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
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
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.
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.