Ok so 💥 Originally, scampi referred to a specific type of small crustacean – like a tiny lobster or Norway lobster (aka langoustine) found in Europe. But when Italian immigrants brought the dish to the U.S., they adapted it, using shrimp instead because it was more available. The name stuck, but the meaning shifted.
So nowww in American cooking, “shrimp scampi” usually means shrimp cooked in a garlicky butter sauce with white wine, lemon, and maybe some parsley or chili flakes.
Basically, it’s become the name for the style of cooking, not the ingredient – so if something says “scampi-style,” now you know what’s up.
The essence of shrimp scampi is that buttery, lemony, garlicky pan sauce—and I think I nailed that. Orzo was just the vehicle instead of spaghetti or bread. Honestly, using orzo made it more of a creamy, risotto-style scampi, and I sincerely rock with it. Think of it as a modern, cozy remix. The orzo soaked up that sauce like a champ 🏆. 10/10 would recommend. #shrimpscampi #dinner #seafood #quick #food