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TueApr 29

National Shrimp Scampi Day – April 29, 2025

Shrimp scampi has different meanings around the world. In the U.S. “shrimp scampi” is the “menu name” for shrimp in Italian-American cuisine. Scampi’s served in garlic butter, dry white wine, and parmesan cheese — either with bread, or over pasta or rice — although sometimes just the shrimp alone. Most variants of “shrimp scampi” come on pasta. Consider National Shrimp Scampi Day on April 29 your opportunity to have this dish any way you like.

(Actually, Americans seem to love any food — as long as it’s served with bread, or over pasta or rice.)

National Shrimp Scampi Day timeline

1920
Earliest Recipe

Shrimp scampi is first mentioned and printed in American cookbooks.

1945
Good from the Bad

Following World War II, shrimp scampi’s popularity booms as Italian dishes become more mainstream.

1950s
Lobster > Prawns

The Norway lobster becomes popular in Britain and eventually replaces the Dublin Bay prawns.

2010
‘Fish Fight’

The Fish Fight campaign, launched by Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, champions scampi as a better alternative source of protein.

National Shrimp Scampi Day Activities

  1. Create your own

    Pick one of the many ways to create shrimp scampi, buy the ingredients, and experiment.

  2. Eat out

    It’s that easy. Walk to your favorite Italian restaurant and enjoy your favorite scampi dish.

  3. Invite some friends over

    Once you've perfected the art of creating and serving shrimp scampi, use that confidence to throw a party with friends or family over. Pretty soon you’ll be the go-to spot for shrimp scampi dinners.

Why We Love National Shrimp Scampi Day

  1. The taste

    Pasta, shrimp, olive oil, garlic, butter, a sprinkling of herbs — what more could you ask for in a simple weeknight dinner? Oh — maybe a full glass of white wine.

  2. Versatility

    It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and also works wonders for guests on the weekends. Or you can make it for yourself and sop up the extra delicious white wine butter sauce with a piece of toasty garlic bread.

  3. Seafood (Italian style)

    If you love shrimp AND Italian food, this dish works well. Even if you’re not a shrimp lover, you can opt for other alternatives like scallops!

National Shrimp Scampi Day dates

Year Date Day
2025 April 29 Tuesday
2026 April 29 Wednesday
2027 April 29 Thursday
2028 April 29 Saturday
2029 April 29 Sunday
April
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 

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