James Martin Scampi Recipe

Scampi by James Martin is a tasty dish that consists of battered langoustines with homemade mayonnaise for dipping. Golden and crispy, it’s a delightful seafood treat ready in just 15 minutes.

Try More James Martin Recipes:

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

💗 Why You’ll Love This Scampi Recipe:

Crunchy Bliss: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of langoustines in a light batter.
Zesty Kick: Homemade mayo with a tangy twist elevates the flavor.
Effortless Elegance: Quick, easy, and perfect for any skill level.
Seafood Sophistication: Langoustines add a touch of elegance to your plate.

❓ What Is James Martin’s Scampi Recipe?

James Martin’s Scampi recipe consists of langoustines coated in a crispy batter, and deep-fried to perfection. It’s quick and elegant, served with spicy homemade mayonnaise for a mouthwatering fish meal.

📜 James Martin Scampi Ingredients

300g raw peeled langoustines, de-veined

For the batter:

250g self-raising flour
250ml fizzy water
1 tsp salt

For the mayonnaise:

3 egg yolks
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
200ml vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
1 lemon, juice and zest

🍤 How To Make James Martin Scampi

Bring vegetable oil to 180 degrees Celsius in a deep-fat fryer.
Combine the flour, fizzy water, and salt in a large bowl to make a batter.
Submerge the langoustines in the batter and coat thoroughly.
Season with salt and fry the coated langoustines in batches in the oil until golden.
Mix the egg yolks, mustard, and vinegar to make the mayonnaise.
Add the oil gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Toss in the lemon juice and zest and give it another whisk.
Serve the scampi in a basket with a dab of mayonnaise.

💭 Recipe Tips

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality langoustines for the best results.
Master the Batter: Get the perfect crispy texture by nailing the batter consistency.
Control Oil Temperature: Maintain a steady 180°C for even frying.
Whisk Wisely: Gradually add oil to mayo, whisking continuously for a smooth texture.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy optimal flavor and crunch by serving promptly after frying.

🥡 What Pairs Nicely With Scampi?

The perfect side dishes for scampi are zucchini noodles, roasted Brussels sprouts, lobster tails, onion rings, mushroom risotto, crispy green beans, Caprese salad, red potatoes, and creamed spinach.

🎚 How To Store Leftover Scampi?

In The Fridge: Leftove scampi can be preserved in the fridge for up to 3 days when placed in a tightly sealed container.
In The Freezer: Leftover scampi can be frozen for up to 2 months if kept in a freezer-safe bag. Put it in the fridge to thaw before you eat it.

🥵 How To Reheat Scampi?

Oven: Turn on the oven to 275 degrees F then arrange scampi on a baking sheet and heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
Microwave: Prepare a microwave-safe dish for scampi and heat for 1 to 2 minutes on high.
Air Fryer: Adjust the temperature of the air fryer to 375 degrees F then toss scampi in a single-layer basket and heat for 2 to 3 minutes.

FAQs

Is shrimp scampi the same as scampi?

No, shrimp scampi is a variation of an Italian dish, distinct for using shrimp in a garlic and butter sauce, unlike the langoustine-based traditional scampi.

How do you know if scampi is undercooked?

Undercooked scampi appears gray, and translucent, with uncurled tails. Cook until shrimp turn opaque and pink, and tails curl for safe and delicious consumption.

What is scampi butter made of?

Scampi butter typically consists of a blend of ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and butter, enhancing the dish with rich, flavorful accents.

Why is my scampi dry?

Your scampi is dry because the shrimp was cooked for too long, causing them to lose moisture and resulting in a less desirable, dry texture.