Blog

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish that is not only delicious, but also incredibly easy to make. If you have frozen cooked shrimp on hand, you can whip up this impressive meal in no time. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends.

Shrimp scampi is typically made with fresh shrimp, but using frozen cooked shrimp is a convenient and time-saving option. To make this dish, you will need to thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking. You can do this by placing the shrimp in a colander and running cold water over them until they are fully thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before cooking.

Once the shrimp are thawed and dried, it’s time to get cooking. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter. Next, add the thawed shrimp to the skillet and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. It’s important not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

To amp up the flavor of the dish, add some white wine and lemon juice to the skillet. These ingredients will give the shrimp scampi a bright and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the succulent shrimp. Stir in some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook the shrimp for another couple of minutes until the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.

Delicious Recipe for Shrimp Scampi with Frozen Cooked Shrimp

Shrimp scampi is a classic dish that is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. If you have a bag of frozen cooked shrimp on hand, you can whip up this tasty meal in no time. Here is a simple recipe that you can follow:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of frozen cooked shrimp
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of white wine
• 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Thaw the frozen cooked shrimp by running them under cold water for a few minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Optional: If you like it spicy, add the red pepper flakes.
5. Add the thawed shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
6. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
7. Add the white wine to the skillet and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
8. Stir in the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
10. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully coated and warmed.
11. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
12. Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.

This shrimp scampi recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the succulent shrimp. So, next time you have frozen cooked shrimp in your freezer, give this delicious recipe a try.

Benefits of Using Frozen Cooked Shrimp

Using frozen cooked shrimp when making shrimp scampi offers several benefits:

1. Convenience

Frozen cooked shrimp is incredibly convenient because it eliminates the need to cook the shrimp from scratch. The shrimp are already cooked and ready to use, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. You can simply defrost the shrimp and add them to your shrimp scampi recipe.

2. Versatility

Frozen cooked shrimp is incredibly versatile because it can be used in a variety of recipes, not just shrimp scampi. You can add them to salads, stir-fries, pasta dishes, or even use them in appetizers like shrimp cocktail. This versatility allows you to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different dishes.

Additionally, frozen cooked shrimp can be easily seasoned and flavored to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a spicy Cajun shrimp scampi or a more traditional garlic and butter flavor, frozen cooked shrimp can easily absorb the flavors and enhance your dish.

3. Longer Shelf Life

Frozen cooked shrimp has a longer shelf life compared to fresh shrimp. This means that you can stock up on frozen shrimp and have it available whenever you need it, instead of having to rely on getting fresh shrimp from the grocery store. This is particularly useful if you live in an area where fresh shrimp may not be readily available.

It’s important to note that the quality of frozen cooked shrimp depends on how it has been stored and handled. Be sure to choose high-quality frozen shrimp and follow the proper defrosting and handling instructions for the best results.

In conclusion, using frozen cooked shrimp offers convenience, versatility, and a longer shelf life. Incorporating this ingredient into your shrimp scampi recipe can help you save time in the kitchen and create delicious and flavorful dishes.

Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi

To make delicious shrimp scampi using frozen cooked shrimp, you will need the following ingredients:

1. Frozen Cooked Shrimp

For this recipe, you will need about 1 pound (454 grams) of frozen cooked shrimp. Make sure to thaw them before cooking according to the package instructions. These shrimp should be peeled and deveined, making it easier and quicker to prepare.

2. Butter

Using 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter will add richness and flavor to the dish.

3. Olive Oil

Adding 2 tablespoons of olive oil will help create a delicious sauce for your shrimp scampi. It will also prevent the butter from burning.

4. Garlic

For that classic shrimp scampi taste, you will need 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish.

5. White Wine

Using ½ cup (120ml) of dry white wine will add a tangy and slightly acidic element to the shrimp scampi sauce.

6. Lemon Juice

To brighten up the flavors, add the juice of 1 lemon. It will provide a refreshing and citrusy taste to the dish.

7. Red Pepper Flakes

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This will add a subtle kick to your shrimp scampi.

8. Fresh Parsley

Garnish your shrimp scampi with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. It will add a pop of color and a fresh herbal flavor.

9. Salt and Pepper

To season your shrimp scampi, you will need salt and pepper to taste.

With these ingredients, you will be able to create a delicious and flavorful shrimp scampi dish using frozen cooked shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a delicious and easy dish to make, especially when using frozen cooked shrimp. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a flavorful shrimp scampi that will impress your family and friends:

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:

• 1 pound of frozen cooked shrimp
• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup of white wine
• 1/4 cup of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step 2: Thaw the Frozen Shrimp

Begin by thawing the frozen cooked shrimp. You can do this by placing the shrimp in a colander and running cold water over them until they are completely thawed. Once thawed, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the thawed shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they are already cooked and will become rubbery if cooked for too long. Once the shrimp are heated, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Scampi Sauce

Deglaze the skillet by adding the white wine and chicken broth. Stir the mixture to incorporate any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the scampi sauce. Drizzle the lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated in the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish and serve it hot. This dish pairs well with pasta or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi!

Tips for Perfectly Cooking Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a delicious and easy dish to make, especially when using frozen cooked shrimp. Here are some tips to ensure that your shrimp scampi turns out perfectly:

Tip 1	Thaw the frozen shrimp before cooking by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them. This will help remove any ice crystals and ensure that the shrimp cook evenly.
Tip 2	Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel before cooking. Excess moisture can prevent the shrimp from browning properly.
Tip 3	Use a combination of butter and olive oil for the best flavor. The butter adds richness, while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
Tip 4	Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid steaming them instead of achieving a crispy exterior.
Tip 5	Season the shrimp with salt and pepper before cooking. This will enhance the flavor of the shrimp scampi.
Tip 6	Add garlic and red pepper flakes for a kick of flavor. Just be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Tip 7	Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and cooked through. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Tip 8	Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the shrimp scampi hot over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked shrimp scampi using frozen cooked shrimp!

Q&A

Can I use frozen cooked shrimp to make shrimp scampi?

Yes, you can use frozen cooked shrimp to make shrimp scampi. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before cooking.

How do I thaw frozen cooked shrimp?

To thaw frozen cooked shrimp, place them in a colander and run cold water over them for a few minutes until they are fully thawed.

What ingredients do I need to make shrimp scampi with frozen cooked shrimp?

To make shrimp scampi with frozen cooked shrimp, you will need olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon juice, white wine, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice?

Yes, you can use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice. Squeeze the juice from a lemon and use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

How long should I cook shrimp scampi with frozen cooked shrimp?

You should cook shrimp scampi with frozen cooked shrimp for about 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through.

Can I make shrimp scampi with frozen cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can definitely make shrimp scampi with frozen cooked shrimp. Frozen cooked shrimp is a convenient option that saves time and effort in the kitchen. Just make sure to properly thaw the shrimp before using it in the recipe.