What To Know
- Serve your grilled scampi with a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Add your grilled scampi to a bed of pasta primavera for a light and refreshing meal.
- If the flame gets too hot, move the scampi to a cooler part of the grill.
Grilling is a beloved summer pastime, offering a chance to enjoy fresh air, good company, and delicious food. While burgers, hot dogs, and steaks are classic grilling staples, why not expand your culinary horizons with something a bit more refined? Scampi, with its delicate flavor and tender texture, is a fantastic choice for the grill, and surprisingly easy to master. Today, we’re diving into the world of grilling scampi, providing a step-by-step guide to help you create a truly impressive meal.
Choosing the Right Scampi
Before we get into the grilling process, let’s talk about the star of the show: the scampi. Scampi is actually a type of shrimp, specifically the “sweet shrimp” or “langoustine.” You can find fresh scampi at your local seafood market or grocery store, and if you’re lucky, you might even find it already peeled and deveined.
When choosing scampi, look for:
- Freshness: The scampi should have a fresh, slightly sweet aroma and firm, translucent flesh.
- Size: Scampi typically ranges in size from small to large. For grilling, medium-sized scampi is ideal, as it cooks evenly and provides a good bite.
- Color: The shell should be a vibrant reddish-brown color, indicating freshness.
Prepping Your Scampi for Grilling
Once you have your scampi, it’s time to prepare them for grilling. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Clean and Devein: If you’re using whole scampi, you’ll need to clean and devein them. This involves removing the digestive tract, which can have a bitter taste. You can do this using a sharp knife or a skewer.
2. Marinate: While not necessary, marinating your scampi adds flavor and moisture. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, or get creative with your own blend.
3. Skewering: If you’re using smaller scampi, you can thread them onto skewers for easier grilling. This also prevents them from falling through the grill grates.
4. Seasoning: Season your scampi generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder for a bit of heat.
The Grilling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your scampi is prepped, it’s time to fire up the grill!
1. Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want the grill grates to be hot enough to sear the scampi without burning them.
2. Oil the Grill Grates: Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Scampi: Place your scampi on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and cooked through. If you’re using skewers, rotate them halfway through the cooking time.
4. Check for Doneness: To ensure your scampi is fully cooked, check for a firm texture and an opaque color. The shrimp should be pink and have a slight curl to them.
Serving Your Grilled Scampi
Once your scampi is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
- Simple and Classic: Serve your grilled scampi with a squeeze of lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Top your scampi with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce. You can make this sauce from scratch by melting butter with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Pasta Primavera: Add your grilled scampi to a bed of pasta primavera for a light and refreshing meal.
- Grilled Skewers: If you’ve skewered your scampi, serve them on a bed of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Scampi
Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfectly grilled scampi every time:
- Don’t Overcook: Scampi cooks quickly, so it’s important not to overcook it. Overcooked scampi will be tough and rubbery.
- Watch the Flame: Keep a close eye on your grill to ensure the heat is consistent. If the flame gets too hot, move the scampi to a cooler part of the grill.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For extra peace of mind, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your scampi. The safe internal temperature for shrimp is 145°F (63°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Allow your grilled scampi to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful shrimp.
A Culinary Journey Beyond the Ordinary
Grilling scampi is a fantastic way to elevate your summer grilling game. It’s a dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, offering a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your guests. With a little practice and these tips, you’ll be grilling perfect scampi in no time.
Scampi on the Grill: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill frozen scampi?
A: While it’s possible to grill frozen scampi, it’s not recommended. Frozen scampi will take longer to cook and may not be as flavorful as fresh scampi.
Q: What are some good marinades for scampi?
A: Some popular marinades for scampi include:
- Lemon-Garlic: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs like parsley or oregano.
- Spicy Citrus: Olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger.
- Mediterranean: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Q: How long should I grill scampi?
A: The grilling time for scampi will vary depending on the size of the shrimp and the heat of your grill. Generally, you can expect to grill scampi for 2-3 minutes per side.
Q: Can I grill scampi with other seafood?
A: Absolutely! Grilled scampi pairs well with other seafood like salmon, tuna, or swordfish. You can create a delicious seafood platter with grilled scampi, grilled fish, and grilled vegetables.
