Description
Cowboy Scampi is a smoky, garlic-infused shrimp dish that is quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cowboy seasoning blend
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Start off by taking the shrimp and patting them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a lovely sear while cooking. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the cowboy seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each shrimp is thoroughly coated to maximize flavor.
- Place your cast-iron skillet over medium heat and allow it to get heated through. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil. The combination will provide a rich, flavorful base while preventing the butter from burning.
- Once the butter is melted and bubbling slightly, add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes into the skillet. Sauté them together for about 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic turns fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. This quick cooking ensures they stay juicy and tender.
- Once the shrimp are cooked, pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, as they add fantastic flavor to the dish.
- Stir in the lemon zest and juice to brighten up the flavors. The citrus not only enhances the taste but also adds a refreshing element to the rich buttery sauce.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet, stirring it in until melted to create a luxurious, glossy sauce that coats the shrimp to perfection.
- Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the dish for a pop of color. Serve your Cowboy Scampi hot, alongside lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick—enjoy!
Notes
Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Pay attention to their color and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and broth
- Protein: 25g