If you’re looking for an indulgent yet simple seafood dish, this creamy garlic scampi recipe is a must-try!
Creamy Garlic Scampi Recipe: A Perfect Prawn Appetiser for Any Occasion
If you love seafood and want to impress your guests (or treat yourself), this creamy garlic scampi is the perfect dish! It’s indulgent, bursting with fresh flavours, and incredibly easy to prepare. The combination of garlic, cream, and cheese creates a decadent sauce that complements the natural sweetness of prawns, making this recipe a hit for any occasion.
This dish is all about balance. The rich and creamy sauce is made with a few simple ingredients like butter, fresh cream, garlic, and cheese, but when combined, they create an irresistible flavour profile. The prawns are baked to perfection, tender and juicy, soaking up all the creamy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or just craving something luxurious, this recipe is a go-to.
The best part? It’s ready in just 15 minutes. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time. Plus, the creamy garlic scampi pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rolls, or even over a bed of pasta or rice. You can serve it as an appetiser or make it part of a larger seafood spread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick and Easy: Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something impressive.
– Versatile: Can be served as an appetiser, side dish, or even a main course.
– Rich and Creamy: The sauce is packed with garlic and cheesy goodness.
– Perfect for Entertaining: Looks fancy but is so simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 6 large prawns shell-on for added flavour, deveined
- 2 tablespoons grated cheese mozzarella or parmesan
- 1 teaspoon plain flour
- 1/4 cup fresh cream
- 1 heaped teaspoon butter
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic freshly minced for best flavour
- 1/3 cup milk full cream for extra richness
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. This step releases the garlic’s full aroma and flavour.
- Stir in the flour to form a roux. The mixture should have a smooth consistency. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and a teaspoon of chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, herby note that complements the creamy sauce.
- Stir in the fresh cream and mix well. Add a tablespoon of grated cheese and let it melt into the sauce, making it even creamier.
- Prepare an escargot dish or small baking dish. Place the prawns in the dish and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over each prawn, making sure they are well coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the prawns turn pink and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Scampi
- – Use Fresh Prawns: Fresh prawns will give you the best flavour. If you’re using frozen prawns, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
- – Don’t Skip the Roux: The flour and butter mixture (roux) is key to thickening the sauce. Be sure to cook it for a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- – Choose the Right Cheese: A strong cheese like parmesan or a melty one like mozzarella works best. Feel free to experiment based on your preference.
- – Bake Until Just Done: Prawns cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.
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Notes
Serving Suggestions
This creamy garlic scampi is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to make the most out of this dish:
– With Fresh Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all that creamy, garlicky sauce.
– Over Pasta: Toss the baked prawns and sauce with linguine or spaghetti for a comforting meal.
– As a Topping for Rice: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice.
– With a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a fresh, crisp green salad.
– As Part of a Seafood Platter: Pair with grilled calamari, mussels, or a seafood pasta for a show-stopping main course. Variations and Substitutions – Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red chilli flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
– Herb Twist: Swap out parsley for fresh basil or dill for a different flavour profile.
– Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of cream, and opt for a lower-fat cheese if you prefer a lighter version.
– Add Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the prawns before baking for a zesty kick. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use other seafood instead of prawns?
Yes! This creamy garlic sauce pairs well with scallops, lobster, or even crab meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the seafood is perfectly cooked. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to prevent the sauce from splitting. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce and clean the prawns ahead of time. Assemble the dish just before baking for the freshest results.
– Over Pasta: Toss the baked prawns and sauce with linguine or spaghetti for a comforting meal.
– As a Topping for Rice: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice.
– With a Side Salad: Balance the richness of the dish with a fresh, crisp green salad.
– As Part of a Seafood Platter: Pair with grilled calamari, mussels, or a seafood pasta for a show-stopping main course. Variations and Substitutions – Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red chilli flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
– Herb Twist: Swap out parsley for fresh basil or dill for a different flavour profile.
– Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half instead of cream, and opt for a lower-fat cheese if you prefer a lighter version.
– Add Lemon: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the prawns before baking for a zesty kick. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use other seafood instead of prawns?
Yes! This creamy garlic sauce pairs well with scallops, lobster, or even crab meat. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the seafood is perfectly cooked. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven to prevent the sauce from splitting. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the creamy garlic sauce and clean the prawns ahead of time. Assemble the dish just before baking for the freshest results.