Shrimp Scampi with Orzo
The universal appeal of shrimp scampi, frankly, isn’t the shrimp but the pan sauce: garlicky butter lightened with white wine and bursts of lemon, parsley and red-pepper flakes. Scampi is often tossed with pasta or served with crusty bread, but this version instead uses quick-cooking orzo. It simmers directly in the pan sauce, imparting a starchy gloss — and soaking up the garlicky scampi flavors. Toss the shrimp with some garlic, lemon zest and red-pepper flakes to marinate while the pasta gets a head start on the stove, then simply toss the shrimp on top of the orzo to steam. It all comes together in a flash, and feels effortless. Pair this dish with Caesar salad, steamed broccoli or arugula, or bask in its simple comfort, straight from a spoon.
Ingredients
- 1pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1tablespoon lemon zest, plus 1 tablespoon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1/2teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
- 4garlic cloves, minced
- 2tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1cup orzo
- 1/3cup dry white wine
- 2cups boiling water, seafood stock or chicken stock
- 3tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Directions
In a medium bowl, stir together shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, red-pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and half of the garlic. Set aside to marinate. (This step can be done up to 1 hour in advance.)
Add butter, remaining olive oil and remaining garlic to a medium skillet set over medium heat. When the butter starts to bubble, add the orzo and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until the orzo is toasted, about 2 minutes, adjusting the heat as necessary to prevent the garlic from burning. Carefully add the wine — it will bubble — and stir until absorbed, about 1 minute. Stir in water, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until orzo is al dente, about 12 minutes.
Add the shrimp in a snug, even layer on top of the orzo, cover, and cook until all the shrimp is pink and cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, 2 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Info
- Trans Fat: 0 gramsFat: 18 gramsCalories: 403Saturated Fat: 6 gramsUnsaturated Fat: 12 gramsSodium: 713 milligramsSugar: 3 gramsFiber: 1 gramCarbohydrate: 26 gramsProtein: 30 grams
Source: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020330-shrimp-scampi-with-orzo