Grilled Scottish Scampi with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

Introduction

There is something undeniably elegant about Scottish Scampi, often referred to as langoustines, especially when prepared over the intense, searing heat of a grill. Unlike standard shrimp, these delicacies offer a sweeter, more delicate meat that demands respect and simplicity in its preparation. Grilling them brings out a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements their natural sweetness, creating a culinary experience that feels both rustic and luxurious. The magic of this dish lies not in a complex list of ingredients, but in the alchemy of high-quality seafood meeting fire.

By utilizing a flat-top grill or a cast-iron surface, you ensure that the delicate meat sears beautifully without falling apart or losing its precious juices. The lemon garlic butter sauce acts as the perfect conductor of flavor, seeping into the split shells and basting the meat as it cooks. Whether you are hosting an alfresco summer dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet weeknight meal, this recipe transports you straight to the Scottish coast. It is a celebration of fresh produce, open-fire cooking, and the timeless combination of citrus, fats, and the ocean's bounty.

Ingredients

The Seafood

• 12-16 Fresh Scottish Scampi (Langoustines), whole and shell-on
• 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper

The Lemon Garlic Butter

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced
• 1 large Lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/2 tsp Red Chili Flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Scampi

1. Rinse the scampi under cold water and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents a good sear.
2. Place the scampi on a cutting board, back side up. Using a sharp knife or kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the shell from the head to the tail, but do not cut all the way through the meat.
3. Gently pry the shell open to butterfly the scampi, exposing the meat while keeping it attached to the shell. Remove the dark vein if visible.
4. Brush the exposed meat lightly with olive oil and season generously with sea salt and cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill and Sauce

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an Arteflame or flat-top grill, ensure the cooktop is seasoned and hot.
2. While the grill heats, prepare the sauce. Place a small heat-safe saucepan directly on the grill surface.
3. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and chili flakes, letting them sizzle for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
5. Remove from the direct high heat, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and half of the chopped parsley. Keep warm on a cooler edge of the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Scampi

1. Place the scampi flesh-side down on the hot grill surface. Press down gently to ensure good contact for a sear.
2. Grill for approximately 2-3 minutes until the meat turns opaque and develops a golden-brown crust.
3. Flip the scampi over so they are shell-side down. The shell will act as a small pan, holding the juices.
4. Immediately spoon the warm lemon garlic butter generously over the exposed meat.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the butter is bubbling and the meat is firm and white.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the scampi from the grill and arrange them on a warm platter.
2. Drizzle any remaining butter sauce from the pan over the top.
3. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Tips

Mastering grilled scampi is less about the recipe and more about technique and timing. The most crucial tip is to avoid overcooking the langoustines. Their meat is incredibly delicate; once it turns opaque and firm, it is ready. Overcooking will result in a rubbery texture that masks the natural sweetness of the shellfish. When using a flat-top grill, utilize the different heat zones—sear on the hottest part, then move them to a cooler zone if they need to finish cooking through without burning the garlic butter.

Another secret to success is the preparation of the shell. By butterflying the scampi (splitting the shell but leaving it connected), you create a larger surface area for the grill to caramelize the meat. Additionally, the shell protects the meat from the direct harsh heat during the second half of the cooking process, acting like a natural roasting pan that holds the basting butter. Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled; the acidity cuts through the rich butter and balances the char from the grill perfectly.

Variations

While the classic lemon and garlic combination is a crowd-pleaser, Scottish Scampi is a versatile canvas that welcomes various flavor profiles. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different cuisines or personal preferences without losing the essence of the dish. Experimenting with different fats, herbs, and spices can transform this meal from a Mediterranean classic to an Asian-inspired delight or a fiery Southern treat. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

• Herbed Compound Butter: Instead of melting butter, top the hot scampi with a cold slice of compound butter mixed with dill, tarragon, and chives right before serving.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Swap the salt and pepper for a Cajun spice blend and add a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a New Orleans twist.
• Asian Fusion: Replace the lemon and parsley with lime juice, cilantro, soy sauce, and grated ginger for a zestier, umami-packed version.
• White Wine Infusion: Add a splash of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio) to the butter sauce while it simmers on the grill for added depth and acidity.
• Smoky Paprika: Dust the scampi with smoked paprika before grilling to enhance the wood-fired flavor profile.

Best pairings

To create a cohesive dining experience, pairing your grilled Scottish Scampi with the right sides and beverages is essential. Since the scampi is rich with butter and garlic, you want sides that offer texture or acidity to cleanse the palate. A crusty, grilled baguette is non-negotiable; you will need it to mop up the incredible juices left on the plate. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the shellfish.

Regarding beverages, white wine is the traditional and perhaps most perfect companion. A crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay mirrors the citrus notes in the dish and refreshes the palate between bites. If you prefer beer, a light lager or a wheat beer with citrus undertones works beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lime or a fresh elderflower pressé provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky, buttery scampi. Avoid heavy red wines or dark stouts, as they will overpower the delicate flavor of the langoustines.

Conclusion

Grilling Scottish Scampi with lemon garlic butter is more than just preparing dinner; it is about embracing a style of cooking that highlights the quality of ingredients. The combination of the sweet, tender meat with the smoky char of the grill and the brightness of fresh lemon creates a flavor profile that is truly unforgettable. It is a dish that looks impressive and sophisticated, yet it comes together in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned grill masters.

We hope this recipe inspires you to fire up your grill and try something a little different from the usual steak or burgers. The effort required is minimal, but the reward is a restaurant-quality meal enjoyed in the comfort of your own backyard. Gather your friends, pour the wine, and enjoy the simple pleasure of good food cooked over an open fire. Don't forget to serve it with plenty of bread—you won't want to waste a single drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce.