Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi

Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi is a delicious and elegant dish that combines the flavors of succulent shrimp with the salty richness of prosciutto. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic Italian dish of shrimp scampi. The addition of prosciutto adds a depth of flavor and a crispy texture that takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients

12 uncooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
0.5 cup dry white wine
0.33 cup olive oil
2 minced garlic cloves
0.25 tsp dried crushed red pepper
3 thin slices of prosciutto, each slice cut lengthwise in half and then crosswise in half
2 tbsp minced italian parsley
lemon wedges

How to prepare

Combine shrimp, wine, oil, garlic, and crushed pepper in a bowl. Toss to coat.
Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
Preheat the broiler.
Drain the shrimp, reserving the marinade.
Wrap 1 strip of prosciutto around each shrimp.
Arrange 3 shrimp in each of 4 shallow broiler-proof dishes, tucking the ends of the prosciutto strips under the shrimp.
Drizzle 1 tbsp of the marinade over the shrimp in each dish.
Broil the shrimp about 6 inches from the heat source until the prosciutto begins to crisp and the shrimp are cooked through. Watch closely to avoid burning, approximately 6 minutes.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Variations

Instead of prosciutto, you can also use bacon or pancetta to wrap the shrimp.
Add some chopped tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the marinade for a burst of freshness.
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp before broiling for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use jumbo shrimp for this recipe to ensure that they are large enough to wrap with the prosciutto.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- If you don't have access to a broiler, you can also cook the shrimp on a grill or in a hot skillet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a truly indulgent dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling the shrimp gives them a crispy exterior while keeping them tender and juicy on the inside. Make sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have prosciutto, you can use bacon or pancetta instead. You can also use chicken or scallops in place of the shrimp.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the shrimp and marinade ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator until you are ready to broil them. This dish is best served fresh, so try to cook it just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the shrimp on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation. Serve them in individual dishes for a more elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve it with a light and refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish is best served fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in a hot skillet or under the broiler until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Fats

Prosciutto is a fatty meat, so this dish is relatively high in fat. However, the fats in this dish are mostly healthy fats from olive oil.

Proteins

Shrimp is a great source of protein, making this dish a good option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. Prosciutto also contains some vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc.

Alergens

This dish contains shellfish (shrimp) and pork (prosciutto), so it may not be suitable for those with shellfish or pork allergies.

Summary

Overall, Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi is a relatively healthy dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

Summary

Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. With its combination of succulent shrimp, salty prosciutto, and zesty lemon, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always eager to learn from her.

One day, while flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my grandmother, I came across a recipe that caught my eye. It was for Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi, a dish that sounded both elegant and delicious. I had never tried anything like it before, and I knew I had to give it a shot.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she told me that it was a family favorite that had been passed down for generations. She explained to me how to prepare the dish, step by step, and I eagerly took notes, determined to recreate it myself.

The first time I made Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi, it was a hit with my family. The flavors of the salty prosciutto and the tender scampi paired perfectly together, creating a dish that was both savory and satisfying. From that moment on, it became a staple in our household, and I made it whenever we had guests over for dinner.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect the recipe, making small tweaks here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different seasonings and cooking techniques, always striving to make the dish even better than before. And each time I made Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi, it brought back memories of that first time I discovered the recipe and the joy it brought me.

Over time, I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious it was. They, too, began to make it for their own loved ones, passing it down through their own generations. And so, the recipe for Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi continued to spread, becoming a beloved dish in many households.

I like to think that each time someone makes Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi, they think of me and my grandmother, and the love and tradition that went into creating the dish. It's a reminder of the joy that cooking can bring, and the connections that food can create between people.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories I have of making Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi over the years, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that brought me so much happiness. It's a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy of cooking and the traditions that bind us together. And I hope that whoever reads this story will be inspired to try making Prosciutto-wrapped Scampi for themselves, and experience the same joy that it has brought me.