Scampi Adobo is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines succulent shrimp with a zesty and aromatic sauce featuring tomatoes, peppers, garlic, lime juice, and a touch of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. This dish offers a tantalizing fusion of flavors, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients and the vibrant zest of the adobo sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Scampi Adobo is sure to impress with its delightful combination of seafood and spices.

Scampi Adobo takes inspiration from two distinct culinary traditions: the Italian scampi, which typically refers to shrimp cooked in garlic, butter, and white wine, and the Filipino adobo, a popular cooking technique that involves marinating and simmering meat in a tangy and savory sauce.

The combination of these two cooking styles creates a unique and mouthwatering dish. The Italian influence brings the richness of butter and the use of white wine, while the Filipino influence introduces the adobo sauce, which adds a delightful smoky and spicy flavor to the dish.

The exact origins of Scampi Adobo as a specific recipe are unclear, as it represents a fusion of flavors and techniques. However, it embodies the spirit of culinary experimentation and creativity that has become increasingly popular in modern cuisine. By combining ingredients and techniques from different culinary traditions, Scampi Adobo showcases the diverse and exciting possibilities of flavor combinations.

Scampi Adobo has gained popularity for its bold and dynamic flavors, appealing to those who enjoy a balance of heat, tanginess, and richness. Its versatility allows for variations and adaptations, such as the addition of different peppers or spices, to suit individual preferences.

Today, Scampi Adobo can be found in various restaurants and home kitchens, enjoyed as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a flavorful topping for pasta or rice. It represents the fusion of culinary traditions and the creativity of chefs and home cooks who seek to explore and celebrate the diversity of flavors in the culinary world.

PREP/TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN.

MAKES: 4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup white wine or reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup minced fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• Lime slices for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the chopped tomatoes, poblano pepper, and minced garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes over medium heat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the shrimp, white wine or chicken broth, minced cilantro, lime juice, butter, and salt. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the shrimp mixture.
4. Garnish the Scampi Adobo with lime slices, if desired.
5. Serve the Scampi Adobo as an appetizer with crusty bread or as a main course with rice or pasta. The combination of the zesty sauce, succulent shrimp, and smoky chipotle flavors creates a delightful and satisfying dish that is perfect for seafood lovers and those who enjoy bold and vibrant flavors.