Scampi Alla "Fireman Chef"(Makes 8 First-Course Servings)
Succulent large prawns cooked in garlic, green onions, white wine, and lemon juice, finished with fresh parsley, offering a flavorful seafood dish perfect for elegant starters.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. large prawns, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- 1/3 cup clarified butter
- 4 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- juice of 1 lemon (about 2 Tbsp.) ⓘ
- 8 large sprigs parsley, finely chopped ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- lemon slices and parsley sprigs, for garnish ⓘ
Instructions
- Rinse prawns and set aside.
- Heat clarified butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until softened but not browned.
- Add prawns, green onions, white wine, and lemon juice.
- Cook until prawns turn pink and firm, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
- Do not overcook.
- Just before serving, add chopped parsley and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Serve on individual shell-shaped or small gratin dishes, garnished with lemon slices and parsley sprigs.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh prawns and avoid overcooking them, as they can become rubbery. If you don't have clarified butter, regular unsalted butter can work, but be careful not to let it brown. You can also substitute the dry white wine with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for a non-alcoholic version. This dish is perfect for those seeking delightful Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve scampi with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a heartier meal. It pairs beautifully with Antipasto Salad(From The Simply Italian Recipe Book) for a refreshing contrast. For a complete spread, consider offering a light dessert like lemon sorbet after this flavorful dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as this can overcook the prawns.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scampi Alla "Fireman Chef"(Makes 8 First-Course Servings) contains roughly 473 calories, with 13g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 837mg per serving (36% 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 prawns for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and absorb the flavors. Cook time may be slightly longer, so check for doneness as they turn pink.
What can I substitute for green onions?
If you don’t have green onions, you can use finely chopped shallots or regular onions as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to taste, as shallots have a milder flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can also add a nice touch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
While this recipe is centered around prawns, you can create a vegetarian version by substituting the prawns with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add a variety of vegetables, like bell peppers or asparagus, for a flavorful seafood alternative.
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).