French Scampi Recipe: A Delightful Lunch or Snack
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Calories: 528.4 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Introduction
Immerse yourself in the delightful flavors of European cuisine with this exquisite French Scampi recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or a savory snack, this dish combines the succulent taste of shrimp with the aromatic essence of fresh sweet basil and a splash of Pernod for a hint of aniseed. The result is a spicy and indulgent treat that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a cozy French bistro. 🍤🌿✨
Ingredients
- 20 shrimp, large, peeled, deveined, and cut in half lengthwise
- 5 fresh sweet basil leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Pernod
- 1/2 clove garlic, minced
- 12 tablespoons flour
- Butter (for frying)
- Olive oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cream (optional, for finishing)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Fat Content: 46.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 25.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 352.2mg
- Sodium Content: 321.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 2.6g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 0.1g
- Protein Content: 24.9g
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Clean the shrimp by peeling them, removing the vein, and cutting each shrimp in half lengthwise. This ensures even cooking and a delightful presentation. 🌊🔪
Step 2: Season and Coat
Season the shrimp with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Next, lightly pass them through the flour, coating them just enough to create a delicate crust when fried. This will add a lovely texture to your scampi. 🧂🌾
Step 3: Preheat the Pan
In a large frying pan, heat a mix of butter and olive oil over high heat. The combination of these fats provides a rich flavor and the perfect cooking medium for the shrimp. 🧈🔥
Step 4: Sauté the Shrimp
Once the pan is hot, add the shrimp. Sauté them quickly, ensuring they brown slightly on each side. The key is to cook them fast so they remain juicy inside while achieving a beautiful golden exterior. 🍤🍳
Step 5: Add Garlic
Quickly add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for a brief moment, just until the garlic releases its aromatic oils. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. If there is excess butter in the pan, feel free to discard it at this stage, even if it means losing some of the garlic. The goal is to keep the dish light and flavorful. 🧄💨
Step 6: Incorporate Basil and Pernod
Remove the pan from the heat before adding the fresh sweet basil and Pernod. This step is crucial to prevent the alcohol from igniting unexpectedly. Once off the heat, add these ingredients and flambé to infuse the shrimp with the distinct licorice flavor of Pernod and the freshness of basil. 🌿🔥
Step 7: Finish with Cream (Optional)
For an extra layer of richness, you can add a splash of cream to the pan and allow it to reduce. This will create a silky sauce that clings to the shrimp, enhancing every bite. However, this step is optional and depends on your preference for creaminess in the dish. 🥛✨
Step 8: Season and Serve
Check the seasoning one last time, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the French Scampi immediately while it’s hot and fragrant, ensuring each portion receives an equal amount of shrimp and sauce. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and can be paired with crusty bread or a light salad. 🍽️🥖
Serving Suggestions
Pair your French Scampi with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, to complement the rich flavors of the dish. Alternatively, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon can provide a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of buttery, garlic-infused mashed potatoes. 🍷🍋🥗
Cooking Tips
- High Heat is Key: Cooking the shrimp on high heat ensures they sear quickly, locking in juices and flavor without becoming rubbery.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest basil and shrimp you can find. Fresh herbs and seafood make a significant difference in the final taste.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly, so keep a close eye on it to avoid burning. If it starts to brown too fast, remove the pan from heat to control the cooking process.
- Flambé Safely: Always remove the pan from the heat source before adding alcohol to flambé. This safety measure prevents accidental fires and ensures you control the flambé process.
Variations
- Lemon and Herb Scampi: Replace Pernod with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and add a variety of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Spicy Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the garlic step for an extra kick of heat.
- Garlic Butter Scampi: For a richer version, increase the amount of butter and garlic used. Finish with a sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Conclusion
French Scampi is an elegant and flavorful dish that combines the best of European culinary traditions. With its quick preparation and cooking time, it’s a perfect choice for a sophisticated lunch or an impressive snack. The harmonious blend of shrimp, sweet basil, and Pernod, along with the option of a creamy finish, ensures a delightful dining experience. Enjoy this recipe with friends and family, and bring a touch of French flair to your table. Bon appétit! 🥂🍽️🇫🇷
