Microwave Shrimp Scampi: Quick and Delicious 10-Minute Recipe

Microwave Shrimp Scampi offers a simple yet delectable way to enjoy seafood. This dish combines succulent shrimp with the zesty flavors of garlic, butter, and lemon. Ideal for busy weeknights, it requires minimal preparation and cooks swiftly in a microwave.

The ease of the recipe doesn’t compromise its rich taste, making it a favorite among seafood lovers. This method retains the shrimp’s tenderness and infuses it with a delightful, savory sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta or rice, Microwave Shrimp Scampi delivers gourmet quality in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients Needed

Microwave Shrimp Scampi is a quick and delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. You will need a few simple ingredients. Let’s explore what you need to make this dish. We will cover shrimp selection, sauce components, herbs and spices, and side options.

Shrimp Selection

Shrimp is the star of this dish. It’s important to choose the right kind. Here are some tips for selecting shrimp:

• Fresh or frozen: Both work well. Fresh shrimp can be tastier. Frozen shrimp is convenient.
• Size: Medium to large shrimp are best. They cook evenly in the microwave.
• Deveined: Choose shrimp that are deveined. This saves time and effort.
• Peeled: Peeled shrimp are easier to eat. You can also use shell-on shrimp for more flavor.

Here’s a quick comparison table for reference:

Shrimp Type	Pros	Cons
Fresh Shrimp	Better flavor	Spoils quickly
Frozen Shrimp	Longer shelf life	May lose some flavor

Sauce Components

The sauce is what makes this dish special. It adds richness and flavor. Here are the main components you will need:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter. It gives a creamy texture.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best. Mince it finely for more flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a tangy kick. Fresh lemon juice is ideal.
• White Wine: Optional, but adds depth. Choose a dry white wine.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture. Use low-sodium broth.

Make sure to adjust the amounts to your taste. A balance of these components will create a delightful sauce.

Herbs And Spices

Herbs and spices enhance the flavor of your shrimp scampi. Here are some essential ones to consider:

• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Chop it finely.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a bit of heat. Use sparingly.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• Oregano: Dried oregano adds an earthy flavor. Use a pinch.

Mix these herbs and spices into your sauce. They will elevate the dish to new heights.

Side Options

Shrimp scampi is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are some options to consider:

• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine are classic choices. They soak up the sauce well.
• Rice: White or brown rice works well. It provides a neutral base.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or asparagus make great sides. They add color and nutrition.
• Bread: Garlic bread or a baguette are perfect for mopping up the sauce.

Choose your favorite side to complete the meal. Each option complements the shrimp scampi beautifully.

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Preparation Steps

Microwave Shrimp Scampi is a quick and easy dish to prepare. The steps are simple and require minimal effort. You can make this delicious meal in your microwave. Follow these preparation steps to enjoy a tasty shrimp scampi.

Cleaning Shrimp

Start by cleaning the shrimp. This step ensures that your dish is fresh and safe to eat. First, remove the shell from the shrimp. You can do this by peeling it off gently. Next, devein the shrimp. Use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp. Remove the dark vein with the tip of the knife.

Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining shell bits. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Here’s a quick checklist for cleaning shrimp:

• Remove the shell
• Devein the shrimp
• Rinse under cold water
• Pat dry with a paper towel

Now, your shrimp is clean and ready for the next step.

Making The Sauce

Next, prepare the sauce for the shrimp scampi. The sauce is what gives the dish its flavor. You will need butter, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Start by melting the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Add minced garlic to the melted butter. Microwave for about 30 seconds to let the flavors blend.

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the lemon juice. Stir well to combine. Finally, chop fresh parsley and mix it into the sauce. This will add a fresh taste to your dish. Here are the ingredients for the sauce in a table:

Ingredient	Quantity
Butter	2 tablespoons
Garlic	2 cloves, minced
Lemon Juice	1 tablespoon
Parsley	2 tablespoons, chopped

Mix all these ingredients well. Your sauce is now ready.

Combining Ingredients

Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients. Place the cleaned shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp. Make sure the shrimp are well coated. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Leave a small corner open to let steam escape.

