If you love seafood and crave restaurant-quality dishes at home, this recipe for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will become a favorite in your kitchen. This delightful dish combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, buttery garlic sauce for an unforgettable meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious shrimp scampi at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Restaurant Flavor: Recreate the beloved Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi experience with ease.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry-friendly ingredients that deliver rich, savory flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a tasty yet fast meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes on each side until pink and opaque. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the garlic butter sauce. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Choose Large Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe, as they remain juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They should only take a few minutes to cook through.
- Adjust the Garlic: Garlic lovers can add an extra clove or two for more flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your shrimp scampi with a bed of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It also pairs well with a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fat: 28g
Conclusion
The Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a timeless classic, offering a rich, buttery, and garlic-infused flavor that is simply irresistible. This recipe is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a Red Lobster favorite right at home. Enjoy this shrimp scampi as a main course or alongside your favorite sides for a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting.
Serving and Storage Tips for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Serving Tips
- Serve Immediately: Shrimp scampi is best enjoyed right after cooking to preserve the fresh, juicy texture of the shrimp and the vibrant flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve with Pasta or Rice: Pair it with linguine, spaghetti, or rice for a satisfying main course. Pour the shrimp and sauce over the pasta or rice, allowing it to soak up the delicious flavors.
- Add Bread for Dipping: Crusty bread or garlic bread works wonders for scooping up the extra garlic butter sauce, making every bit of it enjoyable.
- Add Fresh Greens or Vegetables: A side salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli adds a fresh element and balances the richness of the scampi.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze shrimp scampi, as the creamy sauce may separate and the shrimp texture may change when reheated.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the shrimp moist and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Microwave Reheating: If using a microwave, reheat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) to avoid overcooking. Add a small pat of butter or a splash of broth to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
1. Can I substitute the white wine in the recipe?
Yes, if you prefer not to use white wine, chicken or vegetable broth works well as a substitute. It will still provide a rich, savory flavor, though without the slightly acidic notes that wine adds.
2. How can I make the dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if served without pasta. If you want to serve it with pasta, simply use a gluten-free variety. You could also pair it with rice, quinoa, or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a gluten-free option.
3. Can I add other seafood to this dish?
Absolutely! Scallops, mussels, or even a few pieces of lobster can be added for a mixed seafood scampi. Just adjust cooking times so that each type of seafood is perfectly cooked.
4. How do I prevent the shrimp from getting rubbery?
To keep the shrimp tender, cook them quickly over medium-high heat and remove them from the pan as soon as they turn pink. Avoid prolonged cooking, as shrimp only need a few minutes on each side to be perfectly cooked.
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe brings the restaurant’s beloved shrimp dish straight to your kitchen! With tender shrimp in a rich garlic-butter sauce with a touch of lemon and white wine, this scampi is flavorful, elegant, and perfect for a quick dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, then add crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic-butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley over the top. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a complete meal.
- For a non-alcoholic option, substitute chicken broth for the white wine.
- This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.