Elegant Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi

In the realm of quick yet utterly satisfying meals, shrimp scampi stands out for its delightful blend of flavors and ease of preparation. Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for entertaining guests, this Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe promises to please your palate without keeping you tied to the kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of this exquisite dish, which can be prepared in just 20 minutes and serves four, making it an ideal choice for both family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients:

To bring this dish to life, you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A healthy and flavorful base for cooking the shrimp.
• 1.5 lb large raw shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off: The star of the dish, ensuring a rich and luxurious taste.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a classic, herby backdrop.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cloves garlic, minced: The heart of the dish, providing a bold, aromatic flavor.
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and zing.
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred): For depth and richness.
• 3 tablespoons salted butter: Brings silky texture and a touch of decadence.
• 3 tablespoons capers: For a salty, briny contrast.
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest: Enhances the citrus notes.
• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal finish.

Directions:

Cook Shrimp:

1. Preparation: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil.
2. Cooking the Shrimp: Lay the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Make Sauce:

1. Creating the Base: In the same skillet used for the shrimp, add the minced garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
2. Finishing the Sauce: Cook until the sauce has slightly reduced and the garlic is soft, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Assembly:

1. Bringing It All Together: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of capers and stir gently over low heat until everything is well combined and heated through.

Serve:

1. The Final Touch: Garnish the dish with the remaining capers, freshly chopped basil, and lemon zest. For an added burst of freshness, a final drizzle of lemon juice just before serving can do wonders.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Kcal: 300 per serving
• Servings: 4

This Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe marries the tanginess of lemon and the aromatic punch of garlic with the sweetness of shrimp, creating a harmonious dish that’s as delightful to the palate as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal without the fuss, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the flavors of a refined culinary creation right at your dinner table, and let the compliments pour in.

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