National Shrimp Scampi Day – April 29, 2024

U.S.

Timeline
Importance
Celebrate

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

Create your own
Pick one of the many ways to create shrimp scampi, buy the ingredients, and experiment.
Eat out
It’s that easy. Walk to your favorite Italian restaurant and enjoy your favorite scampi dish.
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

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.
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.
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!