Let's dive into the exquisite world of seafood with these delightful Shrimp Scampi Skewers. This recipe pairs succulent shrimp with a vibrant garlic parsley butter to create an irresistible and simple appetizer or main dish.
While most ingredients for this recipe are standard kitchen staples, the raw shrimp might be a tad tricky. When purchasing shrimp, opt for fresh, raw, and deveined shrimp. It's available in the seafood section at your supermarket. Don't forget to pick a dry white wine, often found in the alcohol aisle. Any variety will work, but Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices for seafood dishes.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi Skewers and Garlic Parsley Butter
Raw shrimp: Shrimp is the star of this dish, providing a high-protein, low-calorie base with a naturally sweet flavor.
Lemons: They provide acidity to balance out the richness of the dish and add a pop of citrusy freshness.
Kosher salt: Aside from enhancing flavor, it helps to retain moisture in the shrimp.
Black pepper: Adds a spicy note to contrast with the dish's tanginess.
Red pepper flakes: These add a subtle heat to the dish, but can be omitted if you prefer less spice.
Butter: It creates a rich, creamy base for the garlic parsley sauce.
Garlic cloves: Garlic provides a deep, savory flavor that pairs well with shrimp.
Dry white wine: This deglazes the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Its vibrant green color and fresh flavor profile brighten up the dish.
One reader, Brooks Prescott says:
These shrimp scampi skewers were a hit at my last dinner party! The shrimp were perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection. The garlic parsley butter added a delightful flavor, and the grilled lemons were a refreshing touch. This recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers!
Techniques Required for Shrimp Scampi Skewers
How to prepare garlic parsley butter: Melt the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the white wine and chopped fresh parsley, then remove from heat and set aside.
How to grill shrimp scampi skewers: Thread the shrimp and sliced lemons onto skewers, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side over medium heat until the shrimp are pink and no longer opaque. Brush liberally with the prepared garlic parsley butter and squeeze grilled lemons over the shrimp. Serve immediately.
How To Make Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Grill up some delectable shrimp scampi in skewers for your next lunch party! It comes with flavorful seasonings, and takes only under an hour to make.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Shrimp Scampi Skewers:
- 1lbraw shrimp,large or jumbo, peeled and deveined, tails left on or off
- 3lemons,sliced into thin half moons or wedge
- ½tspkosher salt
- ½tspblack pepper,freshly-ground
- ⅛tspred pepper flakes,crushed or more to taste
For Garlic Parsley Butter:
- 3tbspbutter
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- ¼cupdry white wine,or chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼cupfresh parsley,finely chopped, loosely packed
Instructions
Garlic Parsley Butter:
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Heat the butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat until melted.
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Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
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Add in the white wine, then stir to combine.
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Remove from heat, then stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
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Set aside.
Shrimp Scampi Skewers:
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Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
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Thread the shrimp and sliced lemons onto the skewers.
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Sprinkle evenly with the salt, black pepper and crushed red peppers.
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Place on grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and no longer opaque.
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Remove the shrimp from the grill, then brush liberally with the parsley butter.
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Squeeze the grilled lemons over the shrimp.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 201.99kcal
- Fat: 9.40g
- Saturated Fat: 5.61g
- Trans Fat: 0.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.55g
- Carbohydrates: 5.42g
- Fiber: 1.47g
- Sugar: 1.29g
- Protein: 23.62g
- Cholesterol: 205.47mg
- Sodium: 375.34mg
- Calcium: 97.42mg
- Potassium: 404.50mg
- Iron: 1.19mg
- Vitamin A: 89.49µg
- Vitamin C: 28.52mg
Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Shrimp Scampi Skewers
When grilling shrimp, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and lose their sweet flavor. The shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Also, using two skewers instead of one can prevent the shrimp from spinning or flipping around on the grill, making them easier to handle and cook evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi Skewers Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked shrimp: Save time by using pre-cooked shrimp, which reduces the grilling time and simplifies the recipe.
Grill indoors: If outdoor grilling isn't an option, use a grill pan indoors for convenience.
Multi-task: While the shrimp are grilling, prepare the garlic parsley butter to maximize efficiency.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before starting to cook for a smoother process.
Quick marination: Marinate the shrimp for a shorter time to expedite the preparation without compromising flavor.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Scampi Skewers Recipe
raw shrimp - Substitute with scallops: Scallops have a similar texture and delicate flavor to shrimp, making them a great substitute in this recipe. They also cook quickly and pair well with the garlic parsley butter.
lemons - Substitute with limes: Limes can be used as a substitute for lemons to provide a slightly different citrus flavor while still adding the necessary acidity to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt in equal amounts to provide the same level of saltiness to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper to provide a milder and slightly different flavor to the dish.
red pepper flakes - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can be used as a substitute for red pepper flakes to add a mild heat and a pop of color to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter to create a lighter and healthier version of the garlic parsley butter.
garlic cloves - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for garlic to provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
dry white wine - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for dry white wine to add depth of flavor and moisture to the dish.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can be used as a substitute for parsley to provide a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Elevate the skewers: Arrange the shrimp scampi skewers on a sleek, rectangular plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Introduce a pop of color by garnishing the plate with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley and a few wedges of fresh lemon.
