Indulge in a Delicious Bacon Shrimp Scampi Recipe with Buttery Garlic Sauce and Al Dente Pasta!
This Bacon Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a mouthwatering combination of rich, smoky bacon and succulent shrimp, all simmered in a buttery garlic sauce and served over al dente pasta. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is easy to make and bursting with flavor. By incorporating crispy bacon into the traditional shrimp scampi recipe, you’ll add an extra layer of umami and depth to the already irresistible flavors of garlic and butter. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply a fan of delicious meals, this Bacon Shrimp Scampi recipe is sure to satisfy!
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Are you a seafood lover looking for a dish that captures the essence of the beach? Look no further than the timeless classic, Bacon Shrimp Scampi!
The Origin of Bacon Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp Scampi, a classic Italian-American dish, traditionally pairs shrimp with butter, garlic, and wine for a simply elegant taste. This recipe, however, takes things to the next level by adding the savory, salty flavor of bacon to the mix. With heavenly notes of buttery garlic, crisp bacon, and succulent shrimp, this dish will transport you straight to the coast.
An Iconic Blend of Coastal Flavors
This recipe starts with fresh shrimp, which is cooked in a skillet with butter, garlic, and olive oil. Once the shrimp is cooked through and beautifully pink, the skillet is deglazed with white wine, chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. This creates a rich and flavorful base for the shrimp and bacon to meld in.
The bacon, crisped up to perfection in the same skillet, takes this recipe to the next level. Its rich, smoky flavor is infused throughout the dish, elevating the scampi to new heights. A sprinkle of parsley and reserved bacon on top adds extra texture and flavor, making every bite a delicious surprise.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
Serve this dish on its own or over a bed of linguine for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick and easy to make, and the combination of bacon and shrimp is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
So, what are you waiting for? With bacon shrimp scampi, you can savor the flavors of the coast no matter where you are. Try it tonight and get ready to be transported to the beach with every bite!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Bacon Shrimp Scampi
Choose Quality Ingredients
When cooking with few ingredients, quality matters. Using fresh, high-quality shrimp and bacon will make a big difference in the final dish.
Cook the Bacon First
Cooking the bacon before the shrimp not only gives it time to crisp up, but also leaves flavorful grease in the pan that can be used to cook the shrimp and garlic. Be sure to chop the bacon into small pieces before adding it back to the skillet.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery, so it’s important to watch them carefully and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Use Fresh Garlic and Add it at the Right Time
Using fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor to this dish. Be sure to mince it finely and add it to the skillet after the bacon is removed. Cook for only a minute or so until fragrant.
Don’t Skip the Wine
Deglazing the skillet with white wine not only adds flavor but also helps to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste
Taste the scampi before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember to add the reserved bacon and chopped parsley on top for garnish.
Pair with Linguine for a Full Meal
Though optional, serving this dish with linguine can transform it into a full meal. Cook the linguine according to package instructions, and mix it with the scampi in the skillet for a complete, delicious pasta dish.
Store Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.
How Many Calories are in Bacon Shrimp Scampi?
Nutrition Facts
2 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 445
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 214mg
- Sodium: 1213mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 28g
What Drinks Pair Best with Bacon Shrimp Scampi?
Wine pairing: A crisp and refreshing Pinot Grigio would be a great pairing for this dish. The wine’s acidity and lightness can balance the rich and savory flavors of the bacon and shrimp scampi.
Beer pairing: A Belgian-style saison with fruity and spicy notes would pair well with this dish, as it will complement the flavors of the bacon, shrimp, and garlic. The effervescence of the beer will cut through the richness of the dish, while the citrusy and peppery notes of the beer will balance well with the lemon juice and red pepper flakes used in the recipe.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for this Bacon Shrimp Scampi recipe would be a classic Gin and Tonic. The citrus notes of the gin and tonic complement the lemon juice in the recipe, while the carbonation helps to cut through the richness of the shrimp, bacon, and butter.
How to Make Bacon Shrimp Scampi
Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Shrimp
- 5 Slices Bacon
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Tbsp Butter
- 4 Minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup White wine
- 1/4 cup Chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/4 Tsp Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Tbsp Chopped parsley
- Linguine (optional)
Recipe Instructions
- Peel and devein the shrimp.
- In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove it from the skillet and chop into small pieces.
- Add olive oil and butter to the same skillet and stir until the butter is melted.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add shrimp to the skillet and cook on medium-high heat until pink and cooked through.
- Deglaze the skillet with white wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and stir well.
- Mix in the cooked bacon, reserving a few tablespoons for garnish.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and reserved bacon.
- Optionally, serve with linguine. Enjoy!
