Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

Introduction

Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi is a flavorful and indulgent seafood dish that combines succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon for a bright and rich taste. With Gordon Ramsay’s signature twist, this dish is simple yet packed with layers of flavor. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, coated in a luscious sauce, and served over pasta or with crusty bread for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.

I first made this dish when I was craving something with a little bit of elegance, and it didn’t disappoint. The garlic and butter sauce is so flavorful, and the lemon adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the richness. The shrimp cook quickly and stay tender, making it an ideal dish for a weeknight or a special occasion.

Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner for two or hosting a small gathering, this Shrimp Scampi will have everyone coming back for more. It’s an easy yet impressive way to enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood meal right at home.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Date nights
• Special occasions
• Seafood lovers
• Italian cuisine fans

Why You’ll Love This Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

Here’s why Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi will become your go-to shrimp dish:

• Rich, Flavorful Sauce: The garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and coats the shrimp perfectly.
• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: Gordon Ramsay’s technique ensures that the shrimp are tender and juicy, not overcooked.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy nights or last-minute entertaining.
• Customizable: Serve over pasta, rice, or with bread for sopping up the sauce; this dish can be adapted to your preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: With simple ingredients and a few tips from Ramsay, you can achieve a professional-level dish in your own kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lb pasta (linguine or spaghetti works best)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp are essential for this dish. They should be tender and not overcooked, as shrimp cook quickly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful savory depth to the dish that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
• White Wine: The wine helps to deglaze the pan and adds acidity to balance the richness of the butter and shrimp.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh contrast to the savory flavors.
• Butter and Olive Oil: These fats create a rich and silky sauce that envelops the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi:

Prepare the Shrimp and Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
2. Prep the Shrimp: While the pasta is cooking, season the shrimp with salt and pepper.

Make the Scampi Sauce:

3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Deglaze the Pan: Add the white wine to the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the wine cook for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
6. Add Lemon and Red Pepper: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Finish the Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and stir until the butter melts, creating a silky sauce.

Combine and Serve:

8. Return the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pan and toss to coat them in the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
9. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Add the chopped parsley and toss again.
10. Serve: Divide the shrimp scampi between plates, garnishing with extra parsley and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Pasta: Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or any long pasta to absorb the flavorful sauce.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as part of a seafood appetizer spread.
• With a Salad: Pair with a light side salad for a balanced meal.

Additional Tips for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

Here are some tips to ensure your Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi turns out perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor. If using pre-minced garlic, use sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
• Don’t Skip the Lemon Zest: The zest provides a burst of citrus flavor that complements the shrimp and garlic sauce beautifully.
• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
• Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water can help adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.

Recipe Variations for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

Here are 5 variations you can try for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi:

• Garlic Butter Lobster Scampi: Swap the shrimp for lobster tails for a luxurious twist on this dish.
• Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add a splash of heavy cream at the end to make the sauce rich and creamy.
• Shrimp Scampi with Asparagus: Add sautéed asparagus or another vegetable for added texture and flavor.
• Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Shrimp Scampi with Spinach: Stir in some fresh spinach leaves at the end for added freshness and color.

Freezing and Storage for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

• Freezing: It’s not ideal to freeze shrimp scampi as the shrimp can become rubbery once thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce (without shrimp) and add fresh shrimp when ready to cook.
• Storage: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or wine to rehydrate the sauce.

Special Equipment for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi easier:

• Large Skillet or Pan: A wide skillet helps to cook the shrimp evenly and allows for plenty of space to toss the pasta and sauce.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: These tools are perfect for handling the shrimp and adding them back into the sauce.
• Lemon Zester: A fine zester or microplane helps get the perfect amount of lemon zest.
• Pasta Pot: A large pot with a strainer insert makes cooking and draining pasta easy.

Frequently Asked Questions for Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp work just as well. Be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
2. Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
   Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
3. How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
   Shrimp are done when they are pink and opaque. Overcooking them can make them tough.
4. Can I use another type of pasta?
   Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, though linguine or spaghetti works best for this dish.
5. Can I make shrimp scampi in advance?
   It’s best to make this dish fresh, as the shrimp can become overcooked when reheated.

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Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet elegant dish that combines fresh shrimp, garlic, and a rich, buttery sauce. With its vibrant lemony flavor and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for any seafood lover or Italian cuisine enthusiast. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

This recipe is as flavorful as it is quick to prepare, making it ideal for everything from casual dinners to celebrating special moments. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, Gordon Ramsay Shrimp Scampi will elevate any meal with its irresistible taste.

I’d love to see how your Shrimp Scampi turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!