Shrimp Scampi
Description:
A delightful dish featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful sauce infused with garlic, shallots, white wine, and lemon juice. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat!
Ingredients:
- 3 shallots, peeled and chopped (about ½ cup)
- 7 garlic cloves, crushed and peeled
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 pounds extra-large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 cups dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs (if needed)
Instructions:
- Prepare Garlic-Shallot Paste:
- Combine shallots, five garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a mini–food processor. Process until smooth.
- Sear the Shrimp:
- Heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add remaining garlic cloves and half of the shrimp along with thyme sprigs. Season with salt and cook until seared (1-2 minutes). Remove to a plate and repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add remaining olive oil and garlic-shallot paste to the skillet. Cook until paste dries out (2-3 minutes).
- Return thyme to the skillet, pour in white wine, lemon juice, salt, butter, and water. Boil until reduced by half (4-5 minutes).
- Finish Cooking:
- Whisk in remaining butter and return shrimp to the skillet. Cook until shrimp are coated and cooked through (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in parsley. If sauce is too thin, add bread crumbs and boil to thicken.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately.
Notes:
- Ensure not to overcook the shrimp to maintain their delicate texture.
- Adjust salt and lemon juice according to taste preference.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal experience.