Shrimp Scampi for Two

ArnieM · November 21, 2009, 04:13:16 PM

I'm smoking beef tomorrow but needed something quick and simple for tonight. It helps to clean the freezer out.

Shrimp Scampi with flavored Basmati rice and asparagus.

The shrimp:
10 X-Large shrimp (that's all that was left) thawed.
A bunch of fresh finely chopped garlic.
A pinch of dried onion flakes.
A pinch of Italian seasoning.
3 TBS Olive oil.
2 TBS unsalted butter.
A few hot pepper flakes.

Put everything in a cast iron pan and just heat on low to infuse the oil with flavor. Here's the shrimp pan:

I have to give credit to my sous chef here. She chopped up the garlic and peeled the shrimp. She likes garlic ;D

The rice:
1/3 cup Basmati (only 2 of us)
Garlic and onion in oil, same deal as the shrimp. Let it infuse.

Add one crumbled Knorr's Chipotle bullion cube - NO added salt.

Turn up the heat on the rice pot. Add the rice and stir. I like it kinda toasted.
Add a little less than 2/3 cup water. I've found Basmati does better qith less than the traditional 2:1 water:rice mix.
Bring to a boil. Turn down to low and simmer for 18 minutes.

The rice before the water:

Preheat the broiler. I've done these both on the stove top and the broiler. I prefer them broiled. I dunno - maybe the dry heat. They'll go on a rack 4-5 inches from the broiler.

Everybody in the pool. Toss to coat.

Oh yeah. Get the asparagus into some lightly salted boiling water. Probably 3-4 minutes.

When the shrimp get orange, pull the pan and turn 'em. Put 'em back for another couple of minutes.

They come out looking like this.

Finally, plate it up. A little of the shrimp oil and garlic on the rice.

I love smoking but sometimes just don't have the time or the materials on hand. Has anyone smoked up some shrimp?

jaredpost · November 21, 2009, 04:30:45 PM

That looks really good. Don't think 5 shrimp would fill me up, good apetizer though.

ArnieM · November 21, 2009, 04:42:06 PM

Quote from: jaredpost on November 21, 2009, 04:30:45 PM
That looks really good. Don't think 5 shrimp would fill me up, good apetizer though.

I know what you mean jared, but that's all that was left. Maybe I can sneak a pulled pork sammie later tonight. ;D ;D

ronbeaux · November 21, 2009, 04:59:37 PM

Loved it!!

ArnieM · November 21, 2009, 05:52:12 PM

It wasn't much to eat but it was tasty. I like a plate that looks appetizing but I'm not fancy.

I watch the cooking shows. Iron Chef, original and the U.S. version, Chopped et al.

They bring out an entree - two sea scallops on a green leaf of something with some julienne carrots on top with a sprinkle of Foo Foo sauce surrounding it. The comments are: "That's too large a portion". Hey, where's the beef??!!!

HawkeyeSmokes · November 21, 2009, 06:00:24 PM

Dang it Arnie, nest time make twice as much, invite me over and it's dinner for three!. I could eat a bunch of that. Looks awesome.

seemore · November 21, 2009, 07:05:05 PM

Better make a lot more, so that that the Mrs and I can come over along with HawkI!!!
That looks amazing!
We have friends who RAVE about basmati rice; guess we will have to try that now.........

ArnieM · November 21, 2009, 07:58:23 PM

Hawkeye, June and Scott - you're all welcome. If you get to this part of the country, give me an hour's notice and we'll have a party.

The rice. My wife gets big bags of Basmati, probably from Costco. It's a flavorful, non-sticky rice, long grain. Just don't use too much liquid or overcook it. I also do 'sticky' rice for Sushi or stuffed grape leaves (Yum).

Rice, thousands or maybe even hundreds of varieties are staples on this planet. ;D It's worthwhile to learn how to use them.

hal4uk · November 21, 2009, 08:55:54 PM

I see y'all ain't "shy" with the garlic..
Looks great!

Tenpoint5 · November 21, 2009, 09:35:03 PM

Quote from: hal4uk on November 21, 2009, 08:55:54 PM
I see y'all ain't "shy" with the garlic..
Looks great!

What you trying to say that you can use too much garlic. Whodda thunkit

Skrimps look awsome Arnie!!

hal4uk · November 21, 2009, 09:49:57 PM

Not at all TP...
Dynamite can be overused, but never garlic.

pensrock · November 22, 2009, 07:38:07 AM

Looks really good, next time throw a splash of white wine in the pan. :)

ArnieM · November 22, 2009, 09:08:21 AM

Quote from: pensrock on November 22, 2009, 07:38:07 AM
Looks really good, next time throw a splash of white wine in the pan. :)

Actually, there was. I just forgot to mention it. Pinot Grigio.

Y'all have an open invite if you're up this way. We'll cook something up. I have a guest room. It might sleep four VERY friendly people. ;D