If you have a soft spot for rich, buttery seafood dishes, then you’re in for a real treat with this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. This dish captures all the irresistible flavors of the classic restaurant favorite, bringing together succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlicky, lemony butter sauce that’s laced with just the right hint of white wine and red pepper flakes. It’s a perfect harmony of fresh, vibrant flavors and silky textures that will have you dreaming about your next bite long after the meal is over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in its simplicity, and each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor. From the juicy shrimp to the fragrant garlic and fresh parsley, this list is both straightforward and essential for achieving that authentic taste.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp to ensure a tender, juicy texture.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create the signature silky sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to sauté the garlic and shrimp without burning and adds depth.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings that unmistakable punch of flavor that makes scampi so addictive.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Provides just the right touch of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay): Adds acidity and complexity to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of shrimp and the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle sharpness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal contrast and a pop of color.
- Optional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish: A savory finish that melts beautifully over the hot shrimp.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic and Heat the Butter
Begin by warming the olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, then sauté for about one minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. This step is key to infusing the oil with garlic’s deep, fragrant flavor while allowing just a hint of heat to develop.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, place the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cooking them for about two minutes on each side will give you perfectly pink, tender shrimp without overcooking. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside so they stay juicy for the final step.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Now, pour the white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any tasty browned bits left from the shrimp and garlic. Let this mixture simmer for two to three minutes until it reduces slightly, concentrating the flavors. Then stir in the remaining butter and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat them thoroughly in that luscious sauce. Cook for another minute to warm everything through and marry the flavors. Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for that lovely burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
To really up the charm, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the warm shrimp just before serving. This adds a subtle nutty taste and melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s downright irresistible alongside the garlicky butter sauce.
Side Dishes
This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of pasta for a classic approach, or try fluffy rice or even some crusty bread to soak up every bit of that garlicky goodness. A crisp side salad is also a wonderful fresh complement to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the shrimp scampi in individual pasta bowls, garnished with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs. Or turn it into a shrimp scampi bruschetta by spooning the shrimp and sauce onto toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer. Either way, presentation makes the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The shrimp will remain tender, and the sauce will preserve its rich flavor, making it an excellent option for a quick next-day meal.
Freezing
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Consume within 1 month for best quality. When freezing, separate shrimp and sauce if possible to retain texture and flavor better.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Avoid microwaving as this can toughen the shrimp. If the sauce seems thick, loosen it by adding a splash of white wine or a little water while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess water in the pan, which can dilute your sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth or vegetable broth makes a great alternative, preserving the dish’s depth without compromising flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes give it a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance—from mild to more robustly peppery.
Can I prepare this recipe for a large group?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
What’s the best pasta to serve with shrimp scampi?
Long, thin pastas like linguine or spaghetti work wonderfully because they hold onto the garlic butter sauce, allowing for every bite to be full of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about mastering the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe at home. It’s a delightful dish that feels both elegant and comforting, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a scrumptious seafood feast. Once you whip up this garlicky, buttery wonder, it will surely become a cherished classic in your recipe collection.
Print
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and easy-to-make seafood dish featuring large shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon. Perfect as a main course, it combines savory flavors with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and fresh parsley garnish. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil and butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil until melted and warm.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer to the pan and cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Remove shrimp: Transfer shrimp to a plate and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour the white wine and lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify the flavor.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss to coat them evenly in the sauce and cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and optionally garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
- Substitute white wine with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to increase or decrease heat according to preference.
