Gourmet Italian

photo credit: cayobo

Quick Italian Dishes are wonderful because they take little time, but are always full of flavor.  I love to cook shrimp and  I was surprised to learn that there are over 20,000 species of shrimp, but we only use about 300 of them.  Actually, the “real” scampi are actually lobsters found in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Irish seas and is often called the Dublin Bay Prawn.  The closest thing to a real “scampo” – the singular version – in the United States is the Florida lobsterettes.   Most people in the United States have probably never eated a real scampo!

There are many types of shrimp available.  Some shrimp are very tiny – over 200 to a pound.  Other species can be huge – only TWO to a pound!!!  Some of the most common are Gulf White, Mexican White, Gulf Pink, Gulf Brown, Black Tiger and Chinese White – with the first three being the higher quality and, of course, a little higher price tag.

The term “Shrimp Scampi” may have been coined by a chef in Venice, Italy, but no one seems to be too sure where the term came from.  There are many different versions of this quick Italian delight, but rest assured, they all contain garlic.  The more the better, according to my husband!  There will always be butter and usually some white wine or sherry.

Here’s my Gourmet Italian Shrimp Scampi recipe.  Remember I said my husband loves garlic?  That’s why I use this recipe.  Shrimp cook very quickly so be sure to have all of your ingredients prepared before you begin.  You don’t want your shrimp to be tough.

Heat about 1/3 cup of butter in a pan over medium hear and cook 4 tablespoons of minced garlic for one or two minutes.  Don’t let it brown or it takes on a bitter taste.  Add 1 1/2 pounds of shrimp (about 20 to the pound).  Also add 6 green onions, thinly sliced, 1/4 cup of white wine, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.  Cook until shrimp are pink and cooked through, about a minute or two on each side.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Some people sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on just before serving.

That’s it!  Sprinkle a little parsley or lemon slice for garnish and serve over your favorite pasta!

I hope you enjoy this quick Italian gem of a recipe!

Watch Chef Slim make a wonderful Shrimp Scampi for you right here!

Mangia Bene!