Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Introduction

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish that combines succulent shrimp with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Known for its decadent flavor and satisfying texture, this dish has become a favorite for seafood lovers around the world. Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is a perfect example of how simple ingredients—like shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon—can come together to create a delicious and memorable meal.

Whether you’re craving a special dinner for one, preparing a meal for guests, or trying to recreate your favorite restaurant dish at home, Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is the ultimate choice. This recipe provides an easy way to make the classic dish with minimal effort, delivering a buttery, garlicky masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a fresh salad for a meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The buttery garlic sauce, paired with fresh shrimp, creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and satisfying. The touch of lemon adds a bright, zesty contrast that balances the dish perfectly.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight meal or a last-minute dinner idea. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store.
• Succulent Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly and remains tender and juicy when prepared properly, and this recipe ensures that each bite of shrimp is bursting with flavor. The shrimp absorbs the buttery, garlicky sauce, making every bite delicious.
• Customizable: You can serve this dish with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a healthier twist, serve it with vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also experiment with adding additional ingredients like fresh herbs or a dash of white wine for extra depth.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: You don’t need to go to a seafood restaurant to enjoy Shrimp Scampi. With this recipe, you can recreate the restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti pasta (optional)
• Crusty bread (optional)
• Fresh lemon wedges (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them beforehand. The best way to do this is by placing the shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes or leaving them in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help ensure the shrimp sear nicely in the pan.

If your shrimp are already peeled and deveined, you’re ready to start. If not, remove the shells and veins, leaving the tails intact for a more elegant presentation, though this is optional.

2. Cook the Pasta (Optional)

If you’re planning to serve the Shrimp Scampi with pasta, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery if left too long on the heat.

Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate and set aside. Keep any remaining butter and oil in the pan, as this will be used to make the sauce.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can make the sauce bitter.

Once the garlic is soft and aromatic, add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds to release the heat. If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet now and allow it to cook down for 2-3 minutes. This will reduce the wine slightly, intensifying the flavor and adding depth to the sauce.

After the wine has reduced, add the lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir the mixture to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the full flavor into the sauce.

5. Combine the Shrimp and Sauce

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the shrimp to soak in the flavors of the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Stir in the fresh parsley and remove the skillet from the heat.

6. Serve the Shrimp Scampi

If you’re serving the Shrimp Scampi over pasta, divide the cooked pasta among plates and spoon the shrimp and sauce over the top. Alternatively, you can serve the shrimp on its own with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp yield the best texture and flavor for this dish. However, if fresh shrimp is not available, frozen shrimp can work just as well as long as they’re thawed and patted dry before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so it’s important to watch them carefully. They should be pink and opaque when done. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re cooked through.
• Use Good Quality Butter: Since butter is a key ingredient in this recipe, opt for high-quality, unsalted butter to get the best flavor. You can always add salt to the dish later if needed.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little extra heat.
• Wine or No Wine?: The white wine in this recipe adds a depth of flavor, but it’s optional. If you prefer not to use wine, simply add a bit more lemon juice or chicken broth to make up for the liquid. The dish will still taste delicious.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano can be added to the sauce for extra aroma and flavor. Just be sure not to overpower the garlic and lemon flavors.

Variations of Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp Scampi with Pasta: For a more traditional dish, serve the shrimp scampi over pasta like linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. The noodles soak up the rich garlic butter sauce, making it even more delicious.
• Shrimp Scampi with Vegetables: For a low-carb version, serve the shrimp scampi with a side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. These vegetables will complement the shrimp perfectly.
• Shrimp Scampi with Parmesan: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp scampi before serving. The cheese adds richness and enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Lobster Scampi: If you’re feeling fancy, replace the shrimp with lobster tail meat for a luxurious version of this dish. The lobster will soak up the garlic butter sauce in the same way, resulting in an indulgent, restaurant-style meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Shrimp Scampi is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
• Freeze: Freezing shrimp scampi is not recommended, as the shrimp may become rubbery when reheated. However, you can freeze the garlic butter sauce and shrimp separately for up to 1 month, then thaw and combine when ready to serve.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Pair your Shrimp Scampi with a variety of sides for a well-rounded meal:

• Garlic Bread: Serve the shrimp scampi with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing complements the rich, buttery shrimp.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, provide a healthy, crunchy contrast to the richness of the scampi.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and spices is a perfect side for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Wine Pairing: Pair your shrimp scampi with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to enhance the dish’s flavor.

Print

Conclusion

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. With its rich, garlicky butter sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp, this recipe offers restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own home. Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy a seafood feast that’s both elegant and easy to make. Enjoy the bold flavors and succulent shrimp in this classic, crowd-pleasing dish!