Grilled Scampi is a bright and flavorful dish that brings the classic Italian-American flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter to the grill. Large shrimp are marinated in a zesty garlic-lemon butter sauce and then quickly grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, charred shrimp with a burst of citrus and savory garlic flavor. This dish is light, easy to prepare, and perfect for summer barbecues or as a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a side of grilled vegetables for a complete, delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated shrimp onto the skewers, about 4-5 shrimp per skewer.
- Grill the Shrimp:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are opaque and lightly charred.
- Serve:
- Remove the shrimp from the grill and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Grilled Scampi is a delightful dish that combines the fresh, zesty flavors of garlic, lemon, and butter with the smoky char of the grill. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for enjoying outdoors with friends and family.