National Shrimp Scampi Day – April 29, 2027

National Shrimp Scampi Day
Categories:
Tags:
CookingFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every April 29
Holiday emoji:
🍤

National Shrimp Scampi Day arrives every April 29, inviting seafood lovers to indulge in this beloved Italian-American classic. Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or simply on its own, shrimp scampi offers a burst of garlicky, buttery flavor. Gather your ingredients, try a new recipe, or visit your favorite Italian restaurant to celebrate.

Want to sponsor National Shrimp Scampi Day? Learn how

Expected National Shrimp Scampi Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows National Shrimp Scampi Day often inspires delicious deals. Expect Italian-American chains like Olive Garden to feature special scampi dishes or pasta promotions. Seafood restaurants such as Red Lobster might offer limited-time shrimp scampi entrees or combo meals. Grocery stores, including Whole Foods Market and Kroger, often run sales on fresh or frozen shrimp, garlic, and pasta. Brands like Gorton’s Seafood and SeaPak could highlight their ready-to-cook shrimp products with digital coupons. Even spice companies like McCormick may promote garlic and herb blends perfect for scampi. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Shrimp Scampi Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalShrimpScampiDay. Film a quick recipe tutorial or a taste-test challenge.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalShrimpScampiDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your homemade scampi or favorite restaurant dish.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalShrimpScampiDay. Ask your friends for their best shrimp scampi recipes and share yours.

Social Media Tips for National Shrimp Scampi Day

Individuals

Whip up a batch of shrimp scampi at home, experiment with different pasta types, or try a new wine pairing. Share your culinary creations with friends and family.

Creators

Produce a step-by-step video guide for a classic shrimp scampi, or create a 'scampi showdown' comparing different recipe variations or restaurant versions.

Brands

Run a contest for the best homemade shrimp scampi photo, offer a special discount on shrimp or Italian ingredients, or partner with a local restaurant for a themed menu item.

Top Brands for National Shrimp Scampi Day

  1. Olive Garden

    Founded in 1982 in Orlando, Florida, Olive Garden is the largest full-service Italian-American restaurant chain in the United States. Known for its unlimited breadsticks and classic pasta dishes, it frequently features shrimp-based entrees on its menu, including various scampi preparations.

  2. Red Lobster

    Established in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida, Red Lobster is a popular casual dining restaurant chain specializing in seafood. While famous for its Cheddar Bay Biscuits, Red Lobster offers a variety of shrimp dishes, making it a go-to spot for seafood lovers seeking scampi.

  3. Gorton's Seafood

    With a history dating back to 1849 in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Gorton's Seafood is one of North America's oldest continuously operating seafood companies. They provide a wide range of frozen seafood products, including various shrimp options perfect for preparing scampi at home.

  4. McCormick

    Founded in 1889 in Baltimore, Maryland, McCormick & Company is a global leader in spices, seasonings, and flavorings. Their extensive product line, including garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, is essential for crafting the aromatic flavors of shrimp scampi.

  5. Barilla

    Established in 1877 in Parma, Italy, Barilla is a leading Italian food company, best known for its pasta products. As shrimp scampi is often served over pasta, Barilla's wide selection of spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine makes it a staple for this dish.

  6. Bertolli

    Originating in Lucca, Italy, in 1865, Bertolli is renowned for its olive oils, pasta sauces, and frozen Italian meals. Their high-quality olive oil and creamy Alfredo or marinara sauces can elevate any homemade shrimp scampi recipe.

  7. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a multinational supermarket chain specializing in organic and natural foods. It's a prime destination for sourcing high-quality, fresh shrimp and premium ingredients like artisanal pasta, fresh garlic, and organic olive oil for an elevated scampi experience.

National Shrimp Scampi Day Hero

Hector Boiardi (Chef Boyardee)

Hector Boiardi (1877–1974) was an Italian-American chef and entrepreneur who played a significant role in popularizing Italian cuisine in the United States. Born in Piacenza, Italy, he immigrated to the U.S. and eventually opened his own restaurant in Cleveland, Ohio. His success led to the creation of the Chef Boyardee brand, making Italian-inspired dishes accessible to millions. While not the inventor of shrimp scampi, his efforts helped integrate Italian flavors into the American culinary landscape.

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 FAQs

When is National Shrimp Scampi Day?

In 2027, National Shrimp Scampi Day is observed on a Thursday, April 29, providing another opportunity to indulge in this garlicky delight.

How much shrimp do Americans eat?

The U.S. appetite for shrimp remains robust, with annual per capita consumption consistently ranking it as the nation’s favorite seafood. This enduring popularity ensures National Shrimp Scampi Day is always a hit.

What is the origin of shrimp scampi?

Shrimp scampi as known in the U.S. is an Italian-American invention. It evolved from the traditional Italian preparation of “scampi” (langoustines) with garlic and olive oil, substituting shrimp when the original ingredient was scarce in America, thus creating a new culinary classic.

Is scampi a type of shrimp?

While often confused, scampi and shrimp are distinct. Scampi are technically Norway lobsters, whereas shrimp are smaller crustaceans. The dish “shrimp scampi” describes the preparation method, not the type of seafood itself, using shrimp in a scampi-like sauce.

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
2027 April 29 Thursday
2028 April 29 Saturday
2029 April 29 Sunday
2030 April 29 Monday
2031 April 29 Tuesday