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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth - 3 tablespoons olive oil To make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi, you need fresh and high-quality ingredients. The large shrimp should be peeled and deveined for easy eating. I prefer to use linguine or spaghetti, but any pasta works. Garlic is crucial for flavor. I always use fresh garlic, finely minced to release its essence. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice level. Lemon zest gives a bright and fresh aroma, essential for a good scampi. The liquids in this dish are important. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings acidity and brightness. Vegetable or chicken broth adds depth to the sauce, while olive oil provides richness and helps sauté the aromatics. Together, these ingredients create a delightful balance that makes this dish shine. - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook linguine until al dente. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This helps the pasta taste good. Add the linguine and cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta and save about half a cup of the water for later. - Heat olive oil in a skillet. - Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Next, grab a large skillet and pour in the olive oil. Heat it on medium. Once warm, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for about a minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not burn. Burnt garlic tastes bad. - Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. - Remove shrimp from skillet. Now, add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping them halfway. They will turn pink and opaque when ready. Once cooked, carefully take them out and set aside. - Combine lemon zest, juice, and broth. - Simmer to reduce flavors. In the same skillet, mix in the lemon zest, juice, and broth. Stir it well and let it simmer. This step helps the flavors blend together. After about 3 to 4 minutes, the sauce will thicken a bit. - Toss cooked shrimp with pasta in sauce. - Adjust sauciness with reserved pasta water. Return the shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together. If it looks dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water. This will help make the dish saucy and tasty. - Plate the dish and garnish with parsley. - Serve with lemon wedges. Now, it’s time to serve! Plate your shrimp scampi, making sure the shrimp and pasta mix well. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. Don’t forget to add lemon wedges on the side. They add a nice touch and extra flavor when squeezed on top. Enjoy your meal! - Selecting Fresh Shrimp: Look for shrimp that smell like the ocean. They should have a firm texture and a light pink color. Avoid shrimp with a strong fishy smell or black spots. Fresh shrimp make the dish taste better. - Importance of Not Overcooking Garlic: Garlic adds flavor but can turn bitter if burnt. Sauté it just until fragrant, about one minute. Stir it constantly to prevent it from browning. This keeps your dish delicious and bright. - Ways to Intensify Lemon Flavor: Use both lemon zest and juice for a bold citrus kick. Zesting adds oils that brighten the dish. Freshly squeezed juice gives a tangy taste. You can also add more zest if you love lemon! - Optional Ingredients for Added Richness: Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth. You can also mix in some heavy cream for a creamy finish. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the flavor even more. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. You can find many brands that taste great. They cook just like regular pasta. Make sure to check the package for cooking times. This way, you can enjoy Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi without worry. Want a vegetarian dish? You can swap shrimp for mushrooms or tofu. Both options add a nice texture. Use firm tofu for the best results. Sauté it until golden brown for added flavor. This change keeps the essence of the dish while making it plant-based. Adding vegetables is a smart way to boost nutrients. Spinach or cherry tomatoes work well in this dish. Just toss them in when cooking the shrimp. They will cook quickly and add color. This makes the dish more vibrant and healthy. Plus, it adds great taste! To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage. You can freeze Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before packing. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat without losing texture, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to help steam the pasta and shrimp. Stir gently for even heating. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Always check that it’s hot throughout before serving. The best shrimp for scampi is large, fresh, and peeled shrimp. I prefer using wild-caught shrimp when possible. They have a better taste and texture. Look for shrimp labeled "U.S. caught" to ensure quality. If you cannot find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works well too. Just thaw them before cooking. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. You can also sauté the garlic and shrimp in advance. Just reheat them gently before serving. However, it’s best to add the lemon sauce right before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh. Several sides pair well with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread - Steamed asparagus - Mixed green salad - Roasted vegetables - Rice or quinoa These sides add color and flavor to your meal without overpowering the shrimp scampi. To reduce the spice in your dish, simply cut back on the red pepper flakes. You can use half a teaspoon or even none at all. If you want a little kick, consider using black pepper instead. It adds flavor without much heat. Yes, this recipe is very flexible! You can use scallops, crab, or lobster instead of shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure all seafood is cooked perfectly. For example, scallops take about 2-3 minutes per side. This way, you can enjoy different seafood flavors in your scampi. This Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe is simple and delicious. We covered great ingredients, from shrimp and pasta to fresh aromatics. You learned step-by-step how to cook it perfectly. You can enhance flavors easily and even adapt it for dietary needs. Enjoying this dish is all about freshness and fun. Try different variations and share with friends. Cooking can be exciting when you explore new tastes and methods. Happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi with this easy recipe! Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish features succulent shrimp tossed with garlic, lemon, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. Perfect over pasta, it’s a meal that impresses without the stress. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and elevate your dinner tonight! Enjoy a taste of the coast right at home.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 2 medium lemons)

1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, roughly chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Allow it to heat up, then add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.

      Cook the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. The shrimp are ready when they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and transfer to a plate, setting aside momentarily.

        Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and broth. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze any flavorful bits. Allow the sauce to cook for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces slightly, intensifying the flavors.

          Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss in the drained pasta. If the dish appears dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you've reached your desired sauciness. Stir everything together thoroughly until heated through.

            Serve with Flair: Plate the shrimp scampi, ensuring an even distribution of shrimp and pasta. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side to allow for an extra drizzle of bright lemon juice before eating.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Präsentationstipp: For a more elegant touch, serve in wide pasta bowls, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to shine. Adding a twist of lemon zest on top garnishes the dish beautifully while enhancing its aromatic qualities.