When it comes to authentic Italian cuisine, every dish has a long and storied history. Many of these recipes are from many years ago! You wouldn’t expect the same thing from seafood, since people have been eating fish for as long as there have been people! But did you know that some seafood dishes have deep Italian roots? Shrimp scampi is a great example of a seafood dish that breaks the mold. While it may be a seafood dish, it has strong Italian roots. We break down all the most interesting facts about this dish below!.
Don’t believe it? Shrimp scampi is actually a variation of a different Italian dish! The original dish is called “scampi,” as you might have guessed. Scampi is named after a kind of shellfish that is normally found in Italy. These crustaceans are MUCH bigger than the shrimp that we know!.
The first shrimp scampi dish was made in the 1920s. After World War II, it became popular in the US and around the world. During that time, it moved from Italy to the US. Since the traditional scampi wasn’t available there, shrimp was used instead. It was a rousing success, and the dish rose to popularity shortly after.
Did you know that scampi isn’t just made with shrimp? There are different versions of the recipe all over the world, and the shrimp have been replaced in some of them with crayfish, scallops, or lobsters. People all over the world serve three main types of shrimp scampi: the American version, the British version, and the traditional Italian version. Some recipes even leave out the seafood and use chicken instead. People in the US and Italy eat shrimp as the main ingredient, but people in the UK eat deep-fried lobster instead.
Buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi – for many, this dish encapsulates the flavors of Italian-American cuisine. The combination of succulent shrimp, lemon, parsley and wine has made shrimp scampi a beloved favorite across the U.S. But despite its popularity, the origins of this dish are surrounded by misconceptions. Is shrimp scampi really an authentic Italian recipe, or simply an Italian-American creation? Let’s investigate the fascinating history behind this iconic recipe.
The Meaning of “Scampi”
First a clarification on the name itself – the term “shrimp scampi” is somewhat redundant. In Italian, “scampi” refers to a type of crustacean similar to a small lobster or langoustine not shrimp. The word “scampi” roughly translates to “prawn” or “shrimp-like” in Italian.
So real scampi, or langoustines, are different than the shrimp used in shrimp scampi recipes today. The use of shrimp in place of scampi came about when Italian immigrants in America substituted shrimp into their scampi dishes. The name “shrimp scampi” stuck, although it’s not technically accurate in Italian.
True Italian Scampi Dishes
In Italy, traditional scampi dishes do use this smaller lobster-like shellfish. The scampi is often pan-fried whole in olive oil, white wine, garlic, parsley and chile flakes for a quick, flavorful dish. Italian scampi may also be served over crostini as an appetizer.
So authentic scampi alla Italiana revolves around this specific crustacean not shrimp. But shrimp makes for a convenient and tasty substitution in Italian-American cooking.
The Italian-American Shrimp Scampi Story
It’s unclear exactly when Italian immigrants in the U,S first began tweaking scampi recipes to use shrimp instead of langoustines Affordable shrimp were likely easier to come by than imported scampi,
The earliest references to an Italian-American shrimp scampi dish appear to be in the 1940s and 50s. Recipes combined garlicky, lemon-kissed shrimp with white wine and parsley – essentially an Italian marinara sauce without the tomatoes.
Over time, buttery, rich variations became popular. The dish gained fame through Italian restaurants and chef-authored cookbooks. By the 1970s, shrimp scampi joined the ranks of fettuccine Alfredo and chicken parmesan as an iconic example of Italian-American fare.
Traditional Italian vs. Italian-American
There are some key differences between shrimp scampi in Italy versus America:
In Italy
- Uses scampi (small lobster or langoustines)
- Often served whole, fried in the shell
- Less butter, more olive oil
- Lighter sauce
In Italian-American cuisine
- Uses shrimp as a substitute
- Shrimp is shelled, deveined, sautéed or baked
- More liberal use of butter and garlic
- Heavier sauce with lemon and parsley
- Often served over pasta or rice
So while not exactly an authentic Italian recipe, shrimp scampi has taken on a life of its own as a cherished Italian-American favorite.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi at Home
Part of shrimp scampi’s appeal is how quick and easy it is to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2-3 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium high heat.
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Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Pour in wine and lemon juice and let simmer for 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and mix in parsley.
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.
Play around with the garlic, butter, lemon and wine to suit your tastes. And consider sprinkling on some red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
While shrimp scampi is delicious on its own, you can also:
- Serve over spaghetti or linguine
- Toss with thin rice noodles
- Stuff into a crusty baguette
- Top a pizza or flatbread
- Fill lettuce wraps or tacos
- Pair with asparagus, peppers or zucchini
However you choose to enjoy it, shrimp scampi offers the bright, bold flavors of Italy in one quick and satisfying dish. The Italian-American classic may not be completely authentic, but it has certainly earned its place at the table.
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