Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi is an absolute classic Mediterranean delicacy. This quick dish is going to become your new favorite. It’s full of bright white wine and lemon juice, fresh herbs, and plump shrimp swimming in butter. You’ll love my version, I guarantee it, so let’s get cooking shall we?.
I love shrimp scampi over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s one of my all-time favorite comfort foods. I have shared other recipes on my sister site, Jo Cooks, that use this recipe served over twirlable pasta, but today I wanted to show off this delicious protein that’s ready in just 10 minutes! How do you like to eat scampi?
This dish tastes very light even though it’s full of flavor thanks to the white wine, fresh lemon juice, herbs, and buttery shrimp. There is more flavor in raw shrimp, so I like to use them. They also taste much better. You can find them already peeled and they come about 1 pound to 1 1/4 pound per bag.
Shrimp scampi is a delicious Italian-American dish of juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and white wine. It’s a favorite for special occasions and dinner parties thanks to its rich, indulgent flavor.
Leftover shrimp scampi can seem like a treat – who wouldn’t want to enjoy those garlicky shrimp another night? But can you safely freeze and reheat shrimp scampi without ruining the texture?
Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing shrimp scampi, from optimal storage methods to perfect reheating techniques. With the right strategies, you can enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp scampi even after freezing.
Can Shrimp Scampi Be Frozen?
The good news is that yes, shrimp scampi can be frozen to enjoy later. The ingredients used in scampi, including the shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and vegetables, all freeze reasonably well.
That said, there are some preparation tips to follow before freezing shrimp scampi to maintain the best quality. Properly frozen, shrimp scampi can last for 2-3 months in the freezer without compromising taste or texture.
Tips for Freezing Shrimp Scampi
Follow these tips when preparing shrimp scampi for the freezer
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Cool it down: Let the scampi cool completely before freezing. Freezing hot food can lead to texture changes from rapid freezing.
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Portion it out: Freeze scampi in individual serving sizes rather than a large container. This prevents repeated thawing and refreezing.
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Protect from freezer burn: Use airtight containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Freezer burn can ruin the taste and appearance.
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Use freezer-safe packaging: Opt for rigid plastic containers or heavy-duty freezer bags instead of thin plastic wrap or lightweight bags.
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Add a barrier: Place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper directly on the surface of the scampi before sealing to protect from freezer burn.
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Label it: Mark containers with the contents and freeze date so you know how long it’s been stored.
Following these preparation guidelines will help the shrimp scampi hold up best in the freezer for maximum flavor and texture on reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Freeze Shrimp Scampi?
You have two options when freezing shrimp scampi – freezing it on its own or with the pasta. Here are the pros and cons:
Freezing Shrimp Scampi by Itself
Pros
- Prevents pasta from absorbing sauce and becoming mushy.
- Allows you to portion out shrimp and sauce separately.
- Lets you cook fresh pasta on reheating day.
Cons
- Requires reheating shrimp separate from pasta and combining later.
- Can dry out the scampi sauce slightly without pasta.
Freezing Shrimp Scampi with Pasta
Pros
- Maintains original dish consistency.
- Slightly faster reheating since shrimp and pasta are together.
Cons
- Pasta may oversoften during freezing.
- Hard to portion out individual servings cleanly.
For best results, I recommend freezing shrimp scampi without the pasta. Combine them on reheating day by cooking fresh pasta and mixing with the thawed scampi sauce and shrimp.
How Long Does Frozen Shrimp Scampi Last?
Frozen and properly stored, shrimp scampi can last for 2-3 months in the freezer before quality begins to decline.
Signs your frozen scampi has expired include:
- Dried out, flaky texture
- Discolored or frosted appearance
- Off odors
- Loss of flavor
For optimal freshness and taste, aim to eat frozen shrimp scampi within 2 months. Label your freezer bags or containers with the prep date so you know when to use it by.
Can You Refreeze Shrimp Scampi?
