Introduction
Transform humble shrimp into a restaurant-quality meal in minutes with this Shrimp Scallopini recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without compromising on flavor. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort – this is seafood done right, the fast way.
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly fast, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a burst of bright, fresh flavor. The simple pan-searing method ensures perfectly cooked shrimp with a delicate texture, and the sauce comes together in a flash, making it the ultimate time-saving weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients
- 🍤 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 🍋 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🍶 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
- 🥖 Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully and prevents them from steaming.
2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the shrimp.
4️⃣ Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
5️⃣ Pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the cooked shrimp and toss gently to coat. Cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
6️⃣ Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in the lemon-garlic mixture for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is crucial for this recipe. It ensures that the shrimp sear properly and develop a nice crust without burning. Lower heat will lead to steaming instead of searing, resulting in mushy shrimp.
Crunch Factor
While the shrimp themselves are tender, the optional crusty bread adds a satisfying textural contrast to this dish, creating a delightful combination of soft and crunchy.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use pre-peeled and deveined shrimp to save even more time.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Shrimp Scallopini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish isn’t ideal for gifting as a “to-go” option given the best quality is enjoyed immediately after cooking. However, if you’re serving it at a gathering, it presents beautifully on a platter garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Shrimp Scallopini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the lemon-garlic mixture.
🌟 Garlic Shrimp Scallopini: Double the amount of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
🌟 Herb-Infused Shrimp Scallopini: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano.
🌟 White Wine Shrimp Scallopini: Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the sauce during the last minute of cooking.
Troubleshooting
- Shrimp are tough: You likely overcooked them. Reduce cooking time next time and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Sauce is too watery: Increase the heat slightly and simmer the sauce for a longer period to allow it to reduce and thicken.
- Shrimp stick to the pan: Ensure the pan is hot enough and that the shrimp are not overcrowded.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- What kind of pasta pairs well with this dish? Linguine, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta are all excellent choices.
- Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best served immediately, but you can prepare the lemon-garlic mixture ahead of time.
- What if I don’t have fresh lemon? You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon zest adds a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Scallopini recipe is your new go-to for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight meal. Impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish. Share your creations and tag us on social media! Enjoy!
30-Minute Shrimp Scallopini: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and delicious shrimp scallopini dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, combining succulent shrimp with a light lemon sauce over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound scallops
- 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and scallops; season with salt and pepper. Sautu00e9 until the shrimp turn pink and scallops are golden, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sautu00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add the cooked pasta, shrimp, and scallops back to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding lemon zest and chopped parsley. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Tips
- Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp and scallops for even cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the sauce.