shrimp are ready to be cooked to perfection.
Cleaning the Shrimp
The first step in preparing the shrimp is to clean them thoroughly. Start by removing the shells and deveining the shrimp. To devein the shrimp, use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and remove the dark vein. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris.
Once the shrimp are cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the marinade stick to the shrimp and prevent excess moisture from interfering with the grilling process.
Marinating the Shrimp
Marinating the shrimp is an essential step in adding flavor and tenderness to the dish. To make the garlic-infused marinade, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined.
Place the cleaned and dried shrimp in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss the shrimp to ensure that they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the shrimp to absorb the flavors of the marinade.
After marinating, remove the shrimp from the bowl and discard any excess marinade. The shrimp are now ready to be grilled to perfection.
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 pound |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
The garlic butter sauce is the heart of the grilled shrimp scampi recipe. It’s a simple yet flavorful combination of butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Here’s how to make it:
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Be careful not to burn it.
- Add the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir the mixture to combine.
- Add Parsley: Add the chopped parsley and stir to combine. This will give the sauce a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
- Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that the shrimp will also be seasoned, so don’t overdo it.
Once the garlic butter sauce is ready, set it aside and let it cool for a few minutes. You don’t want to pour the hot sauce over the shrimp, or it will overcook them. Instead, let the shrimp rest for a few minutes before adding the sauce.
The garlic butter sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it over low heat before using it.
Grilling the Shrimp
Grilling the shrimp is the most crucial part of preparing this dish. Before you start grilling, ensure that the grill is clean and preheated to medium-high heat. You can brush the grill grates with oil to prevent the shrimp from sticking.
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by deveining and peeling the shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place the shrimp in a bowl and season them with salt and pepper to taste.
Grilling the Shrimp
Once the grill is preheated, add the shrimp to the grill. Arrange the shrimp on the grill grates and cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and slightly charred. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough and rubbery.
Basting the Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce
While the shrimp are grilling, prepare the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat and add minced garlic. Cook the garlic until fragrant, then remove the pan from heat and add lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Once the shrimp are cooked, use a brush to baste them with the garlic butter sauce. Flip the shrimp and baste the other side as well. Serve the grilled shrimp scampi immediately with lemon wedges and additional parsley for garnish.
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined | Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. |
| 4 tablespoons butter | Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove from heat and add lemon juice and chopped parsley. |
| 3 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 2 tablespoons lemon juice | |
| 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley |
Serving the Grilled Shrimp Scampi
After grilling your shrimp scampi to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious meal. Here are some tips on how to serve your grilled shrimp scampi:
Garnish with Parsley
Before serving, add a touch of green to your dish by garnishing it with fresh parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also enhances the flavor of your shrimp scampi.
Serve Hot
Grilled shrimp scampi is best served hot and fresh off the grill. Make sure to serve it immediately after grilling to ensure that it retains its juicy and succulent texture.
For a complete meal, pair your grilled shrimp scampi with a side of garlic bread or a refreshing salad. You can also serve it over a bed of pasta or rice for a heartier dish.
Overall, grilled shrimp scampi is a quick and easy seafood dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its garlic-infused flavor and succulent texture, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.