Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further! This Shrimp Scampi Rice recipe is your answer. It’s a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining succulent shrimp and scallops with fragrant rice and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will adore. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen! Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 4 cups cooked rice (I prefer long-grain white rice)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Shrimp and Scallops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Build the Flavor Base: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Deglaze the Pan: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. If substituting with chicken broth, skip this step and proceed directly to the next.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, butter, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for a minute until it slightly thickens.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and gently stir to combine with the sauce. Return the shrimp and scallops to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't overcook the seafood: Overcooked shrimp and scallops become rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Fresh herbs make a difference: Using fresh parsley significantly enhances the flavor of this dish.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less lemon juice, garlic, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
- Make it ahead: The rice can be cooked ahead of time, saving you time on busy weeknights. You can also prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before adding the seafood and rice.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or bell peppers for a more nutritious and colorful meal.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Creamy Scampi Rice: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This shrimp scampi rice recipe is a delightful example of healthy meals that are also incredibly quick and easy to make. It's a perfect option for a delicious and satisfying dinner, showcasing the best of homemade cooking, without the need for extensive culinary skills. Enjoy!