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- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti - Optional: Lemon slices for garnish In this recipe, you need fresh ingredients for the best taste. Start with large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. This saves time and makes cooking easier. Next, you will need unsalted butter and olive oil. These two fats add richness and flavor to the dish. Garlic is a must, as it brings a warm, fragrant taste. The zest and juice of one lemon will brighten the dish. You can adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice level. Salt and pepper are vital for seasoning, while fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. Finally, choose either linguine or spaghetti for the pasta. This will hold the sauce well. If you like, garnish with lemon slices for a lovely finish. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delicious Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Enjoy the process! - Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. - Cook linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil together. - Season shrimp with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. - Sauté 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in the skillet for about 1 minute. This will create a lovely aroma. - Once fragrant, add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. - Combine the shrimp with the zest of 1 lemon and the juice of 2 lemons. This brightens the dish and adds zest. - If the mix feels too dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it. This method ensures each component shines while maintaining a beautiful balance of flavors. Enjoy the process! For great shrimp, cook them for just 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. To check for doneness, cut one open. The inside should be white and firm, not translucent. Overcooking makes shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on them! Add splashes of reserved pasta water to get a creamy sauce. This water has starch from the pasta, which helps thicken the sauce. If the sauce looks too thin, more water can help. Stir in the butter and olive oil at the end for a rich, smooth texture. Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. Serve it in a large bowl or on plates. The vibrant colors of the shrimp and lemon will catch everyone's eye. Enjoy the beauty of your dish as much as the taste! {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try different proteins. Chicken is a great choice. Just cut it into small pieces and cook it like the shrimp. You can also use scallops or lobster. They both add a rich flavor. If you prefer plant-based options, try tofu or tempeh. They soak up all the tasty garlic and lemon. Adding veggies can make this meal more colorful and healthy. Spinach is perfect. Just toss it in the pan at the end until it wilts. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Cut them in half and add them with the shrimp. Seasonal vegetables are great too. Think bell peppers or zucchini. Just slice them thinly and cook them with the garlic. If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that taste awesome. You can also serve the shrimp over rice or quinoa. This choice keeps the dish light and fresh. Another option is to skip the pasta and serve it as a salad with greens. Add the shrimp on top for a filling meal. To keep your Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi fresh, store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This helps keep the shrimp juicy and the flavors bright. If you want to freeze your leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container. Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Label with the date. This way, you can enjoy it later. The best way to reheat Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi is on the stove. Heat a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or butter to help restore moisture. Stir often to ensure even heating. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you must use a microwave, do it in short bursts and stir in between. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the shrimp may spoil. Look for changes in color or smell. If your dish smells off or the shrimp looks discolored, it's best to toss it. Always prioritize safety when it comes to food! You can add many tasty ingredients to Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. Here are some ideas: - Cherry tomatoes: They add sweetness and color. - Spinach: This offers a nice green touch and extra nutrients. - Mushrooms: They give a rich, earthy flavor. - White wine: A splash enhances the sauce. - Asparagus: This adds crunch and freshness. Feel free to mix and match these options. Each ingredient will bring unique flavors to your dish! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some meal prepping tips: - Cook the shrimp and pasta: You can store them in the fridge but keep them separate. - Make the sauce: Prepare the garlic and lemon sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container. - Reheat before serving: When ready to eat, just combine everything in a pan. Add some pasta water to keep it moist. This dish tastes best fresh, but prepping helps save time on busy nights! Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi can be spicy if you want it to be. The red pepper flakes add heat. Here’s how to adjust it: - Add less: Use half a teaspoon if you prefer mild spice. - Skip them: Leave out red pepper flakes for no heat. - Add more: For more spice, increase the amount to your taste. Customize the heat to fit your preference! This blog post covered every step to make Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi. You learned the key ingredients, instructions, and plenty of tips. We explored variations for different tastes and storage methods for leftovers. In conclusion, this dish is easy and full of flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can impress at dinner. Don't hesitate to try new ingredients or adjust the spice. Enjoy your cooking and delicious meals ahead!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in this flavorful Lemon Garlic Shrimp Scampi that’s ready in just 25 minutes! This easy recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic sauce, bursting with zesty lemon flavor. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that impresses. Don’t miss out on the step-by-step guide to create this delicious dish.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 2 lemons

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti

Optional: Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

    Prepare the Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil together.

      Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

        Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

          Combine Ingredients: Once the shrimp is cooked, add the lemon zest and juice to the skillet, stirring to combine. If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

            Add Pasta: Toss in the cooked pasta and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil, mixing until well combined. If needed, use more reserved pasta water for a creamier texture.

              Finish: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.

                Serve: Divide the shrimp scampi onto plates, garnishing with lemon slices and extra parsley if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4