It’s not recommended to refreeze shrimp scampi after it has thawed. Refreezing previously frozen food can lead to loss of flavor and compromised texture.
If you thaw frozen shrimp scampi in the refrigerator and don’t end up using it within 3-4 days, you unfortunately should discard the remainder.
Only refreeze shrimp scampi if it has been continuously kept frozen and has never thawed. Quality and safety go down with each additional freeze-thaw cycle.
How to Reheat Frozen Shrimp Scampi
When ready to enjoy your frozen shrimp scampi, use this reheating method for the best results:
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Thaw overnight in the refrigerator until fully thawed. Don’t thaw at room temperature.
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Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Avoid the microwave which can make shrimp rubbery.
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Stir scampi frequently as it reheats to evenly distribute heat.
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If needed, add a splash of wine or lemon juice to liven up the flavors.
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Cook fresh pasta and add the warm noodles to the sauté pan with the scampi right before serving.
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Toss everything together briefly before plating. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Properly thawed and gently reheated, frozen shrimp scampi can taste nearly as fresh and flavorful as the original meal!
Freezer-to-Oven Shrimp Scampi
For easy freezer-to-oven scampi, transfer the cooled scampi mixture to an oven-safe baking dish or ramekins before freezing. Cover tightly with foil.
When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen at 375°F until heated through, about 30 minutes. Combine with fresh cooked pasta and garnish with parsley.
Can You Freeze Pre-Made Shrimp Scampi from the Store?
If you purchased pre-made shrimp scampi fresh from the seafood counter or freezer section, it typically can also be safely refrozen at home as long as it has been handled properly.
Follow the same freezing tips outlined above, letting the scampi cool before portioning out into airtight bags. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Avoid refreezing any scampi with cracked packaging or signs of thawing and refreezing. Check for the use-by date and freeze as soon as possible after purchasing.
Freezing Shrimp Scampi FAQs
Can you freeze the shrimp and scampi sauce separately?
Yes, it’s fine to freeze shrimp and scampi sauce in separate containers. This helps prevent the sauce from making the shrimp mushy. Just make sure to label them.
Should you thaw shrimp scampi in the fridge or microwave?
Always thaw in the refrigerator overnight, not at room temp or in the microwave. Slow thawing preserves texture best.
Is it better to freeze shrimp scampi in bags or containers?
Airtight rigid containers or heavy-duty freezer bags both work well. Make sure to remove air before sealing.
Can I add extra ingredients before freezing shrimp scampi?
It’s best to freeze scampi without any extra add-ins. Add fresh herbs, lemon juice, etc after reheating for brightest flavor.
How do I prevent freezer burn on frozen shrimp scampi?
Use freezer-safe packaging, portion into smaller servings, remove air before sealing, and place wax paper directly on the surface of the scampi before freezing.
Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi Like a Pro
Freezing lets you extend the lifespan of leftover shrimp scampi to enjoy its indulgent garlic butter goodness another day. Follow these expert tips for storing, thawing, and reheating shrimp scampi to lock in maximum flavor and texture after freezing.
With proper handling, frozen shrimp scampi can taste nearly indistinguishable from fresh. So go ahead and whip up a big batch to freeze – just be prepared for the garlicky aroma every time you open your freezer!
What Can I Serve With Shrimp Scampi?
Anyone else with me? I like something nice and starchy and carb-heavy to soak up all that tasty sauce. Here are some tasty sides, feel free to thank me later.
- Any kind of pasta you like, but something you can slurp and twirl is best.
- Rice, again any kind you prefer.
- Mashed Potatoes
- No Knead Bread
- Quinoa
What Is Shrimp Scampi?
The term scampi very literally means “shrimp“! This dish would translate to “shrimp shrimp” if we get technical. However, over the years Shrimp Scampi has transformed its meaning. Now it’s a dish made of shrimp cooked in garlic butter and dry white wine. It can be eaten with bread, pasta, or rice.
These beautiful shrimp taste so great that I wanted to share this recipe that makes them the star of the show.
