Is Shrimp Scampi Gluten-Free? A Guide to Enjoying This Classic Dish Sans Gluten

As someone who needs to eat gluten-free, you may be wondering – is shrimp scampi gluten-free? The good news is that traditional shrimp scampi is naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt so you don’t have to miss out. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to enjoy delicious gluten-free shrimp scampi, from ingredient substitutions to recipe tips.

What Makes Shrimp Scampi Gluten-Free

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish of succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, butter or olive oil with lemon, parsley and white wine It’s typically served over pasta

Here’s what makes traditional shrimp scampi gluten-free

• Shrimp – Shrimp are naturally gluten-free. Make sure to use raw, fresh or frozen shrimp without added coatings or flavorings.

• Olive oil/butter – These cooking fats don’t contain gluten, Opt for light olive oil or clarified butter

• Garlic – Fresh garlic is 100% gluten-free. Pre-minced garlic in jars may have additives, so check labels.

• Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds bright flavor without gluten. Bottled is fine too.

• Parsley – Fresh or dried parsley contains no gluten. Use flat-leaf Italian parsley.

• White wine – Most wines are made gluten-free, but double check your variety.

• Salt, pepper, spices -Pure forms of these seasonings are gluten-free.

So the core ingredients that make up shrimp scampi are naturally gluten-free! Now let’s look at how to adapt the two components that may contain gluten – the pasta and thickening agents.

Gluten-Free Pasta Substitutions

Traditionally, shrimp scampi is served over a wheat pasta like spaghetti or linguine. But gluten-free pasta options make it easy to adapt this dish. Here are some excellent gluten-free pasta swaps:

• Rice noodles – Rice spaghetti or pad thai noodles have a similar thin, strand-like texture.

• Corn pasta – Corn spaghetti works well and holds its structure better than some gluten-free pastas.

• Quinoa pasta – Made from quinoa flour, it looks like wheat pasta and has more protein.

• Chickpea pasta – Chickpea flour gives this pasta a nice al dente bite.

• Zucchini noodles – For a vegetable “pasta”, use a spiralizer for gluten-free zucchini noodles.

When purchasing gluten-free pasta, check that it’s made in a dedicated facility and certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Brands like Barilla, Banza, or Jovial offer several gluten-free pasta shapes.

Thickening Agent Substitutions

Some shrimp scampi recipes use flour or breadcrumbs to thicken the sauce. To keep your scampi gluten-free, use these substitutions instead:

• Cornstarch or arrowroot – These gluten-free starches help thicken sauces when mixed with cool water. Use about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per 1 cup of liquid.

• Pureed vegetables – Blend cauliflower rice or white beans into the sauce to thicken without adding gluten.

• Coconut flour – Adds texture and thickens more than regular flour. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and add more as needed.

• Gluten-free bread crumbs – Panko-style bread crumbs made with gluten-free grains give crunch without gluten.

• Reduce liquid – Simmering the sauce longer removes moisture and naturally thickens it.

With these simple ingredient swaps, you can definitely enjoy safe and delicious gluten-free shrimp scampi!

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi

Follow these tips for fabulous gluten-free shrimp scampi every time:

• Sear shrimp briefly until opaque and cooked through – don’t overcook.

• Season shrimp well with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes for flavor.

• Sauté garlic in olive oil or butter just until fragrant – don’t let it burn.

• Add a generous amount of fresh lemon juice – it really makes the dish.

• Use low-sodium seafood stock or white wine to amplify the flavors.

• Finish sauce with a pat of butter or splash of olive oil for richness.

• Toss cooked gluten-free pasta right in the skillet to coat with sauce.

• Garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for freshness.

With these tricks, your gluten-free shrimp scampi will become an instant classic with bright, complex flavors.

Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi Recipes

Here are a few delicious recipes for gluten-free shrimp scampi to try:

Easy Stovetop Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Gluten-free pasta
• Lemon juice
• Parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. In skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil and butter.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink.
4. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper.
5. Toss cooked pasta with shrimp sauce.
6. Garnish with parsley.

Baked Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Lemon, zested and juiced
• Chicken or seafood stock
• Butter
• Salt, pepper
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Toss shrimp with oil, garlic, lemon, stock, salt and pepper.
2. Transfer to baking dish, dot with butter.
3. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
4. Bake at 400°F until shrimp are cooked through.
5. Finish with parsley.

Instant Pot Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

• Shrimp peeled and deveined
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Gluten-free pasta
• Lemon, zested and juiced
• Chicken or seafood stock
• Salt and pepper
• Parsley

Instructions:

1. Press Sauté on Instant Pot and add oil and garlic.
2. Add shrimp and cook 2 minutes.
3. Add liquid, lemon, seasonings.
4. Insert pot into liner. Cook on Manual High pressure for 2 minutes.
5. Quick release, then stir in parsley.

Make It a Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi Party!

Shrimp scampi is already a crowd-pleasing dish, but here are some ideas to turn it into a full gluten-free meal:

• For appetizers, serve shrimp cocktail, grilled shrimp skewers or shrimp with cocktail sauce.

• Make a mixed green salad with vinaigrette and add grilled shrimp on top.

• On the side, roast asparagus, Brussels sprouts or broccoli.

• For dessert, enjoy gluten-free creme brûlée, panna cotta or fruit salad.

• Pair with a gluten-free white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

With these recipes and tips, you can savor the delicious taste of gluten-free shrimp scampi guilt-free! Be sure to check all labels carefully and cook in a clean kitchen to prevent cross-contamination. I hope you enjoy this classic dish to satisfy your seafood cravings on a gluten-free diet.