Introduction

Scampis marines au citron à l’ail et piment d’Espelette is a delightful dish that beautifully combines the zesty flavors of lemon with the aromatic notes of garlic and the subtle heat of Espelette pepper. This recipe offers a tantalizing way to enjoy scampi, creating a perfect starter or a light main course that is sure to impress your guests.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Scampi – 500g
Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Espelette pepper – 1 teaspoon
Olive oil – 4 tablespoons
Salt – to taste
Fresh parsley – for garnish

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time – 5 minutes
Total Time – 15 minutes
Yield – Serves 4

Detailed Directions and Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the juice of one lemon with two cloves of minced garlic and a teaspoon of Espelette pepper. Mix well to create a marinade for the scampi.

2. Marinate the Scampi

Add the cleaned scampi to the marinade. Ensure that all the scampi are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

3. Heat the Cooking Surface

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up without smoking.

4. Cook the Scampi

Remove the scampi from the marinade and add them to the heated skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink, then flip them over and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve Hot

Once fully cooked, remove the scampi from the skillet and place them on a serving dish. Drizzle with any remaining marinade for added flavor.

Notes

Tip for Extra Flavor

For added depth, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish before serving.

Variations

Feel free to adjust the amount of Espelette pepper according to your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of salt if needed.

Serving Suggestions

These marinated scampi go well with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Marinating

Marinating is a technique that involves soaking food in a mixture of ingredients to enhance its flavor. For this dish, scampi are marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and piment d’Espelette to infuse them with a zesty and spicy taste.

Sautéing

Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over high heat. This technique is used to cook the marinated scampis, allowing them to develop a golden-brown color and a rich flavor.

Grilling

Grilling is a method where food is cooked over direct heat, often giving it a smoky flavor. Although not explicitly mentioned in the recipe, scampis can be grilled after marinating for an enhanced flavor profile.

FAQ

What type of seafood is used in this recipe?

This recipe specifically uses scampis, which are large shrimp known for their sweet and delicate flavor.

Can I substitute scampis with another type of shrimp?

Yes, you can substitute scampis with other types of shrimp, though the cooking time may vary based on the size and type of shrimp used.

How long should I marinate the scampis?

For optimal flavor, marinate the scampis for at least 30 minutes, but they can be left for longer if desired.

Is piment d’Espelette necessary for this recipe?

While piment d’Espelette adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with other chili powders or spices if you do not have it on hand.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The marination can be done ahead of time, but it is best to cook the scampis just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Conclusion

The marinated shrimp dish with lemon, garlic, and Espelette pepper is a delightful combination of flavors that can tantalize your taste buds. Its simplicity in preparation paired with the freshness of the ingredients makes it an ideal choice for any culinary occasion. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.

More recipes suggestions and combination

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