If I had to pick two go-to items I order from a restaurant, it would be either chicken francese or shrimp scampi. But with restaurant prices up and portion sizes down at many places, Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi is an economical solution that still yields a good meal.
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Product Overview
What Are Trader Joe’s Shrimp Scampi?
These are shrimp that are individually coated in sauce. Unlike many other frozen items that contain sauce, there is no separately frozen sauce here. That makes this ideal for adjusting portion sizes as needed. Speaking of portion sizes, these shrimp aren't jumbo by any means of the imagination. Therefore, while the package says there are 3 servings, this realistically could be just 2 with a nicely portioned side dish.
This item can be broken down into two main ingredients: the shrimp and the sauce.
- Raw Shrimp (Shrimp, Salt)
- Sauce (Milkfat, Water, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Puree, Cooking Wine [White Wine, Salt], Seasoning [Salt, Garlic Powder, Dried Onions, Spices, Dried Parsley, Yeast Extract, Dehydrated Red Bell Peppers, Romano Cheese {Cultured Milk, Salt, Microbial Enzyme}, Maltodextrin, Natural Flavors, Caramel Color, Citric Acid {Acidulant}, Butter Flavoring Blend {Butter (Cream), Buttermilk Solids, Natural Flavor}, Paprika Oleoresin {Color}, Annatto Extract {Color}, Turmeric Oleoresin {Color}], Modified Food Starch, Food Starches [Potato Starch and/or Rice Starch], Cheese Concentrate [Romano Cheese {Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzyme}, Water, Salt], Lemon Juice Concentrate, Butter Flavoring Blend [Maltodextrin, Enzyme Modified Butter Oil, Salt, Dried Butter {Cream}, Guar Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate, Annatto Extract {Color}, Turmeric {Color}], Gum Arabic, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper, Xanthan Gum).
- And if you have food allergies then Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi you need to be aware this product contains milk products and shrimp.
The package did not mention where the shrimp were sourced from, nor did the package mention in what country it was made.
Price and Availability
Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi are currently priced at $8.99 and are located in the freezer section of Trader Joe's. There is no mention on Trader Joe's website that these are going to be a seasonal item.
Taste and Texture
A good shrimp scampi is rich and buttery which is a nice contrast to the sweeter flavor of shrimp. This hits that mark with an additional bit of umami flavor with the addition of romano cheese. These are well seasoned all around and there is nothing bland about this dish. And while garlic in frozen items can get a bit of funk to it, the flavor here was very fresh with no weird tastes. This is a nice balance between the richness of the butter, the acidity of the lemon and cooking wine, and the umami of the cheese thrown in. There is a hint of herbs like parsley, but they don't shine or stand out the way fresh ones do.
If you've ever had other brands of shrimp scampi you know there can sometimes be a weird aftertaste. That was not the case here. These tasted very fresh and there was quite a bit of sauce
Frozen shrimp can be rubbery or have an unpleasant texture. In the boxes I've tried, and yes, this has been a repeat purchase in my household, the texture of these is firm and relatively close to what I would get at a fish market.
Nutritional Value:
This dish is rich in fat, sodium, and cholesterol. However, when not eaten as a single serving it is a reasonable meal. Much of the sauce can be separated and used more sparingly. And if you are looking for a dish that is low carb, then this one is solid in terms of nutrition and taste.
Product Freshness
- Storage Tips: Uncooked, this should be stored in the freezer, but if you choose to defrost this in the refrigerator overnight there is no loss in the quality of the end product until you are ready to prepare this.
- Shelf Life: Fully cooked shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To maintain its freshness and safety, ensure that the shrimp is kept in an airtight container or well-wrapped in plastic wrap
Value for Money
This product will set you back just about $9. Making this a more complete meal will drive the overall dish price up. But the reality is shrimp easily goes for $9 a pound these days. And while this package is only 13 ounces it's still a solid value when you consider the other ingredients you would need to have on hand to make this. Frozen shrimp can run the risk of smelling or tasting fishy. This was both fresh tasting and smelling.
Most restaurants local to me are getting $25+ for an order of shrimp scampi. Many times they include quite a bit of pasta and only a handful of shrimp, so this hands down represents a much better value. Just adjust your expectations as restaurant meals will be using much larger shrimp. These shrimp are single-bite-size with no need for a knife to cut them.
Customer Feedback
- Pros and Cons
- Overall, this is a well-received item by those who have tried it. The directions are accurate and yield a solid result.
- There is a ton of butter sauce here so you may want to mix that into whatever you are serving this with.
- This is far cheaper than going out with minimal mess.
- The shrimp here are smaller than what you would get in a restaurant.
- Plan on this being closer to 2 servings and not the three listed on the package.
As always, there is space in the comments section for your honest thoughts on this.
Instructions
Below are the directions on the package with the final results.
- Step 1: Open the package, remove the shrimp from the plastic package
- Step 2: Can be made in the oven or stovetop. If making in the oven, preheat the oven to 400F and bake for 15 minutes. Or can be made on the stovetop in about 8-10 minutes by adding 2 tablespoons of water and medium heat.
- Step 3: Serve and decide what you will do with all that buttery sauce. Pairing suggestions are listed below. And yes, there is plenty of sauce to go around.
Top Tip
Each shrimp is individually coated in the scampi sauce making it easy to portion these out. However, I would avoid the microwave as it tends to make shrimp rubbery and can cook unevenly.
Creative Uses and Recipes
This is not a complete meal, pairing suggestions can include:
- Pasta
- Linguine or Angel Hair: The classic choice, as it complements the garlic butter sauce of the scampi.
- Fettuccine: A slightly thicker pasta that holds up well to the rich sauce.
- Rice
- Vegetables
- Steamed or Sautéed Asparagus: Balances the richness of the scampi.
- Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts: Adds a bit of crunch and depth.
- Zucchini Noodles: A low-carb alternative to pasta that soaks up the sauce.
- Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Provides a nice contrast to the soft shrimp.
- Salad
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing pairs well with the garlic and butter.
- Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A lighter option that adds freshness to the meal.
- Potatoes
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, great for soaking up the sauce.
- Roasted Potatoes: Adds a crispy, earthy element to the meal.
- Wine Pairings: Shrimp scampi complements white wines. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of shrimp scampi beautifully.
FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about this product:
While the shrimp scampi itself does not list gluten-containing ingredients, it is not certified gluten-free, and cross-contamination may be a concern. Always check the packaging for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Yes! Many people like to add extra ingredients like fresh lemon juice, more garlic, or even vegetables like spinach or fresh herbs to the dish to suit their tastes.
Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi is a relatively healthy option, especially if paired with vegetables or whole grains. However, it is rich in butter and cheese, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
- Summary: While not a cheap item, this is an easy, well-done frozen shrimp scampi that has good flavor and good texture based on the cooking directions.
- Final Thoughts: This is worth trying at least once. It is an easy meal for under $10
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Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi
Product Name: Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi
Product Description: Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi is a new frozen item from Trader Joe's that makes a pretty solid and quick dinner.
Price: $8.99
Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi
Trader Joe's Shrimp Scampi is a new standout in the freezer section.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Good flavor and texture
- Directions that were on point
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Far cheaper than getting this at a restaurant
Cons
- I was wishing for slightly bigger shrimp and a little less butter.
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.