Microwave the shrimp on high for 3-4 minutes. Check if the shrimp is cooked through. It should be pink and opaque. If not, microwave for another 30 seconds. Once done, let the dish sit for a minute. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Here is a quick summary of combining the ingredients:

• Place shrimp in a microwave-safe dish
• Pour sauce over the shrimp
• Cover and microwave for 3-4 minutes
• Check if shrimp is cooked, microwave more if needed
• Let it sit for a minute

Your Microwave Shrimp Scampi is ready to serve. Enjoy!

Cooking Methods

Microwave Shrimp Scampi is a delightful and quick dish. Using a microwave can make cooking this seafood meal simple and fun. Various cooking methods can be used, but the microwave technique stands out for its speed and ease.

Microwave Technique

Cooking shrimp scampi in the microwave is straightforward. Start by gathering fresh shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, and parsley. Butter adds richness to the dish, while garlic and lemon juice provide a zesty flavor. Parsley gives it a fresh touch.

Place the shrimp in a microwave-safe dish. Add butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice over the shrimp. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Ensure there are small vents for steam to escape.

Microwave the shrimp on high for 3-4 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. The shrimp should turn pink and opaque when done. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery, so watch carefully.

After microwaving, sprinkle chopped parsley on top. This step enhances the presentation and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Timing Tips

Timing is crucial for microwave shrimp scampi. Cooking times can vary based on the microwave’s power and the shrimp’s size. Generally, medium-sized shrimp need about 3-4 minutes on high power.

It’s helpful to check the shrimp halfway through cooking. Stirring ensures even heat distribution. If the shrimp are not fully cooked, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals. Always check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

Here is a helpful table for reference:

Shrimp Size	Cooking Time (on High)
Small	2-3 minutes
Medium	3-4 minutes
Large	4-5 minutes

Keep an eye on the shrimp as microwaves vary. It’s better to undercook and add more time than to overcook.

Serving Suggestions

Microwave shrimp scampi can be served in many ways. Serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal. This helps to soak up the delicious sauce.

Adding a side of steamed vegetables makes the dish balanced and nutritious. Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans pair well with shrimp scampi.

For a lighter option, serve the shrimp on a bed of mixed greens. Top with extra lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil for a fresh salad.

Crusty bread is another great accompaniment. Use the bread to mop up the flavorful sauce. Garlic bread is particularly tasty with shrimp scampi.

Here are some serving ideas:

• Over fettuccine pasta
• With brown rice
• On a bed of mixed greens
• Alongside steamed broccoli
• With garlic bread

Explore different serving suggestions to find your favorite way to enjoy microwave shrimp scampi.

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Pairing Ideas

Microwave Shrimp Scampi is a quick and tasty dish. It’s perfect for those busy nights. Pairing this dish with the right items can make it even better. Here are some ideas to elevate your Microwave Shrimp Scampi experience.

Wine Pairings

Wine can enhance the flavors of your Shrimp Scampi. White wines are the best choice. They are light and crisp. Sauvignon Blanc is a great option. It has a fresh taste that complements the shrimp. Chardonnay is another good choice. It has a buttery flavor that pairs well with the garlic in the scampi.

Pinot Grigio is also an excellent choice. It is light and refreshing. These wines bring out the best in your dish. They do not overpower the delicate flavors of the shrimp.

Accompaniments

Side dishes can make your meal more exciting. Garlic bread is a classic choice. It is simple and delicious. Steamed vegetables are also a good option. They add color and nutrition to your meal. A fresh garden salad can be a great addition. It adds a crisp and refreshing element.

Another good choice is rice pilaf. It is light and fluffy. It soaks up the sauce from the scampi. Pasta is another excellent side. It pairs well with the shrimp and sauce. These sides make your meal complete and satisfying.

Presentation Tips

How you present your dish can make a big difference. Use a nice plate for serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This adds color and flavor. Lemon wedges are also a nice touch. They add a pop of color and a fresh taste. Arrange the shrimp neatly on the plate. This makes the dish look more appealing.

Use a clean, white plate. This makes the colors of the dish stand out. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. This adds a nice texture and flavor. Serve with a glass of wine for a complete meal. These tips will make your Microwave Shrimp Scampi look and taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions