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Chili Crisp Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. medium shrimp shelled and deveined
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro plus more for garnish
  • 2 shallots sliced thinly and fried
  • 6 cloves garlic chopped
  • 4 tsp chili crisp
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 c. lemon juice
  • 12 oz. spaghetti
  • 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
  • 1/4 c. olive oil
  • 4 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/2 c. white wine

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup cooking water.
  2. While pasta cooks, mince 3 of the garlic cloves (about 1 tablespoon) and place them in a large bowl along with shrimp, 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 teaspoon chili crisp, and 1 teaspoon of the salt; toss to combine. Let stand for 15 minutes.
  3. Thinly slice remaining 3 garlic cloves (about 1 tablespoon); set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high until sizzling. Add shrimp and cook, stirring often, until shrimp are almost cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to a large plate leaving butter mixture in skillet. Add sliced garlic and remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet and cook over medium-high, stirring constantly, until garlic is softened and some slices are lightly browned, about 1 minute. Add wine and bring to a simmer over medium-high. Simmer, stirring occasionally, to burn off some of the alcohol, and sauce is just slightly reduced, 1 to 2 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in lemon juice, sugar, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter, 3 teaspoons chili crunch, and 1/2 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, until sugar is melted, about 1 minute. (I added in 1/2 teaspoon each chili powder and paprika.)
  5. Add cooked pasta, reserved shrimp, and cilantro; toss to coat in sauce. Toss in reserved pasta cooking water 1/4 cup at a time to desired consistency. Season to taste with additional salt and chili crunch to taste.
  6. Divide pasta evenly among 4 bowls; garnish with crispy shallots and cilantro.
  7. To make crispy shallots, put the thinly sliced shallots in a small skillet with oil you have heated. Stir and watch closely so they don't burn until they are crisp and drain on paper towels.

Recipe Notes

Recipe adapted from Food and Wine magazine.