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Shrimp Scampi - History and Recipe

History of Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The dish is believed to have originated in the Campania region of Italy, and its name comes from the Italian word “scampo,” which means “shrimp.”

The earliest known recipes for shrimp scampi date back to the early 1900s. These recipes typically called for shrimp that were sautéed in olive oil with garlic, lemon juice, and white wine. Over time, the dish evolved to include other ingredients, such as butter, shallots, and herbs.

Shrimp scampi became popular in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, and it has remained a popular dish ever since. Today, shrimp scampi is served in restaurants and homes across the country.

Preparation of Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a relatively easy dish to prepare. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to make shrimp scampi:

  1. Gather your ingredients. You will need:

    • 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1/4 cup of olive oil
    • 1/4 cup of butter
    • 1/4 cup of chopped shallots
    • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
    • 1/2 cup of dry white wine
    • 1/2 cup of chicken broth
    • 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper to taste

  2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

  3. Add the shallots and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they are pink and opaque.
  5. Add the white wine and chicken broth to the skillet and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. Stir in the parsley and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve over pasta or rice.

Tips for Making Shrimp Scampi

  • Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
  • If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or water.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish for a little bit of heat.
  • Serve shrimp scampi with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations on Shrimp Scampi

There are many different variations on shrimp scampi. Some popular variations include:

  • Shrimp scampi with sun-dried tomatoes
  • Shrimp scampi with artichokes
  • Shrimp scampi with mushrooms
  • Shrimp scampi with bacon
  • Shrimp scampi with pesto

No matter how you choose to make it, shrimp scampi is a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that is sure to please everyone at your table.

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