Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that is known for its bold garlic and butter flavors. While it may seem like a complex recipe, making shrimp scampi with pre-cooked shrimp is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious dish without the hassle of cooking raw shrimp.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering shrimp scampi that will impress your family and friends. The key to this recipe is high-quality pre-cooked shrimp, which saves you time and ensures that the shrimp are perfectly cooked and tender.
To start, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown. Next, add the pre-cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them in the buttery garlic sauce. Cook the shrimp for just a few minutes, until they are heated through.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Make Shrimp Scampi with Pre Cooked Shrimp
Shrimp scampi is a delicious Italian dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky, buttery sauce. If you have pre-cooked shrimp on hand, making shrimp scampi is quick and easy. Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up a flavorful shrimp scampi dish that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pre-cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the pre-cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the garlic butter.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine.
- Allow the shrimp to cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp scampi and toss to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the shrimp scampi hot with your favorite pasta or crusty bread.
Enjoy this simple and delicious shrimp scampi dish with pre-cooked shrimp. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party. Buon appetito!
Servings | Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
---|---|---|---|
4 | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 20 minutes |
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin making shrimp scampi with pre-cooked shrimp, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of pre-cooked shrimp
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of white wine
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces of linguine or your preferred pasta
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you start cooking. It’s important to prep your ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Prepare the Shrimp
To make shrimp scampi using pre-cooked shrimp, the first step is to prepare the shrimp by thawing them if they are frozen. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and rinse them under cold water until they are completely thawed. Alternatively, you can place the shrimp in a sealed plastic bag and soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes until thawed.
Once the shrimp are thawed, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure that the shrimp are not watery when cooked.
Next, remove the shells from the shrimp. You can leave the tails on for decorative purposes or remove them if desired. To easily remove the shells, hold the shrimp in one hand and use your other hand to peel off the shell starting from the top near the head and working your way down to the tail.
After removing the shells, use a sharp knife or kitchen shears to devein the shrimp if necessary. Look for the dark black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp and use the tip of the knife to make a shallow incision along the vein. Gently pull the vein out and discard it. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining debris.
Once the shrimp are prepared, they are ready to be used in the shrimp scampi recipe. Keep them refrigerated until you are ready to cook to ensure freshness and optimize flavor.
Sauté the Garlic
Once you have your pre-cooked shrimp ready, it’s time to start making your shrimp scampi. The first step is to sauté the garlic, which will infuse the butter with its delicious flavors.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons of butter | 3 cloves of garlic, minced |
Instructions:
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
- Allow the butter to melt completely.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
Make sure to keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing as it can quickly burn, which will give it a bitter taste. The goal is to release the flavors of the garlic without letting it brown too much.
Once the garlic is sautéed, it’s time to proceed to the next step of making your delicious shrimp scampi.
Cook the Shrimp
Once you have your pre-cooked shrimp ready, it’s time to cook them to perfection for your shrimp scampi. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pan and let it melt.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic to the melted oil or butter in the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Shrimp
Add the pre-cooked shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Step 4: Season the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of citrus flavor.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked shrimp in the pan. Stir everything together to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Once the shrimp are cooked and coated in the sauce, your shrimp scampi is ready to be served. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi with pre-cooked shrimp!
Add the Seasonings
Once your shrimp is heated through and has developed a nice pink color, it’s time to add the seasonings. This is what will really bring out the flavors in your shrimp scampi dish.
Start by mincing 2-3 cloves of garlic. Garlic is a key ingredient in shrimp scampi and adds a deliciously aromatic, savory flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
Next, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet. This will give your shrimp scampi a subtle kick of heat. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red pepper flakes to taste. Sauté the red pepper flakes with the garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
Now it’s time to deglaze the skillet with white wine. Pour in 1/4 cup of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. The wine will add a bright, acidic note to your shrimp scampi and help to create a flavorful sauce.
seasonings
Once the wine has reduced by about half, add the juice of half a lemon to the skillet. The lemon juice will add a tangy, citrusy flavor to your shrimp scampi and complements the shrimp beautifully. Squeeze the juice directly into the skillet, being careful to catch any seeds.
Finally, sprinkle in a generous pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let the flavors meld for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Now that the seasonings have been added, your shrimp scampi is almost ready to serve. The next step is to toss in the cooked pasta and give everything a good mix to ensure that the shrimp and pasta are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Keep reading to learn how to complete your delicious shrimp scampi dish.
Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your shrimp scampi is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish! Here are a few tips on how to best serve it:
1. Plating:
Start by preparing your plates or bowls for serving. You can use individual serving plates or a large sharing dish, depending on your preference. Make sure to choose something that allows the scampi to be the star of the show!
2. Garnish:
To add some visual appeal and additional flavor to your shrimp scampi, consider garnishing it with some fresh herbs. Chopped parsley, basil, or chives work well and add a pop of color to the dish.
3. Sides:
Shrimp scampi is often served with some kind of carb to soak up all the delicious sauce. Linguine or spaghetti are classic choices, but you can also opt for rice or garlic bread. Choose your favorite side and cook it according to the package instructions.
4. Presentation:
When serving the dish, place a portion of the cooked pasta or rice on the plate or bowl first. Then, spoon the shrimp scampi on top. This way, you’ll ensure that every bite is well balanced and full of flavor.
Remember to drizzle some of the remaining buttery garlic sauce over the top of the scampi and the pasta or rice. This will enhance the taste and make it look even more appetizing!
Now that everything is ready, gather your loved ones around the table and serve the shrimp scampi hot. The aroma will be irresistible, and the flavors will surely impress everyone. Enjoy this fantastic dish that is both quick to prepare and incredibly delicious!
Q&A
What is shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish made with shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter, lemon juice, and white wine.
Can I make shrimp scampi with pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can make shrimp scampi with pre-cooked shrimp. Just make sure to warm the shrimp through when cooking.
How do I cook pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp scampi?
To cook pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp scampi, heat butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and sauté for a minute. Then add the pre-cooked shrimp, lemon juice, white wine, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the shrimp is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi can be served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It is also delicious with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I make shrimp scampi without white wine?
Yes, you can make shrimp scampi without white wine. Instead, you can use chicken or vegetable broth, or even replace it with lemon juice for a citrusy flavor.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp to make shrimp scampi?
Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked shrimp to make shrimp scampi. Just be sure to warm them up properly in the sauce so they don’t overcook.
How do I warm up pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp scampi?
To warm up pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp scampi, you can simply add them to the pan with the sauce and cook them for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until they are heated through. Be careful not to overcook them to prevent them from becoming tough and rubbery.