Ready to channel the cozy, coastal experience of seafood dining at home? This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen, combining succulent shrimp in a garlicky, buttery sauce with just the right amount of zip from white wine and lemon. It’s one of those dishes that feels extra fancy but is delightfully simple to make. Don’t be surprised if this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe becomes your go-to for weeknights, date nights, or any night you crave a bit of seaside magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is in its simple lineup of ingredients, each one playing a starring role in creating layers of flavor. Let’s walk through everything you’ll need, along with tips that make all the difference in achieving that crave-worthy, restaurant-style finish.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled and deveined shrimp with tails on keep things easy to eat and lend a beautiful presentation.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds luxurious richness and depth to the scampi sauce without overpowering the shrimp.
- Olive Oil: Infuses a subtle fruitiness and keeps the butter from burning for that perfectly glossy sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced is key for a pungent aroma—you want it to perfume the whole kitchen!
- Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio): Lends acidity and complexity, balancing the buttery elements; chicken broth is a fine substitute if you prefer.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Instantly brightens the sauce and keeps it from feeling heavy.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds just enough heat—adjust up or down according to your crowd’s spice comfort level.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the best seafood flavor in every bite.
- Black Pepper: A touch brings gentle warmth without stealing the spotlight.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Delivers fresh color contrast and a pop of herbal brightness at the end.
- Lemon Wedges (optional): Squeeze over the finished dish for an extra citrus zing when serving.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat before adding the olive oil and half of your unsalted butter. When the butter has melted into glossy perfection, toss in your minced garlic. This is that blissful moment when your kitchen will start smelling like a seaside bistro! Sauté the garlic just until it’s fragrant, about one minute—don’t let it brown or it’ll taste bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Next, add your beautiful shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle for two to three minutes on one side without disturbing them; this helps get that delicate, sweet caramelization. Flip the shrimp using tongs so the other side can cook just until it starts turning pink and opaque—timing is everything for a tender bite!
Step 3: Build the Sauce
As soon as the shrimp are flipped, it’s time for the white wine and lemon juice. Pour both straight into the pan, making sure to scrape up any tiny browned bits on the bottom for extra flavor. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper—these small touches transform a simple sauce into truly irresistible scampi. Let the mixture simmer gently for another two to three minutes.
Step 4: Finish With Butter and Fresh Herbs
Turn off the heat and swirl in the remaining butter to make the sauce nice and silky. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley for abright pop and stir everything together so each shrimp is coated in herby, buttery goodness. Spoon the shrimp and sauce onto plates, making sure every drop of that golden sauce gets used!
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A generous handful of chopped fresh parsley breathes color and vibrancy into your finished scampi, while a quick squeeze from a lemon wedge right before serving wakes up all those sunny, zesty notes in the sauce. If you want your presentation to really shine, consider finishing each plate with a few delicate twists of cracked black pepper or even some extra chili flakes for seafood lovers who like a little more bite.
Side Dishes
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe begs for something to soak up that luscious sauce—think warm, crusty bread or soft, garlic-infused rolls as classic choices. For a more substantial meal, pile the shrimp and sauce over al dente angel hair pasta or fluffy steamed white rice. If you’d like a lighter pairing, serve it with sautéed greens or a bright, lemony salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things beyond the ordinary by serving your shrimp scampi in shallow bowls for dramatic effect, or even nestling the shrimp on top of garlic-toasted crostini for an elegant appetizer. Another idea? Toss the shrimp and sauce with spiralized zucchini noodles for a fresh, low-carb twist. However you serve it, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe makes you look like a restaurant pro!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The shrimp will keep well for up to two days and the flavors often deepen overnight. Just know that seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so plan to gobble up those leftovers soon!
Freezing
While you technically can freeze shrimp scampi, the texture of the shrimp may suffer a bit once reheated. If you must freeze, do so in a tightly sealed container and consume within one month. For best results, defrost in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce a bit. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp while reheating—just heat until warmed through to preserve their tender texture. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it may make the shrimp rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw your shrimp completely, pat them dry, and proceed as instructed. Using frozen shrimp is a great way to keep this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe within easy reach anytime the craving hits.
What’s the best substitute for white wine?
If you prefer to skip wine, chicken broth is an excellent swap that still provides depth and savoriness in the sauce. The finished Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe will still be wonderfully flavorful and family friendly.
Is it necessary to keep the shrimp tails on?
Leaving the tails on looks lovely for presentation and can offer a little extra flavor while cooking, but feel free to remove them for easier eating—this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is all about what works best for you!
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes, you can easily double or even triple this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet to avoid crowding the shrimp, which keeps the cooking even and the texture perfect.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Feel free to add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pan as you build the sauce. Everyone’s heat preference is different, so you can customize this shrimp scampi to make it as bold as you like.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about treating yourself or your loved ones to this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. The bright flavors, buttery sauce, and easy technique make it an instant classic—one you’ll turn to again and again. Dive in, have fun, and let the aroma transport you to a seaside table no matter where you are!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of a classic Red Lobster favorite with this easy-to-make shrimp scampi recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic-infused buttery sauce with hints of white wine and lemon, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails on
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on.
- Cook the Shrimp: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil. Saute garlic, then add shrimp and cook until pink.
- Add Flavor: Pour in wine and lemon juice, season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until shrimp are cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in remaining butter and parsley. Serve hot with sauce spooned over shrimp. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth if desired.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
