How to Make Shrimp Scampi in the Oven: A Simple and Delicious Guide
Shrimp scampi can be easily and deliciously made in the oven. This method offers a simpler and quicker alternative to the stovetop, resulting in tender, flavorful shrimp bathed in a garlic butter sauce.
Introduction to Oven-Baked Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that’s loved for its rich, garlicky flavor and quick preparation. Traditionally, it’s cooked in a skillet on the stovetop. However, baking shrimp scampi in the oven offers a convenient and less hands-on approach. This method ensures even cooking and prevents the shrimp from becoming rubbery, a common pitfall of stovetop cooking. The oven’s consistent heat melts the butter and infuses the shrimp with garlicky goodness.
Benefits of Baking Shrimp Scampi
Baking shrimp scampi presents numerous advantages over the stovetop method.
- Simplicity: The oven requires minimal active cooking time.
- Even Cooking: Ensures the shrimp are cooked consistently throughout.
- Less Mess: The oven method often contains splatters and reduces cleanup.
- Effortless Flavor Infusion: The sauce evenly coats the shrimp while baking.
- Time-Saving: Perfect for busy weeknights.
The Oven-Baked Shrimp Scampi Process: Step-by-Step
This recipe uses readily available ingredients and requires only a few simple steps:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the Scampi Sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, white wine (optional), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the Shrimp: Spread the shrimp evenly in a baking dish (oven-safe skillet or baking pan).
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to delicious oven-baked shrimp scampi lies in fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Shrimp Scampi
To ensure your scampi turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Watch them closely and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use High-Quality Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp are essential for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before baking and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Preheat the Oven: Ensure the oven is fully preheated to guarantee even cooking.
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best served hot, straight from the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp scampi is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta.
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or risotto are excellent choices.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
- Salad: A light, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Shrimp That Are Too Small: Smaller shrimp tend to overcook quickly.
- Overcooking the Shrimp: As mentioned before, this is the biggest mistake.
- Not Using Enough Sauce: Ensure the shrimp are adequately coated in the sauce.
- Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Skipping the Garlic: Garlic is the star of the show; don’t skimp on it!
Nutrition Information
(Per serving, approximate, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion size)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-450 |
| Protein | 25-35g |
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Carbohydrates | 5-10g |
| Sodium | 500-700mg |
| Cholesterol | 200-250mg |
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Scampi: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Creamy Scampi: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after baking.
- Scampi with Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the baking dish.
- Scampi with Breadcrumbs: Top the shrimp with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter before baking.
- Lemon Herb Scampi: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until thawed, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Pat them dry before adding them to the sauce.
What type of shrimp is best for scampi?
Large or jumbo shrimp work best, as they are less likely to overcook. Look for shrimp labeled 21/25 or 16/20. These numbers indicate the count per pound, meaning there are 21-25 or 16-20 shrimp in a pound, respectively.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp immediately before serving to ensure the best texture.
What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works well. If you prefer not to use wine, simply omit it or substitute with chicken broth.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
The shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and opaque. The flesh should be firm to the touch. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in rubbery shrimp.
Can I add cheese?
While not traditional, adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking can add a nice salty and cheesy flavor. Don’t overdo it, as it can overpower the other flavors.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use garlic powder as a substitute in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 4 cloves of garlic.
Can I bake the shrimp scampi in individual ramekins?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp scampi in individual ramekins. This is a great option for portion control or for a more elegant presentation. Adjust the baking time slightly, as the ramekins may cook faster.
What can I do if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by creating a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water) and stirring it into the sauce while it’s still in the baking dish. Bake for an additional minute or two until thickened.
Can I add other seafood, such as scallops?
Yes, you can add other seafood like scallops or even mussels. Ensure the seafood is of similar size to the shrimp for even cooking.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of baking?
Yes, you can grill the shrimp for a smoky variation. Place the sauced shrimp in a grill basket or on skewers to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill over medium heat until cooked through.