Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe : A Classic Seafood Delight

July 24, 2024

20 minutes

easy

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a beloved dish that has earned its place as a signature menu item at Red Lobster. This dish is a perfect combination of tender shrimp, a flavorful garlic butter sauce, and a hit of acidity from lemon and wine. If you’re craving that same delicious, indulgent dish at home, look no further than this copycat version. It brings the same mouthwatering flavors right to your kitchen, letting you enjoy the iconic taste of Red Lobster anytime you like.

This recipe is a close replica of the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, and with a few simple ingredients, you can bring the magic of this restaurant favorite right into your kitchen. Let’s walk through the steps together to create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

To make this shrimp scampi recipe just like Red Lobster, it’s all about using the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your dish to life:

Fresh Shrimp for the Best Flavor

Start with 1 lb of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor, but frozen shrimp can work too—just be sure to thaw them properly before cooking.

Key Ingredients for the Sauce

1 tablespoon pure olive oil for searing the shrimp and building a flavor base.
2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped, is a must for the signature garlicky flavor.
1 1/2 cups white wine—Chardonnay is perfect for this dish, as it adds a nice balance of acidity and richness.
Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon for a zesty touch.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to infuse the sauce with herbal flavors.
1/2 cup softened butter to create that luxurious, silky sauce that defines scampi.
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the final sprinkle of cheesy goodness.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

For a touch of warmth, sprinkle in some crushed red chili flakes to taste.The Parmesan adds richness, but feel free to experiment with a bit more if you’re a cheese lover!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process. This recipe comes together quickly, so be ready to savor it in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Heat your cast iron skillet until a drop of water sizzles on contact (approximately 375°F).
Use 2-3 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure better browning.
Arrange shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding which can cause steaming instead of searing.
Look for the shrimp to turn pink with slightly golden edges.
They should curl into a loose “C” shape when properly cooked (if they curl into a tight “O”, they’re overcooked).

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Use 4-6 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced (not pre-minced from a jar).
Reduce heat to medium to prevent burning.
Watch for the garlic to turn light golden brown (about 1 minute).
If the garlic starts browning too quickly, lower the heat immediately.
Stir constantly to ensure even cooking.
The garlic should release a sweet, nutty aroma when properly cooked.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Lemon Juice

Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc (avoid cooking wine).
Add approximately 1/2 cup wine and juice from 1 whole lemon.
Let the liquid come to a vigorous simmer.
Scrape the bottom thoroughly with a wooden spoon to release all the fond.
Reduce until the liquid is about half its original volume (about 3-4 minutes).
The sauce should start to look slightly syrupy.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Use about 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
For best results, crush the dried herbs between your palms before adding
A light sprinkling of crushed red peppers will introduce a gentle warmth to your dish
This is also a good time to add 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for extra depth
Give the dried herbs a brief 30-second simmer in the warm sauce, allowing their natural flavors and aromatic oils to fully develop

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Use 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces.
Butter should be room temperature, not cold from the fridge.
Gradually incorporate each slice of butter while continuously stirring to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
Maintain temperature at barely a simmer (small bubbles around the edge).
The sauce should become glossy and slightly thickened.
If it looks oily or broken, remove from heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter.

Step 6: Combine with Shrimp

Use 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped.
Return shrimp to pan with any accumulated juices.
Toss gently 2-3 times to coat evenly.
Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Let shrimp rewarm in the sauce for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup).
Present your dish right away to enjoy the sauce at its perfect consistency – smooth, creamy and well-blended.
Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Consider serving over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Best enjoyed within 5 minutes of finishing.
If needed, you can rewarm very gently, but be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

Tips for the Best Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Quality Ingredients

For the most authentic taste, opt for fresh shrimp and high-quality Parmesan cheese. These ingredients will make a huge difference in the final dish, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Controlling the Heat for Perfect Butter

When adding butter to the sauce, be sure the skillet is not too hot. If the skillet is too hot, the butter might separate, and we definitely don’t want that. A gentle simmer is all you need.

Enhancing the Flavor with Parmesan

Grated Parmesan cheese is a must! It provides a creamy, salty touch that complements the buttery richness and balances the acidity from the wine and lemon.

Nutritional Information

A single serving of this Shrimp Scampi (without pasta) will give you roughly:

Calories: 350-400 (depending on portion size)
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 5g (from the wine, garlic, and seasonings)
Fiber: 1g (mostly from the parsley and seasoning)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Shrimp scampi is most delicious when served fresh. However, you can make the sauce and cook the shrimp ahead of time, then simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp while reheating.

Can I Use a Different Type of Wine?

Yes! While Chardonnay is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute with another dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I Substitute the Butter?

You can swap the butter with olive oil for a lighter option, though it won’t have the same creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute with a plant-based butter alternative.

What Sides Go Well with Shrimp Scampi?

Shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread (to soak up the sauce), or a fresh green salad. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make great side dishes.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Place any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of white wine or broth to keep the sauce smooth.

Conclusion

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is an unforgettable dish, and with this recipe, you can recreate it in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something rich and flavorful, this dish is sure to satisfy. So, get your ingredients ready and enjoy this delicious, buttery shrimp scampi tonight!

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Ingredients

Adjust Servings

	1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
	1 tablespoon pure olive oil
	2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
	1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay works well)
	Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
	1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
	1/2 cup softened butter
	1 tablespoon chopped parsley
	1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
	Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the Shrimp

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook until they are tender and no longer translucent. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

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Saute the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.

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Deglaze with Wine and Lemon Juice

Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer until the wine is reduced by half.

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Add Seasonings

Stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse the flavors into the sauce.

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Finish the Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the softened butter to the skillet. Stir gently until the butter is melted and well incorporated into the sauce. If the skillet is too hot, the butter might separate, so it's important to keep the heat low.

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Combine with Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, along with any juices that have accumulated. Add chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly with the sauce.

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Serve

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp scampi just before serving, allowing it to melt slightly into the sauce.

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Enjoy

Serve the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce and savor the exquisite flavors.

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Tips for Success

Quality Ingredients: Use fresh shrimp and good-quality Parmesan cheese for the best taste. Control Heat: Keep the skillet on low heat when adding butter to prevent it from separating.

Customization: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or more garlic for extra flavor.

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Notes

This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a testament to the joy of enjoying seafood at its finest. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this luxurious dish, and savor every bite of its buttery, garlicky goodness.

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