Low-Fat Shrimp Scampi
A flavorful low-fat shrimp scampi featuring garlic, lemon, and parsley, perfect for a light, satisfying meal that pairs well with bread or rice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Remove shells from shrimp, leaving shell on tail section only.
- Devein, wash under running water, and drain on paper towels.
- Spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with a nonfat cooking spray.
- Blend together liquid Butter Buds, lite salt, garlic, and 2 tablespoons parsley.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Turn the shrimp over.
- Sprinkle with lemon peel, lemon juice, and remaining parsley.
- Bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until just tender.
- Arrange cooked shrimp over rice.
- Pour garlic-Butter Buds mixture over the shrimp.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using fresh garlic instead of jarred for a more robust flavor. If you don't have Butter Buds, you can substitute with a light butter or olive oil. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick. If you prefer a bit more texture, serve over a bed of sautéed spinach. This recipe can be easily adapted to incorporate seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy white rice or whole grain for a wholesome meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a complete experience, consider serving with garlic bread or a light appetizer like Littlenecks Steamed In Garlic And Oil. A chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Shrimp Scampi contains roughly 171 calories, with 5g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking. This helps to achieve a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, it's best to let them sit in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for quicker thawing.
Is it necessary to devein the shrimp?
Deveining shrimp is recommended as it removes the digestive tract, which can be gritty in texture. While it’s not harmful to eat, it enhances the overall dining experience. If you're short on time, some markets sell pre-deveined shrimp, which can save you preparation time.
What can I substitute for the lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice on hand, you can use lime juice or even a splash of white wine for acidity. For a sweeter twist, a small amount of orange juice can also work, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly. Adjust the amount to taste, especially if you prefer a milder citrus note.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).