Focus on precision: Carefully drizzle the garlic parsley butter over the skewers, ensuring each shrimp is delicately coated for a luxurious finish.
Emphasize symmetry: Position the grilled lemon wedges strategically around the plate, creating a balanced and visually striking presentation.
Utilize negative space: Allow the plate to breathe, ensuring the focus remains on the exquisite shrimp scampi skewers and their vibrant, mouthwatering appeal.
Add a touch of elegance: Consider placing the skewers on a bed of arugula or microgreens, adding a touch of sophistication and freshness to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Scampi Skewers
- Grill or grill pan: A grill or grill pan is used to cook the shrimp scampi skewers over direct heat, giving them a delicious smoky flavor.
- Sauté pan: A sauté pan is used to melt the butter and sauté the garlic for the garlic parsley butter.
- Skewers: Skewers are used to thread the shrimp and sliced lemons for grilling, making it easier to handle and cook the shrimp evenly.
- Tongs: Tongs are used to flip the shrimp scampi skewers while grilling, ensuring they cook evenly on both sides.
- Knife: A knife is used to chop the fresh parsley and slice the lemons for the shrimp scampi skewers.
How To Store and Freeze Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for shrimp scampi skewers:
- To store leftover cooked shrimp scampi skewers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp scampi skewers. First, remove the shrimp and lemon slices from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Pour any remaining garlic parsley butter over the top. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen shrimp scampi, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, warm the shrimp and butter sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave the thawed shrimp and sauce in 30-second intervals until hot.
- It's not recommended to freeze the shrimp scampi skewers before cooking, as the shrimp texture may change and become tough once thawed and cooked. For best results, prepare and cook the skewers fresh, then freeze any leftovers for future meals.
How To Reheat Leftover Shrimp Scampi Skewers
The best way to reheat leftover shrimp scampi skewers is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and brush them lightly with some olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and sizzling.
Another option is to reheat the skewers on a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the shrimp with a little olive oil or melted butter, and grill for 1-2 minutes per side, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the shrimp scampi skewers in the microwave. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through. However, keep in mind that microwaving may cause the shrimp to become slightly tough and the lemon slices to become soggy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to reheat the shrimp scampi skewers until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
To add some extra flavor and moisture to your reheated shrimp scampi skewers, you can brush them with some reserved garlic parsley butter or a fresh batch of the sauce before serving.
Random Fact About Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Shrimp scampi skewers are a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine and are often served as an appetizer or main course. They are typically made with large shrimp that are marinated in a garlic and herb butter, then grilled to perfection. This dish is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of shrimp and garlic, and it's perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. Plus, shrimp is a great source of protein and low in calories, making it a healthy option for seafood lovers.
Is Making Shrimp Scampi Skewers at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this shrimp scampi skewers recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Shrimp can be relatively expensive, but the simple and minimalistic nature of this dish can make it a cost-effective option for a household. The use of lemons and parsley adds freshness and flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, depending on the quality of the ingredients. Overall Verdict: 8. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and is relatively affordable, making it a great choice for a family meal.
Is Shrimp Scampi Skewers Healthy or Unhealthy?
The shrimp scampi skewers recipe is a delightful blend of flavors, but it does have some elements that could be improved to make it healthier. Let's break it down:
Positives:
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Lemons provide vitamin C and can add zest to the dish without additional calories
- Parsley is a fresh herb that contains antioxidants and can enhance the flavor profile
Negatives:
- Butter is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart disease if consumed in excess
- White wine, while adding depth to the dish, also adds extra calories
- The recipe lacks vegetables, which could provide additional nutrients and fiber
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the garlic parsley sauce, or replace it with a healthier alternative like olive oil
- Use a low-sodium vegetable broth instead of white wine to reduce the calorie content
- Incorporate more vegetables into the skewers, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the nutrient density of the dish
- Serve the shrimp scampi skewers over a bed of whole grain pasta or quinoa to add fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Limit the portion size of the shrimp and pair it with a side salad to create a balanced meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Shrimp Dish
The shrimp scampi skewers recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The garlic parsley butter adds a rich and aromatic element to the succulent shrimp, while the grilled lemons provide a refreshing citrusy zing. The dish is well-balanced, with the perfect amount of seasoning and a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes. It's a simple yet elegant dish that is sure to impress your guests. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp, making it a perfect choice for a summer gathering or a special dinner.
Enhance Your Shrimp Scampi Skewers Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Shrimp Scampi Skewers
Why trust this Shrimp Scampi Skewers Recipe:
This recipe for shrimp scampi skewers is a guaranteed hit for any seafood lover. The succulent shrimp is perfectly seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and a hint of red pepper flakes, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite. The garlic parsley butter adds a rich and aromatic touch, while the grilling process infuses the shrimp with a smoky essence. With the addition of fresh parsley and a splash of dry white wine, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying dining experience. Trust in this recipe for a memorable and delectable seafood feast.
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