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Scampi vs. Shrimp — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Scampi are a type of shellfish, Nephrops norvegicus, while shrimp are smaller, more varied crustaceans. "Scampi" often refers to a dish made with shrimp in garlic butter.
Scampi vs. Shrimp — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Scampi and Shrimp

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Key Differences

Scampi, in the culinary sense, typically refers to a dish originally prepared with a type of shellfish known as the Norway lobster or Dublin Bay prawn, cooked in garlic butter or a white wine sauce. It's also used to describe large, lobster-like crustaceans served in similar preparations. On the other hand, shrimp are smaller, more ubiquitous crustaceans that are harvested and cooked worldwide. They are a staple in various cuisines and come in numerous species.
When discussing scampi in the biological sense, it points to the species Nephrops norvegicus, which is a lobster-like creature found in the Northeast Atlantic and parts of the Mediterranean. Shrimp, in contrast, encompass a wider range of species in the order Decapoda. They are generally smaller than scampi and are found in both fresh and salt water.
In the restaurant industry, the term "scampi" is often used in the United States to describe a dish made with shrimp, sautéed in butter, garlic, and sometimes wine. Conversely, shrimp are sold and cooked in many forms: boiled, fried, grilled, or in cocktails. The term "shrimp" is more about the animal itself, while "scampi" has become more about the style of preparation.
Scampi, when referred to in a menu context outside of the United States, might imply the dish will include the actual Norway lobster. Conversely, shrimp, when seen on menus, often simply refer to dishes made with the small crustaceans themselves, prepared in countless ways, reflecting their versatility and global culinary usage.
Culinary terminology sometimes confuses scampi and shrimp. Scampi in Italian cuisine specifically refers to the shellfish cooked in garlic, olive oil, and white wine, but in the United States, dishes labeled as "shrimp scampi" might not include the original scampi shellfish but instead substitute it with shrimp, yet still keeping the signature garlic and butter flavors.
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Comparison Chart

Species

Nephrops norvegicus
Various species in the order Decapoda

Size

Larger, lobster-like
Smaller, varied sizes

Habitat

Northeast Atlantic, Mediterranean
Worldwide, fresh and saltwater

Culinary Use

Often in garlic butter dishes
Extremely varied, many cooking methods

Terminology

In the U.S., often a dish style
Refers to the animal itself

Compare with Definitions

Scampi

A type of shellfish similar to lobster.
For dinner, we're having scampi with a side of buttered pasta.

Shrimp

In American cuisine, often a dish of shrimp prepared in the method of scampi.
Shrimp scampi is on the menu tonight.

Scampi

The culinary preparation of seafood in a garlic, butter, and wine sauce.
He cooked scampi for their anniversary meal.

Shrimp

The culinary preparation of seafood in a garlic, butter, and wine sauce.
He cooked scampi for their anniversary meal.

Scampi

A dish made with garlic butter and white wine.
She ordered scampi at the Italian restaurant.

Shrimp

A dish made with garlic butter and white wine.
She ordered scampi at the Italian restaurant.

Scampi

The Norway lobster, used in the traditional scampi dish.
Fresh scampi are a delicacy in coastal regions.

Shrimp

The Norway lobster, used in the traditional scampi dish.
Fresh scampi are a delicacy in coastal regions.

Scampi

See langoustine.

Shrimp

Shrimp are decapod crustaceans with elongated bodies and a primarily swimming mode of locomotion – most commonly Caridea and Dendrobranchiata. More narrow definitions may be restricted to Caridea, to smaller species of either group or to only the marine species.

Scampi

In American cuisine, often a dish of shrimp prepared in the method of scampi.
Shrimp scampi is on the menu tonight.

Shrimp

Any of various small, chiefly marine, often edible decapod crustaceans that have a laterally compressed, elongated body with long antennae and long legs used for swimming. The shrimps include species belonging to the superfamily Penaeoidea of the suborder Dendrobranchiata and to the infraorder Caridea of the suborder Pleocyemata.

