Ah, Christmas—when the air is crisp, and the lights twinkle like stars in a night sky. There’s something magical about gathering around the table with loved ones, and what better way to celebrate than with shrimp? The aroma of garlic and butter mingling with the fresh scent of the sea—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, promising a festive feast that dances between tradition and the unexpected.
Steps
- Finely chop some onion and mince three or four garlic cloves, depending on their size.
- In a large skillet, melt butter with a little olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in the skillet until they become translucent, releasing their aromatic fragrance.
- Add a pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet.
- Pour in half a cup of dry white wine, and squeeze lemon juice over the shrimp.
- Add a couple of dashes of hot sauce, plus salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the mixture to bubble for a few minutes.
- Cook the angel hair pasta separately, as it only takes a couple of minutes.
- Combine the pasta with the shrimp sauce, tossing until the noodles are coated in the buttery, garlicky sauce.
- Add chopped herbs, such as parsley and basil, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Butter
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Juice of one lemon
- A few dashes of hot sauce
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Angel hair pasta (or thin spaghetti/linguine)
- Chopped herbs (parsley and basil)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
FAQ
- What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
- Angel hair pasta is recommended as it pairs well with the light sauce. However, thin spaghetti or linguine can also be used. Shorter pasta like penne or rigatoni is not suggested as they may overwhelm the dish.
- Can I substitute anything for the wine in shrimp scampi?
- Yes, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mix of water and a splash of lemon juice to maintain the dish’s flavor profile.
- How can I add extra flavor to my shrimp scampi?
- To add more flavor, consider including a couple of dashes of hot sauce for a slight kick. Freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the dish.
- What should I do if the pasta seems dry after adding it to the sauce?
- If the pasta appears dry after mixing it with the sauce, stop adding more pasta and ensure there is enough sauce to keep it moist and coated. You can also add a little reserved pasta water to the dish if more moisture is needed.
- How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp in shrimp scampi?
- To prevent overcooking, add the shrimp to the pan and let them cook until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes just a few minutes. Be attentive and avoid leaving them on the heat for too long.
Tips
- When cooking the shrimp, be sure to keep an eye on the skillet to prevent the butter from browning, which can alter the flavor of the dish.
- Use a dry white wine to enhance the flavor of the sauce, and don’t forget to add a couple of dashes of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
- For best results, cook the angel hair pasta just before serving and add it to the sauce in batches to ensure it remains well-coated with the buttery, garlicky, lemony juices.
- Finish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to add a fresh and savory touch to the dish.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Garlic press (for mincing garlic)
- Lemon squeezer
- Pasta pot with strainer insert (for cooking angel hair pasta)
- Fine grater or microplane (for grating Parmesan cheese)
- Herb chopper (optional, for chopping parsley and basil)
