Scampi facts for kids
Scampi is a tasty type of lobster also known as the Dublin Bay Prawn or Norway Lobster. Its scientific name is Nephrops norvegicus. These creatures live in the Mediterranean Sea and the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. You can find them from North Africa all the way to Norway and Iceland. Scampi is considered a special food in many places. It is the only type of lobster left in its group, called Nephrops.
The term Shrimp Scampi often refers to a dish that includes different kinds of seafood. This can be Nephrops lobsters, or even regular shrimp or prawns. How Shrimp Scampi is made can be different depending on where you are. In the United Kingdom, "scampi" officially means only Nephrops norvegicus.
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Why is it Called Scampi?
The word Scampi comes from Italian. It is the plural form of "scampo," which is what Italians call the Norway Lobster. The Italian word might come from the Greek word kampē. This Greek word means "bending" or "winding."
About the Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus)
Norway Lobsters are also known as Dublin Bay prawns. The word "prawn" can sometimes be confusing. It is a common name that does not have a clear scientific meaning. In some places, like Britain, food laws say that "scampi" must be Nephrops norvegicus.
How Scampi is Prepared
Chefs say that langoustines, which are another name for Norway Lobsters, are very delicate. They only need to be cooked for a few seconds in a special broth. When they are very fresh, they taste a little sweet. This sweet flavor can be lost if they are frozen. You can eat them plain, sometimes with melted butter.
Scampi in the UK
In Britain, the meat from the tail of the scampi is usually called "scampi tails." Sometimes it is called "wholetail scampi." Cheaper versions called "re-formed scampi" might contain other parts or even other fish. Scampi is often served fried in a crispy coating or breadcrumbs. It usually comes with chips and tartar sauce. You can find it in many supermarkets and restaurants. It is a popular pub or snack food.
Shrimp Scampi in the US
In the United States, "shrimp scampi" is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine. In Italy, the word for "shrimp" is gambero or gamberetto. The dish "scampi" by itself usually means Nephrops norvegicus served with garlic butter, dry white wine, and Parmesan cheese. It can be eaten with bread, over pasta, or with rice. Sometimes it is just the shrimp alone. The name "shrimp scampi" describes a way of cooking. You might even see "chicken scampi" or "lobster scampi." Early Italian immigrants in the US cooked shrimp in the "scampi style" because they could not find the actual scampi lobsters.
Eating Scampi Sustainably
Because there are fewer fish in the ocean, some chefs in Britain started a campaign called "Fish Fight" in 2010. They wanted to teach people about eating different kinds of seafood. They suggested scampi and other less common seafood as a better way to get protein. This helps to protect fish populations.
National Scampi Day
In the United States, there is a special day called National Shrimp Scampi Day. It happens every year on April 29.
See also
In Spanish: Scampi para niños
