Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the flavors of the coast right to your kitchen! This Old Bay Shrimp Scampi is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that combines succulent shrimp with the bold, zesty kick of Old Bay seasoning. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delightful dinner that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Dive into the deliciousness and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality shrimp scampi at home!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
- Old Bay seasoning (2 tbsp)
- Butter (4 tbsp)
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp)
- Parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning and browning. This helps remove excess moisture that could prevent proper caramelization.
- Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning evenly over the shrimp, gently tossing to coat each piece completely. Let the shrimp sit for 5 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and allow it to melt completely, creating a golden, bubbling base for the shrimp.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side until they turn pink and start to curl.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until they are fully opaque and have a slight golden color.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp, stirring to coat and adding brightness to the dish.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious butter sauce.
Tips
- Dry the Shrimp: Always pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before seasoning. This simple step ensures they caramelize beautifully and absorb the flavors of the Old Bay seasoning.
- Let It Marinate: After seasoning the shrimp, allow them to sit for about 5 minutes. This allows the spices to penetrate the shrimp, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.
- Watch the Garlic: When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it! Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter, so stir it constantly until it’s just fragrant.
- Cook in Batches: If your skillet is crowded, consider cooking the shrimp in batches. This ensures they cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
- Finish with Lemon: The squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter, making every bite irresistible.
- Serve with Style: For a complete meal, serve your Old Bay Shrimp Scampi with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce or over a bed of pasta for a satisfying dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 251mg
