You know that magical moment when the aroma of sizzling garlic wafts through your kitchen? That’s exactly what you can expect with my Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. This recipe is not only a tribute to a beloved American classic but also an easy way to bring that restaurant-quality experience right to your dining table. With a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without the stress. Enveloped in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce, each bite of shrimp guarantees an elegant taste experience that will rival any seafood restaurant. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delectable dish! What variations will you unleash in your own kitchen?
Why is Shrimp Scampi an Instant Favorite?
Simplicity: This quick recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner party.
Flavor Explosion: The rich garlic butter and white wine sauce create a palate-pleasing experience that’s sure to impress.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: It’s an elegant seafood delight that appeals to both seafood lovers and those trying it for the first time.
Versatile: You can easily customize this dish with pasta, veggies, or a spicy kick to suit your taste. If you’re looking for more seafood ideas, be sure to check out my delicious Shrimp Dirty Rice.
Leftover Friendly: Any leftovers can be stored easily, allowing you to savor this dish again without a fuss!
Enjoying restaurant-quality seafood at home has never been so manageable and delightful.
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
For the Shrimp
• Uncooked Peeled and Deveined Shrimp – This is the star of the dish, providing a tender and flavorful protein. Use fresh or thoroughly thawed frozen shrimp for the best results.
For the Sauce
• Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing the shrimp, preventing sticking while enhancing flavor; can be swapped with butter or another cooking oil.
• Unsalted Butter – Brings richness to the dish; if you use salted butter, adjust the additional salt accordingly.
• White Cooking Wine – Key for deglazing and adding depth; you can substitute with chicken broth or a mix of vinegar and water in a pinch.
• Minced Garlic – Adds a robust and fragrant flavor; fresh garlic is always recommended for the best taste.
• Lemon Juice – Provides a necessary acidity to balance the flavors, with freshly squeezed lemon being preferable.
• Italian Seasoning – Enhances flavor with a delightful mix of herbs; substitute with oregano and basil if needed.
For the Garnish
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds an elegant touch and a burst of flavor; can swap with Pecorino Romano or leave out for a dairy-free option.
The perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi starts right here—gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating a deliciously unforgettable dinner!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Shrimp Preparation
Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp. Sauté the shrimp for 3–4 minutes until their color turns a vibrant pink and they become opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Allow the butter to melt completely before adding 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for approximately 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, ensuring it doesn’t burn, as this could affect the flavor of your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.
Step 3: Deglazing and Reducing
Pour in ½ cup of white cooking wine and the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon into the skillet, stirring well to deglaze any brown bits. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the mixture simmer for about 2–3 minutes, until the liquid reduces by half. This step deepens the flavor profile of the sauce for your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.
Step 4: Combining Ingredients
Return the sautéed shrimp to the skillet, ensuring they are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, mixing everything gently but thoroughly. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to soak up the rich sauce and the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Step 5: Final Presentation
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the luscious shrimp scampi to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color. Serve immediately, and enjoy the elegant taste of this delightful Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi straight from your kitchen.
Make Ahead Options
These Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning up to 24 hours in advance to enhance their flavor. Additionally, the garlic butter sauce can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just keep it in an airtight container to maintain its quality. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce in a skillet, combine it with the marinated shrimp, and finish cooking for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This way, you’ll enjoy a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish uniquely yours with these delightful swaps and enhancements!
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Pasta Addition: Add cooked linguine or spaghetti to the shrimp and sauce for a satisfying meal that’s even more elegant.
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Vegetable Additions: Toss in fresh spinach or halved cherry tomatoes during the final cooking stage for a pop of color and taste. They’ll brighten up the dish beautifully!
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Spicy Variant: For those who love a kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce as it simmers, awakening your taste buds with each bite.
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Herb Infusion: Elevate flavor by adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end. The freshness will brighten up the overall dish.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Omit the Parmesan cheese and substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy touch without the dairy.
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Seafood Fusion: Mix in some crab meat or scallops for a decadent twist. Combining different seafood will create a mouthwatering medley of flavors.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve the scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to enjoy a light and healthy meal.
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Lemon Butter Tablespoon: Add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for added brightness, making your scampi shine with zesty goodness.
For more seafood magic, pair your dinner with my delicious Shrimp Dirty Rice or end on a sweet note with a slice of my luscious Red Velvet Oreo.
What to Serve with Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Bring your dining experience to life with these delightful pairings that complement the rich and buttery flavors of your shrimp dish.
- Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that luscious garlic butter sauce, it adds a delightful crunch to your meal.
- Garden Salad: A light, refreshing salad balances the richness of the shrimp, featuring crisp greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- Steamed Asparagus: This tender yet crisp vegetable enhances the elegance of the dish with its fresh taste and bright green color.
- Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice infused with zesty lemon pairs beautifully, echoing the dish’s citrus notes and offering a soothing base.
- Pasta: Toss your shrimp scampi with fresh pasta for a heartier meal that allows every bite to savor the sauce’s delightful richness.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of light, crisp white wine accentuates the dish’s flavors, making it feel like a night out at a fine seafood restaurant.
Indulge in any of these pairings, and elevate your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi experience to unforgettable heights!
Tips for the Best Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Perfect Shrimp Texture: Always ensure your shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry to achieve a tender, juicy finish without excess moisture.
Careful Cooking: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should only be sautéed until pink and opaque, or they may become rubbery.
Quality Ingredients: Use a good quality white wine for deglazing, as it significantly enhances the flavor of your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce as it cooks, and don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning or add more lemon juice for brightness.
Savor Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and gently reheat them to maintain the shrimp’s tenderness.
How to Store and Freeze Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Gently reheating in a skillet over low heat will help maintain the shrimp’s tenderness.
Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 1 month. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, but note that the texture of the shrimp may change upon thawing.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a skillet on low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp. Enjoy this delicious Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi just like the first time!
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting shrimp, look for ones that are uncooked, peeled, and deveined. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, not fishy, and have a firm texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry for even cooking.
How should I store leftover Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the shrimp tender when reheating, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat until just heated through, avoiding rubbery shrimp.
Can I freeze Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
Very! To freeze, transfer the cooled shrimp scampi to a freezer-safe container. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on low heat in a skillet to ensure a tender texture.
What if I don’t have white cooking wine?
Not a problem! You can substitute white cooking wine with chicken broth or a mixture of white vinegar and water. If you choose the latter, use about 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water to mimic the acidity and depth of flavor that wine typically provides.
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Definitely! This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is not suitable for those with shellfish allergies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy this seafood delight with peace of mind!
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: A Quick, Elegant Seafood Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of uncooked peeled and deveined shrimp, sauté for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque, then set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and melt.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in ½ cup of white cooking wine and lemon juice, stir, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with grated Parmesan, and serve immediately.
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