National Shrimp Scampi Day

Apr 28, 2026 | Food Blog

National Shrimp Scampi Day is celebrated on April 29th every year, and it’s the perfect occasion to indulge in a delicious seafood dish that’s packed with flavor. Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian-American dish that combines succulent shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine, and it’s typically served over pasta. Shrimp scampi is a popular choice for a variety of occasions, from family dinners to date nights, and it’s a favorite among seafood lovers around the world.

Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian American dish. The history of shrimp scampi can be traced back to Italy, where it was originally known as “scampi alla griglia,” which translates to “grilled scampi.” The oldest published recipe for shrimp scampi or scampi alla griglia is believed to be a recipe published in the Italian cookbook, Il Cuoco Galante, in 1773.

The dish is believed to have originated in Sicily and was likely inspired by a similar Italian dish known as scampi al burro. The dish was first introduced to the United States in the 1950s by Italian immigrants in Italian American restaurants, and it quickly became a popular item on the menu. In the original version, shrimp were sautéed with garlic, butter and white wine.

Today, In the United States, shrimp scampi is a popular dish, with an estimated 15 million pounds of shrimp consumed in the US annually. Shrimp scampi is also a popular dish around the world. It is often served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Many variations of the dish have been created, including adding herbs and spices, such as red pepper flakes, oregano, and parsley. Other ingredients, such as lemon juice, capers, and tomatoes, have also been added to the dish to create different flavor profiles.

 

Here are some fun facts about shrimp scampi:

  • Shrimp scampi can be made with a variety of seafood, including prawns and langoustines, but shrimp is the most commonly used ingredient.
  • Shrimp scampi is often served over pasta, but it can also be served with bread or rice.
  • The word “scampi” is often used to refer to large prawns in the United Kingdom, but in Italy, it refers to a type of small lobster.
  • Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy dish to prepare, and it can be made in under 20 minutes.
  • Shrimp scampi is a popular choice for seafood lovers who want a dish that’s packed with flavor but not too heavy or filling.

 

Here is a recipe that we think you will love. It’s based off of the original recipe for scampi alla griglia published in Italy in 1773. This one has really stood the test of time.

Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Ingredients:

-1 lb of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

-3 tablespoons of olive oil

-3 cloves of garlic, minced

-1/4 cup of white wine

-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice

-2 tablespoons of butter

-1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

-1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

-Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Add the shrimp and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Add the white wine, lemon juice, butter, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, until the shrimp is cooked through and the sauce is slightly thickened.
  6. Serve over hot cooked pasta or rice. Enjoy!

 

We love feedback and comments. If you are planning on celebrating National Shrimp Scampi Day or if you have a funny story about shrimp scampi, we would love to hear about it. Feel free to post that in the comments.

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