Shrimp Oreganata is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York and New Jersey. It's a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich and pungent oregano butter sauce. Here's a complete recipe to make Shrimp Oreganata at home, along with some tips on correct cooking techniques and variations to try:
**Ingredients:**
For the Shrimp:
* 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
For the Oregano Butter Sauce:
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano leaves
* 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss gently to combine and set aside.
2. **Make the Oregano Butter Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. **Add Oregano:** Add the chopped oregano leaves to the saucepan and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they start to soften.
4. **Add White Wine and Lemon Juice:** If using white wine, add it to the saucepan and cook until the liquid has almost completely reduced, stirring occasionally. Add the lemon juice and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
5. **Finish the Sauce:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley leaves. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Cook the Shrimp:** In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the prepared shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they're pink and cooked through.
7. **Serve:** To serve, place the cooked shrimp on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the oregano butter sauce over the shrimp and serve immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use Fresh Oregano:** Fresh oregano has a more complex and pungent flavor than dried oregano. Make sure to use high-quality, fresh oregano leaves for the best flavor.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like a little heat in your dish, add some red pepper flakes to the oregano butter sauce for an extra kick.
* **Make it a Main Course:** Serve the Shrimp Oreganata with some cooked pasta, risotto, or roasted vegetables to make it a satisfying main course.
* **Other Variations:** Try substituting the shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different twist on the dish. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes to the oregano butter sauce for added flavor and texture.
**Other Ingredients to Try:**
* **Other Herbs:** Substitute the oregano with other herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for a different flavor profile.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add some grated citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to the oregano butter sauce for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Tomato Paste:** Add a spoonful of tomato paste to the oregano butter sauce for a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Garlic Scapes:** Use garlic scapes (the curly green shoots that grow from garlic bulbs) in place of regular garlic for a milder flavor.
By following this recipe and trying out some of the variations and tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and authentic Shrimp Oreganata dish that's sure to impress your friends and family!
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