Christmas Eve scampi is a delightful dish to prepare for a festive celebration. Here’s a classic scampi recipe that’s perfect for the occasion:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or seafood stock
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season them lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and olive oil. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, but be careful not to brown it.
- Pour in the white wine or seafood stock, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional minute or until the shrimp are heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp scampi for garnish.
- Serve the Christmas Eve scampi immediately, either on its own, over cooked pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This flavorful shrimp scampi is a wonderful dish for a special Christmas Eve dinner. It’s quick to prepare and offers a burst of citrusy, garlicky flavors that everyone will enjoy.
