Sleeper Ina Garten Recipe

Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, is known for her simple yet elegant recipes that make home cooking feel special. One of her most famous “sleeper” recipes—those that are surprisingly impressive and always crowd-pleasers—is her “Baked Shrimp Scampi.” This recipe has all the flavors of the classic shrimp scampi, but it’s baked in the oven, making it even easier to prepare for a dinner party or family meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and a touch of white wine all combined in one dish for a savory, satisfying meal. The ease of prep and the elegance of the flavors make this a perfect choice for an effortless yet stunning dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

Ina’s Baked Shrimp Scampi doesn’t require a lot of work but yields big, bold flavors. The shrimp cook in a buttery, garlicky sauce with just the right amount of seasoning, making it a simple yet elegant meal.

2. Perfect for Entertaining

This dish is perfect for gatherings. It looks impressive when served, and it’s easy to make in large batches. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, this shrimp scampi will wow your guests.

3. No Need to Babysit the Stove

Unlike traditional shrimp scampi, which involves pan-frying the shrimp, this version is baked. This means less active time spent at the stove and more time to relax with your guests or prep other parts of the meal.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the level of garlic, add herbs like parsley or basil, or even make it spicier with a pinch of red pepper flakes. It’s a very forgiving recipe that you can tailor to your tastes.

5. Decadent Without Being Heavy

The richness of the garlic butter sauce combined with shrimp’s natural sweetness is satisfying, yet it doesn’t feel too heavy, making it a great choice for a light but flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• Large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Lemon (zested and juiced)
• White wine (dry)
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Bread crumbs (for topping)

Variations

• Add Pasta: Serve the baked shrimp scampi over a bed of cooked pasta like spaghetti or linguine for a full meal.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes to increase the heat and give the dish a bit more of a kick.
• Use Different Seafood: Substitute the shrimp with scallops or a mix of shellfish like lobster or crab for a more luxurious take on the recipe.
• Herb Substitutes: You can experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in the baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer so that they cook evenly.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic). Stir in white wine, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 3 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Pour the Sauce Over the Shrimp

Pour the garlic butter sauce over the shrimp in the baking dish, making sure the shrimp are well-coated.

Step 5: Add Breadcrumbs and Bake

Top the shrimp with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a bit of chopped fresh parsley. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and golden on top.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the shrimp scampi from the oven and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges, a sprinkle of parsley, and your favorite side, such as rice, pasta, or a crusty baguette.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, which can make them tough.
• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can also be used. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Breadcrumbs: If you want a little extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs, which will give a light, crispy topping.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the shrimp and garlic butter sauce a day ahead, then just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve

This baked shrimp scampi is delicious served over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce. Pair it with a light green salad and a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp may lose some of their texture, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing

While freezing shrimp scampi is not recommended because shrimp can become rubbery when frozen, you can freeze the garlic butter sauce. If you choose to freeze, store the sauce in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of white wine or water to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp work just fine. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance and bake it just before serving, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

3. What can I serve with shrimp scampi?

Shrimp scampi is great served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.

4. Can I use another type of seafood?

Yes, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops, lobster, or a seafood mix, though cooking times may vary depending on the seafood used.

5. How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?

Be sure to watch the shrimp closely as they bake. They cook quickly, and you’ll know they’re done when they’re pink and opaque.

6. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add extra red pepper flakes or even some cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.

7. Can I use a different wine?

If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute for the sauce.

8. Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free alternative if needed.

9. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus to the baking dish along with the shrimp for a more well-rounded meal.

10. Can I use a different type of fat for cooking?

If you prefer, you can use ghee or vegetable oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Baked Shrimp Scampi is a sleeper recipe that combines simplicity with elegance. It’s a deliciously easy dish that will impress any guest or satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, comfort-filled meal. The ease of preparation and versatility makes it a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides, and you’ll have a meal that feels special without all the fuss.

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