Effortless Elegance: Broiled Shrimp Scampi Recipe for a Quick & Delicious Meal
Shrimp scampi is a classic dish renowned for its simplicity and incredible flavor. Traditionally made in a skillet with butter, garlic, white wine, and shrimp, it’s a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. This recipe takes a slightly different approach, utilizing the broiler to create a quick and easy version that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Broiling the shrimp intensifies the flavors and provides a beautifully caramelized finish. This Broiled Shrimp Scampi is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
This recipe aims to be your go-to guide for creating perfect broiled shrimp scampi every single time. We’ll walk you through each step, from selecting the best shrimp to achieving that perfect golden-brown finish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this effortless and delicious dish!
## Why Broiling Shrimp Scampi is a Game Changer
While skillet scampi is undoubtedly delicious, broiling offers several advantages:
* **Speed:** Broiling is incredibly fast. The high heat cooks the shrimp in just a few minutes.
* **Ease:** Minimal cleanup is required as everything cooks on a single baking sheet.
* **Flavor Intensification:** The high heat caramelizes the garlic and butter, creating a richer, more intense flavor.
* **Even Cooking:** Broiling ensures the shrimp cooks evenly on all sides.
* **No Splatter:** Unlike skillet cooking, broiling eliminates the messy splatter of hot butter and oil.
## What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Broiled Shrimp Scampi
Before you start cooking, gather these ingredients. We’ve included notes on substitutions and variations to help you customize the recipe to your liking.
* **Shrimp:** 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work. For the best flavor and texture, use wild-caught shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before broiling. The size of the shrimp will influence the cooking time so adjust it accordingly.
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can use salted butter, but reduce the amount of added salt.
* **Garlic:** 4-6 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. You can use a garlic press or mince it finely with a knife. Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference – some people prefer a more garlicky scampi.
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay). White wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always best.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste). Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick of heat. Adjust the amount to your preference. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You can substitute dried parsley, but use only 1 tablespoon.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon (optional, for drizzling on the baking sheet). Olive oil helps prevent the shrimp from sticking to the baking sheet.
**Optional Additions:**
* **Shallots:** 1 tablespoon minced shallots, added with the garlic, for a more complex flavor.
* **Lemon Zest:** 1 teaspoon lemon zest, added with the lemon juice, for extra lemon flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkled over the shrimp before broiling, for a cheesy crust.
* **Breadcrumbs:** 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs, sprinkled over the shrimp before broiling, for extra texture.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Broiling Shrimp Scampi Perfection
Follow these detailed instructions to achieve perfectly broiled shrimp scampi every time.
**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp**
* If using frozen shrimp, thaw it completely according to package directions. The best way to thaw shrimp is in the refrigerator overnight.
* Once thawed, rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This removes any excess moisture and helps the shrimp brown better.
* If the shrimp is not already peeled and deveined, do so now. To devein shrimp, use a small paring knife to make a shallow slit along the back of the shrimp. Remove the dark vein.
**Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, white wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more red pepper flakes for heat or lemon juice for brightness.
**Step 3: Arrange the Shrimp**
* Preheat your broiler to high. Position the oven rack about 6 inches from the broiler.
* Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Drizzle the baking sheet with olive oil (optional).
* Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the shrimp are not overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam instead of broil.
**Step 4: Broil the Shrimp**
* Pour the scampi sauce over the shrimp, ensuring that each shrimp is coated evenly. You can gently toss the shrimp with the sauce to ensure even distribution.
* Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and slightly curled. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the shrimp and the strength of your broiler. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Flip the shrimp halfway through if needed to ensure even cooking.
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and garnish the shrimp scampi with fresh parsley. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp for extra brightness (optional).
* Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread for dipping. Alternatively, serve as an appetizer with lemon wedges.
## Tips for Perfect Broiled Shrimp Scampi
* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it while broiling. Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and tough. The shrimp is done when it turns pink and opaque and curls slightly.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh garlic, good-quality butter, and dry white wine.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** Taste the scampi sauce before broiling and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more garlic, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice as needed.
* **Thoroughly Pat Dry:** Ensure shrimp is dry before adding it to the baking sheet. This ensures a better browning while broiling.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Avoid over crowding the pan. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
* **Watch Closely:** Keep a close eye on the shrimp as it broils. Broiling is quick and the shrimp can burn easily. Check it every minute or so.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** For perfectly cooked shrimp, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of cooked shrimp should be 145°F (63°C).
## Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Broiled Shrimp Scampi
Broiled shrimp scampi is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Over Pasta:** Serve the shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. Toss the pasta with the scampi sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal. A simple side salad complements the dish perfectly.
* **With Rice:** Serve the shrimp scampi over white rice, brown rice, or quinoa. The rice will soak up the delicious scampi sauce.
* **With Crusty Bread:** Serve the shrimp scampi with crusty bread for dipping. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve the shrimp scampi as an appetizer with lemon wedges and a side of crusty bread.
* **In Tacos or Wraps:** Use the shrimp scampi as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, salsa, and sour cream.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the shrimp scampi with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. The roasted vegetables add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
## Variations: Customize Your Shrimp Scampi
* **Spicy Shrimp Scampi:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the scampi sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Creamy Shrimp Scampi:** Add a splash of heavy cream to the scampi sauce after broiling for a creamier dish.
* **Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the baking sheet along with the shrimp. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms are all great additions. Toss the vegetables with olive oil and seasoning before adding them to the baking sheet.
* **Shrimp Scampi with Pesto:** Add a spoonful of pesto to the scampi sauce after broiling for a burst of flavor.
* **Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi:** Add fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to the scampi sauce for a more herbaceous flavor.
## Storing and Reheating Leftover Broiled Shrimp Scampi
* **Storing:** Store leftover broiled shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating, as it can become rubbery. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the skillet to prevent the shrimp from drying out.
## Broiled Shrimp Scampi: Recipe Card
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 5 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup dry white wine
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling on the baking sheet)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat broiler to high. Position oven rack about 6 inches from broiler.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil (optional).
3. Arrange shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour scampi sauce over shrimp, ensuring each shrimp is coated evenly.
6. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until shrimp are pink and opaque and slightly curled. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
## Enjoy Your Delicious and Easy Broiled Shrimp Scampi!
This recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your broiler, and get ready to enjoy the effortless elegance of broiled shrimp scampi! Let us know how it turns out in the comments below! Bon appétit!