Scampi

Scampi, also called Dublin Bay Prawn or Norway Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), is an edible lobster of the order Decapoda. It is widespread in the Mediterranean and northeastern Atlantic, from North Africa to Norway and Iceland, and is a gastronomic delicacy.

Shrimp

The flesh of one of these crustaceans, used as food.

Scampi

Large shrimp broiled or sautéed and served in a garlic and butter sauce.

Shrimp

Any of various similar crustaceans, such as a fairy shrimp.

Scampi

Served in a garlic and butter sauce
Lobster scampi.

Shrimp

Derogatory Slang A person who is small in stature.

Scampi

A Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus).

Shrimp

To fish for shrimp.

Scampi

Any member of a similar species of genus Nephrops or similar prawns.

Shrimp

Any of many swimming, often edible, crustaceans, chiefly of the infraorder Caridea or the suborder Dendrobranchiata, with slender legs, long whiskers and a long abdomen.

Scampi

Plural of scampo

Shrimp

(uncountable) The flesh of such crustaceans.

Scampi

Large shrimp sauteed in oil or butter and garlic

Shrimp

(slang) A small, puny or unimportant person.

Shrimp

Synonym of butterface: a person with an attractive body but unattractive face.

Shrimp

(intransitive) To fish for shrimp.

Shrimp

To contract; to shrink.

Shrimp

To contract; to shrink.

Shrimp

Any one of numerous species of macruran Crustacea belonging to Crangon and various allied genera, having a slender body and long legs. Many of them are used as food. The larger kinds are called also prawns. See Illust. of Decapoda.

Shrimp

Figuratively, a little wrinkled man; a dwarf; - in contempt.
This weak and writhled shrimp.

Shrimp

Disparaging terms for small people

Shrimp

Any of various edible decapod crustaceans

Shrimp

Small slender-bodied chiefly marine decapod crustaceans with a long tail and single pair of pincers; many species are edible

Shrimp

Fish for shrimp

Shrimp

A type of shellfish similar to lobster.
For dinner, we're having scampi with a side of buttered pasta.

Common Curiosities

What are scampi?

Scampi is both a type of shellfish and a culinary dish featuring shellfish in a garlic butter sauce.

How do you cook scampi?

Scampi is typically sautéed with garlic, butter, and sometimes white wine.

Are shrimp healthy to eat?

Yes, shrimp are low in calories and a good source of protein and certain nutrients.

How do I know if a menu item listed as scampi contains shrimp or the actual scampi shellfish?

Ask the server for details, as it can vary by restaurant and location.

Are shrimp and scampi the same?

No, shrimp are smaller crustaceans, while scampi is a term for a specific larger species or a style of preparation.

Are shrimp found in both fresh and salt water?

Yes, shrimp species can live in both fresh and saltwater environments.

What's the flavor difference between scampi and shrimp?

Scampi has a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor compared to shrimp.

Are shrimp available year-round?

Yes, shrimp are generally available fresh or frozen year-round.

Can I substitute shrimp for scampi?

Yes, in many recipes, shrimp can be substituted for scampi, especially in the U.S. where "shrimp scampi" is a popular dish.

Is scampi a lobster?

Scampi refers to the Norway lobster, which is lobster-like but is a distinct species.

Can I find scampi in the supermarket?

Scampi may not be readily available in all supermarkets; it's often found in specialty seafood markets.

What does "shrimp scampi" mean in the U.S.?

It's a dish made with shrimp in the style of scampi preparation, with garlic and butter.

How are shrimp harvested?

Shrimp are harvested through various methods, including wild-caught and farmed practices.

Is scampi expensive?

Scampi can be pricier than shrimp due to its larger size and less availability.

What part of the shrimp do you eat?

The tail meat is edible, after removing the shell, head, and vein.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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