Prawn Scampi

Scampi is about as simple as it gets - shrimp, olive oil, garlic, and parsley - but there are numerous authoritative ways to get that cooked. Do I just saute the fixin's and be done with it? Do I follow one yummy sounding recipe and broil them? Or do I go with my own preference and use butter rather than olive oil?

Well, I go with butter and a little olive oil. Very yummy. Try and get fresh shrimp. If you can't get those, try and get ones that are still frozen. The ones defrosted in the meat case will have already started spoiling.

1. Defrost the shrimp if they're frozen and peel them. In a small bowl combine the shrimp, garlic, salt, cayenne, and olive oil. Set that aside for a few minutes to let things marinate. If the shrimp are still a little bit frozen be sure to let it sit until they are completely thawed. They'll cook better if they're closer to room temp than cold.
   
   
2. Over medium heat, in a small pan, melt the butter. Don't get the pan too hot. If it's too hot you'll burn the garlic, boil off the yummy shrimp flavor, and probably overcook the shrimp. As soon as the butter melted, add the shrimp. Let them simmer on one side until they're done half way through and then turn them and cook till done. The time will vary depending on many factors, but for the size shrimp I was using here I turned them after about 2 minutes and then cooked them for another minute.
   
   
3. Just before the shrimp are just done (don't over cook them or they'll be tough) add the sherry, lemon zest, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook for a few seconds more. At this point they are ready to serve. I eat them right out of the pan with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.