Harissa shrimp scampi is still about the garlicy butter sauce, but it comes with heat and spice due to the addition of harissa. Done in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious dish!
This harissa shrimp scampi amps up traditional shrimp scampi with spice and heat and is sure to please spice and shrimp lovers!
Of course, it includes all the ingredients that make shrimp scampi so special including butter, garlic, olive oil, white wine and shrimp. The addition of harissa adds more than just heat though, it packs in flavor since it’s made with roasted red peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander and more.
And it’s just as easy to make as regular shrimp scampi and is done in 10 minutes
This harissa shrimp scampi can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. You can either serve over low-carb noodles or riced cauliflower or with a variety of side dishes. Hard to go wrong with this dish!
What is Harissa?
If you’re not familiar with harissa, it’s a spicy North African red chili paste made from a variety of herbs and spices like roasted red peppers, garlic paste, cumin, coriander and olive oil.
Harissa is an ideal pantry staple since it’s full of flavor and can be used to spice meats (be sure to try this yummy harissa chicken), fish and vegetables. You can also add it to soups, tagines or stews to kick up the heat and depth of flavor.
Key Ingredients
Shrimp: You can use frozen or fresh large shrimp in this dish. We use peeled, deveined and tail-on shrimp, but you can purchase shrimp without the tail for easier eating. If frozen, thaw shrimp according to bag instructions.
White wine: Most dry, white wines will work in this recipe including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Wine adds a complex flavor that you can’t get with a broth. If you must, you could replace with a low-sodium chicken broth.
Harissa: We use Mina Harissa, a well-known brand that uses clean and simple ingredients and is only 1 net carb per tablespoon. Some harissa brands have more net carbs than others. Be sure to check the ingredients and avoid getting any with added sugar. When it comes to net carbs, we recommending sticking to 1 gram of net carbs per tablespoon (and not teaspoon).
Garlic: We use 3 cloves of garlic, but feel free to add a few more if you like
Lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens up this dish and is a must!
Parsley: Although parsley optional, it adds a fresh herby which livens up the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds to a minute — be careful not to brown).
STEP 2: Add wine, harissa, and few pinches of salt and pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes to cook down wine.
STEP 3: Next, add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes.
STEP 4: Remove from heat and top with a few squeezes of lemon juice and chopped, fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
How to Serve
There are a number of ways to serve this harissa shrimp scampi, including
More Shrimp Recipes
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Recipe
Harissa Shrimp Scampi
Harissa shrimp scampi is still about the garlicy butter sauce, but it comes with heat and spice due to the addition of harissa.
Instructions
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Make sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds to a minute — be careful not to brown). Add wine, harissa, and few pinches of salt and pepper. Let simmer for 2 minutes to cook down wine.
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Cook shrimp: Next, add shrimp and cook until opaque, about 3 minutes.
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Finish and serve: Remove from heat and top with a few squeezes of lemon juice and chopped, fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 321.3kcalCarbohydrates: 2.7gProtein: 30.8gFat: 18.3gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 260.7mgSodium: 227mgFiber: 0gSugar: 0.4gNet Carbs: 2.7gProtein Percentage: 38%
