Scampi Basquaise
A vibrant seafood dish with shrimp, spinach, tomatoes, and a touch of cognac, perfect for seafood lovers seeking bold flavors and a quick, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add shrimp and sauté briefly until lightly cooked.
- Add chopped shallots and cook until translucent.
- Pour in cognac and flambé until alcohol is burned off.
- Add diced tomato, green peas, white wine, and spinach leaves.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for a few minutes until spinach wilts and flavors meld.
- Sprinkle raspberry vinegar over the dish.
- Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over saffron rice or spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using homemade seafood stock instead of water when cooking the spinach. If you don't have cognac, a dry white wine can be a substitute. Fresh spinach is preferable, but you can use frozen spinach if necessary; just ensure it's well-drained. Pair your dish with saffron rice or pasta to enhance its richness, similar to serving suggestions in other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Scampi Basquaise hot over a bed of saffron rice or spaghetti for a delightful meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a balanced dining experience. For a vibrant touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This dish also complements crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture of the shrimp and prevent overcooking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scampi Basquaise contains roughly 424 calories, with 15g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and potassium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This helps in achieving a better texture and flavor. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become rubbery. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen varieties work well too if thawed properly.
What can I substitute for raspberry vinegar?
If you don't have raspberry vinegar, you can use balsamic vinegar or a splash of red wine vinegar mixed with a bit of honey for sweetness. Both will add a nice tangy flavor to the dish. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. You can also add chickpeas for protein. Maintain the same cooking method and flavors, and you’ll have a delicious veggie dish that retains the essence of Scampi Basquaise.
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).