Definition of shrimp scampi

The term "shrimp scampi" is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine that originated in the early 1900s. The word itself is a combination of two Italian terms: "scampi" and "gamberi," which translates to "shrimp." The old traditional scampi dish from Italy consisted of large, raw shrimp drizzled in olive oil, garlic, and white wine, then grilled or broiled. However, in the United States, the dish evolved to serve a wider audience. Restaurant owners discovered that cooks could use frozen, precooked or canned shrimp and make it into a quick and easy sauce with butter, garlic, lemon juice, white wine, and parsley. This method resulted in more consistent cooking and a creamy, flavorful dish known as shrimp scampi. The popularity of this dish skyrocketed in the 1950s and 1960s, thanks to the proliferation of Italian-Americans, who brought their cultural food traditions to the mainstream. Shrimp scampi became a staple in American restaurants and was further reinforced by television shows and recipes printed in magazines that promoted popular Italian-American dishes. The dish's continued success could also be credited to the rise of frozen seafood options that allowed people to make it from the comfort of their homes. So, in short, the origin of the term "shrimp scampi" can be traced back to Italy's scampi dish, but the American version, cooked in butter and served with garlic, butter, and lemon juice, became a phenomenon because of its convenience and wide appeal among the masses.