National Shrimp Scampi Day

The story

The term ”scampi“ can be a bit confusing, as it refers to Nephrops Norvegicus, also known as the Norway lobster, in some regions, while in the United States, it's commonly associated with shrimp when served in Italian-American cuisine. Interestingly, in the UK, it's served battered and fried as a form of fish-and-chips. However, the American Scampi, with its enticing blend of shrimp, garlic, butter, and wine, stands as the epitome of this delectable dish.

While shrimp have been featured in various dishes throughout the Mediterranean for thousands of years, it wasn't until the early 20th century that the unique combination of shrimp, olive oil, butter, garlic, and white wine came together to form shrimp scampi. This dish, likely prepared for several years before its debut, was first documented in an American cookbook published in 1920. It was a delectable recipe that laid the foundation for the Italian version of scampi, which would later become immensely popular after World War II.

Facts About Shrimp Scampi: -UK versions of this recipe feature battered Norway lobster deep-fried. -Italian versions are paired with black pepper and linguine. -California scampi often incorporates marjoram and sage.

-The word ”scampi“ itself means shrimp, making ”shrimp scampi“ a bit of a redundancy. -Some shrimp species can glow in the dark, adding an extra layer of intrigue to these aquatic creatures. National Shrimp Scampi Day is your chance to savor this delectable dish that's adored by many.

It's a celebration of culinary excellence and the love of shrimp, with Americans consuming over a billion pounds of shrimp every year. This day is a delightful opportunity to savor the flavors of butter, garlic, wine, and, of course, succulent shrimp.