There’s something undeniably satisfying about recreating a beloved restaurant dish right in your own kitchen. Picture this: the sizzle of succulent shrimp meeting a hot pan, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of garlic and butter. This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi isn’t just a meal; it’s a delightful escape that transports you to a seafood paradise with every bite. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish that’s not only easy on the preparation but is also sure to impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re coming home after a long day or seeking a special treat for a cozy dinner, this shrimp scampi perfectly balances rich flavors and vibrant freshness thanks to a splash of zesty lemon. Best of all, it’s adaptable for gluten-free diets, making it versatile enough for any gathering. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners and discover just how simple it is to bring a touch of restaurant magic to your table!
Why is Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish that delights the senses and requires minimal prep.
Rich Butter Sauce: The luscious garlic butter sauce envelops succulent shrimp, creating an indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist.
Zesty Twist: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish, making every bite refreshingly vibrant and balanced.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe impresses even the pickiest eaters with its classic flavors.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets, it can be paired with your choice of rice or gluten-free pasta.
Join us in cooking this irresistible dish and explore more ideas in our Seafood Recipes section!
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Large Shrimp (1 lb) – The star of your dish, providing delicate seafood flavor; be sure to use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best results.
For the Sauce
• Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp) – Adds richness and creaminess; for a lighter version, consider reducing to 3 tbsp.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – Helps cook the shrimp while enhancing flavor; it’s a healthier fat source.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Essential for an aromatic depth; fresh garlic is a must for maximum impact.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional) – A subtle touch of heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
• Dry White Wine (1/4 cup) / Chicken Broth – Use for deglazing and building sauce depth; Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio yield the best results, but you can substitute broth.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens and enhances the overall flavors, making the dish truly shine.
• Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that elevate the overall taste; always season to taste!
For the Finish
• Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – Gives a touch of color and freshness as a garnish.
• Lemon Wedges – Perfect for serving, offering an extra burst of flavor and charm to your plate.
Get all the ingredients ready to embark on this delightful cooking adventure of Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi! Your taste buds will thank you.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
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Prep Shrimp: Begin by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and black pepper to ensure they brown beautifully in the pan.
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Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This is the perfect temperature for searing shrimp quickly and evenly.
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Sear Shrimp: Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear them for 1-2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and golden, then flip over and cook for an additional minute. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Create Garlic Base: Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let the garlic brown.
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Deglaze: Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half.
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Finish Sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and fresh lemon juice. Mix until the sauce is emulsified and has a glossy appearance.
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Combine: Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and toss them with the sauce, heating them through for about 30 seconds. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Optional: Serve this delightful dish over al dente pasta or alongside crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this exquisite dish with delightful sides and accompaniments.
- Garlic Bread: A perfect companion that’s crusty on the outside and soft inside, ideal for soaking up the buttery sauce.
- Crisp Green Salad: Fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette add a refreshing contrast, enhancing the dish’s richness without overpowering it.
- Linguine or Angel Hair Pasta: These light pastas serve as a delightful base, allowing the scrumptious sauce to cling beautifully, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender and vibrant, asparagus adds a touch of crunch, balancing flavors and textures with every forkful.
- White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully, bringing out the shrimp’s natural sweetness and the lemon’s brightness.
- Cheesy Risotto: Creamy and luxurious, risotto creates a satisfying bed for the scampi, marrying both flavors seamlessly for an indulgent experience.
- Dessert of Lemon Tart: Finish the meal with a zesty lemon tart, giving a sweet and tart finale that echoes the dish’s bright notes while refreshing the palate.
Expert Tips for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
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Choose Fresh Shrimp: Opt for fresh or properly thawed shrimp; avoid those with a fishy smell to ensure the best flavor and texture.
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Don’t Overcook: Watch the cooking time closely; shrimp should be opaque and firm. They continue cooking off the heat, so remove them just before they’re fully done.
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Use Fresh Garlic: Stick with fresh garlic cloves for authentic flavor. Jarred garlic tends to lack the vibrant punch that makes this dish special.
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Sauce Consistency: Ensure the sauce is glossy and well-emulsified by stirring in the butter at the end. This creates that restaurant-quality finish we love in Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.
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Dietary Adaptations: If you’re aiming for a lighter version, reduce butter and increase the olive oil without sacrificing flavor; it’s a win-win!
Make Ahead Options
These Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and marinate the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the minced garlic, olive oil, and wine (or broth), then refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just warm the sauce on the stovetop while you sear the shrimp as directed; they’ll be just as delicious as if made fresh! To maintain quality, avoid pre-cooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Finish your dish by quickly tossing the shrimp in the prepared sauce, ensuring a delightful meal comes together effortlessly!
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this scrumptious shrimp scampi to make it uniquely yours!
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Light Version: Reduce the butter to 3 tablespoons and increase the olive oil for a lighter sauce without sacrificing flavor. Your waistline will thank you!
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Gluten-Free: Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free options like rice or gluten-free linguine. Everyone at your table can enjoy this dish!
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Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste. Omit them for a milder dish or amp them up for a spicy twist that delights!
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Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like basil or dill for an aromatic lift. These ingredients add freshness and can change the flavor profile beautifully.
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Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a velvety, richer sauce that will make every bite indulgent. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
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Lemon Zest: Enhance the citrus flavor by adding fresh lemon zest along with the juice. This brightens the dish, making it even more refreshing and aromatic.
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach to add color and nutrients. These veggies bring a lovely contrast and make the dish even more vibrant.
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Coconut Twist: For a tropical flair, substitute some of the butter with coconut oil and use coconut milk for the sauce. It creates a creamy, deliciously different version!
Storage Tips for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
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Fridge: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Ensure it’s sealed well to preserve freshness.
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Freezer: You can freeze shrimp scampi for up to 1 month. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then gently warm on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture of the shrimp.
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Serving Suggestions: For an elevated dining experience, serve reheated shrimp scampi over freshly cooked pasta, and drizzle with extra lemon juice for brightness.
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using large shrimp that are 16-20 count. This size ensures a succulent bite. Be sure to choose shrimp that smell fresh—not fishy or ammonia-like. Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp work excellently in this recipe!
How should I store leftover shrimp scampi?
You can store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to seal it well to prevent it from drying out. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. This approach helps preserve the dish’s delicate texture.
Can I freeze shrimp scampi?
Yes, you can! If you want to make a batch ahead of time, shrimp scampi can be frozen for up to 1 month. Pour the cooled shrimp scampi into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
What’s the best way to prevent overcooking the shrimp?
Very! To prevent overcooking, keep a close watch on the shrimp while cooking. They should turn opaque and firm in texture. Remember, shrimp continue to cook even after being removed from the heat, so take them out just before they are fully done—around the 2-minute mark per side should do the trick!
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute the dry white wine with gluten-free chicken broth. Also, serve it with gluten-free pasta or over rice. Just make sure to check that your broth choice is truly gluten-free to enjoy this delightful meal without worry!
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Of course! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily omit the crushed red pepper flakes altogether. Alternatively, for more heat, feel free to increase the amount you use based on your taste preference. The beauty of cooking is that you can customize dishes to suit your liking!
These are your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe FAQs to help you create an enviable meal bursting with flavor and simplicity!
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: Restaurant Flavor in 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by patting your shrimp dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and black pepper to ensure they brown beautifully in the pan.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 1-2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and golden, then flip and cook for 1 additional minute. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer until reduced by half.
- Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and fresh lemon juice until sauce is emulsified and glossy.
- Return the seared shrimp to the skillet and toss them with the sauce, heating through for about 30 seconds. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.