Zesty Garlic Scampi Recipe: Your Go-To Dinner Delight

Seafood lovers adore this classic scampi recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen.

Succulent shrimp dance in a fragrant butter and garlic sauce, creating an irresistible aroma.

Delicate herbs and a splash of white wine elevate every single bite.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an elegant meal that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions feel instantly more luxurious with this dish.

Crisp bread becomes the perfect companion for soaking up the delectable sauce.

Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this quick and mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Why People Love James Martin Scampi Recipe

• Craft Crispy Perfection: This recipe transforms simple langoustines into a golden, crunchy delight with a light, airy batter that creates an irresistible crunch in every bite.
• Master Homemade Sauce: Creating your own zesty lemon mayo elevates the dish, offering a tangy, creamy complement that takes the scampi from good to restaurant-quality.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, this recipe impresses guests with minimal cooking skills required, delivering a professional-looking meal that tastes incredibly delicious.
• Simple Ingredient Magic: Using just a few basic pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy seafood dish that feels like a gourmet treat without complicated techniques.

James Martin Scampi Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

• Flour: A light and airy base that creates a crispy coating for the langoustines.
• Fizzy Water: Adds lightness and creates a crisp texture to the batter.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scampi coating.

• Langoustines: Delicate and sweet shellfish that serves as the star of this classic dish.

• Egg Yolks: Provides a rich and creamy base for the homemade mayonnaise.
• Mustard: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor to the mayo.
• Vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates a smooth and thick consistency for the mayonnaise.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Introduces a fresh, citrusy flavor to the mayo.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons the mayonnaise to enhance its taste.

• Cooking Oil: Used for deep-frying the battered langoustines to golden perfection.

How To Cook James Martin Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up a Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Sparkling water
• Pinch of salt

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, ensuring a delicate texture that will crisp up beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Sizzling Frying Station

Get your deep pan or fryer ready by heating oil to the perfect golden-brown temperature. Use a cooking thermometer to confirm the oil reaches the ideal frying point for a crisp exterior.

Step 3: Transform Langoustines into Crispy Delights

Carefully dunk each langoustine into the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage. Gently lower the battered seafood into the hot oil, allowing them to cook until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Watch closely and fry for approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Craft a Zesty Creamy Companion

• Egg yolks
• Dijon mustard
• White wine vinegar

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth base.

Step 5: Build the Silky Mayo Sauce

Slowly drizzle oil into the egg mixture while continuously whisking. The sauce will gradually thicken and become luxuriously smooth. Maintain a steady hand and consistent whisking motion.

Step 6: Elevate the Flavor Profile

• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Pinch of salt
• Crack of black pepper

Stir these elements into the creamy sauce, creating a bright and tangy complement to the crispy langoustines.

Step 7: Present Your Culinary Masterpiece

Arrange the golden, crispy langoustines on a warm plate. Serve alongside the vibrant lemon mayo, inviting diners to dip and savor every delectable bite.

Helpful Cooking Tips For James Martin Scampi Recipe

• Batter Brilliance: Use chilled sparkling water for an extra crispy, light coating that stays crunchy longer.
• Oil Temperature Precision: Monitor oil heat with a thermometer to ensure perfect golden-brown scampi without burning.
• Mayo Magic: Whisk mayo ingredients at room temperature to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy texture.
• Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality langoustines for the most delicate and sweet flavor profile.
• Serving Suggestion: Drain fried scampi on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain optimal crispiness.

Fun Variations For James Martin Scampi Recipe

• Gluten-Free Scampi: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Herb-Infused Seafood Option: Add chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives to batter for enhanced herbal flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Seafood Alternative: Swap batter for almond flour coating or use crushed pork rinds as a crunchy, protein-rich breading.
• Baked Lighter Version: Skip deep-frying and coat scampi in seasoned breadcrumbs, then bake at 400F for a healthier preparation method.

Perfect Matches For James Martin Scampi Recipe

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Bright, zesty sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich, crispy scampi with its citrusy notes, enhancing the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Rustic Herb Salad Companion: Fresh mixed greens with dill, parsley, and chives create a light, refreshing side that balances the deep-fried scampi's heaviness.
• Tangy Slaw Sidekick: Crunchy cabbage slaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of mustard provides a sharp, acidic contrast to the golden, crisp seafood.
• Craft Beer Match: Crisp, hoppy pilsner or wheat beer complements the scampi's texture, cleansing the palate with its effervescent and light character.

Storing James Martin Scampi Recipe Made Easy

• Store leftover scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Separate the mayo to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap cooled scampi tightly in freezer-safe wrap or container. Keep frozen for 1 month. Avoid freezing mayo.
• Place scampi on baking sheet at 180C for 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle water to prevent drying out. Crisp up briefly under broiler.
• Warm scampi at 160C for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating. Restore crispiness quickly.

Your Questions On James Martin Scampi Recipe

• What is the ideal temperature for frying scampi?

The ideal temperature is 180°C, which ensures a crispy golden exterior and properly cooked interior.

• How do I know when the scampi is perfectly fried?

Look for a golden-brown color and crispy texture, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes of frying.

• Can I use regular water instead of fizzy water for the batter?

Fizzy water helps create a lighter, crispier batter, so it’s recommended to use carbonated water for the best results.

• What makes the mayo special in this recipe?

The mayo is homemade with egg yolks, mustard, vinegar, and oil, creating a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the crispy scampi.

Scampi Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Luxurious Italian-American Shrimp Scampi dances with garlic, butter, and white wine, creating a Mediterranean symphony of flavors. Succulent prawns nestle in a silky sauce, inviting you to savor each delectable bite alongside crusty bread.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) raw peeled langoustines

Batter Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) self-raising flour
• 250 milliliters (8.45 fluid ounces) fizzy water
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
• 200 milliliters (6.76 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a light, airy batter by combining flour, carbonated water, and a pinch of salt until smooth and free of lumps.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to precisely 180°C, ensuring consistent temperature for optimal frying.
3. Carefully coat each langoustine in the prepared batter, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Gently lower battered langoustines into hot oil, frying for approximately 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden, crispy exterior.
5. Remove fried scampi using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
6. Create a zesty mayonnaise by whisking egg yolks with Dijon mustard and white wine vinegar in a smooth, consistent motion.
7. Gradually incorporate oil into the egg mixture, continuously whisking to emulsify and create a thick, creamy consistency.
8. Enhance the mayo with freshly grated lemon zest, a splash of lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Plate the crispy, golden scampi immediately while hot, accompanied by the tangy lemon mayonnaise for dipping.

Notes

• Ensure the batter is light and airy by using chilled sparkling water for extra crispiness.
• Maintain oil temperature consistently at 180C to achieve perfectly golden, non-greasy scampi.
• Pat langoustines dry before battering to help the coating stick and prevent splattering.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with rice or cornstarch flour blend.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 1045 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 70 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 60 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 570 mg