Scampi is actually a type of lobster found in the Mediterranean Sea and northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Gradually, Italian cooks who came over to work in the United States began making the dish with shrimp instead of scampi but opted to use both names. The classic recipe involves garlic, white wine, and butter in the sauce.
Because of the way the sauce is prepared, it’s usually a good idea to serve some sort of carbohydrate or vegetable with shrimp scampi. A mixed green salad can balance the richness of the dish, but bitter greens such as arugula and spinach work best for this purpose. Pasta is a very common thing served with shrimp scampi. Some choose to keep it basic with simple buttered angel hair pasta and parsley, while others may choose to serve pasta with pesto to add something extra. If you’d like to add texture to the dish, choose a non-traditional pasta such as farfalle or pappardelle. If pasta isn’t really your carb of choice, try some roasted red skinned potatoes with oil or butter and salt!
Colorful vegetables not only add flair to your shrimp scampi plate, but also fiber and other nutrients. If you’re looking for a low-carb pasta alternative, asparagus and French-cut green beans can both be excellent options. The flavor of each also balance the scampi, especially if it’s on the richer side. Another delicious option is roasted pepper strips in different colors. If you do prefer richer shrimp scampi, we do not recommend using sugary vegetables such as squashes or corn, which can add to the richness.
Whether you need ingredients for the shrimp scampi itself or the side dishes, Doris Italian Market & Bakery has all the fresh produce and seafood required. And if you need some ideas, feel free to ask a member of our staff; we love to swap recipes with our customers!