There’s something wonderfully satisfying about recreating restaurant favorites in your own kitchen, and Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is a dish that deserves a spot at the top of your list. Known for its tender shrimp bathed in a luxurious garlic-butter sauce with a pop of lemon, this dish captures the essence of indulgent dining without the need to leave your home.
My love affair with shrimp scampi began on a warm summer evening during a dinner outing with my family. The moment that first bite melted in my mouth, I was hooked. The buttery richness, the vibrant tang of lemon, and the perfectly cooked shrimp created a harmony of flavors that I couldn’t get enough of. Naturally, I had to try making it myself.
This version of Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brings all the flavors of the original into your kitchen. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that feels like a special occasion but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your family and friends with a dish that tastes like it came straight from Red Lobster’s kitchen.
- Rich and Flavorful Sauce: A perfect balance of garlic, butter, lemon, and a touch of seasoning makes this sauce completely irresistible.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: You can have this dish on the table in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner plans.
- Versatile and Customizable: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce—you really can’t go wrong.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp: 1 pound, raw, peeled, and deveined
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons
- Minced Garlic: 4 teaspoons (about 4 cloves)
- Lemon Juice: Juice from ½ a lemon (freshly squeezed)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For garnish (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, for a burst of color
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by ensuring your shrimp is cleaned and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this helps them cook evenly and ensures they develop a nice sear in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked for too long. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Seasonings
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir well.
Step 5: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. For the finishing touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp scampi. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Choosing the Right Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp work best for this recipe, as they’re hearty and soak up the sauce beautifully. If you’re using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Controlling the Salt: Since Parmesan cheese can be salty, adjust the amount of salt you use in the sauce accordingly. Taste as you go!
- Serving Ideas: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of linguine or angel hair pasta. Alternatively, serve it over steamed rice or alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the shrimp.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp fresh for the best results.
Nutritional Information
This shrimp scampi is packed with protein and healthy fats from the shrimp and butter. While the exact nutritional breakdown will depend on your portion sizes and the specific ingredients used, the dish is a wholesome option when paired with a balanced side like vegetables or whole-grain pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but keep in mind that pre-cooked shrimp only need to be warmed through. Add them to the sauce at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can substitute with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and basil for a similar flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini to the skillet during the sauce-making step for added nutrition and color.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, you’ll love these other seafood-inspired dishes:
Conclusion
With its buttery, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp, this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is destined to become a go-to in your meal rotation. Whether you’re recreating a beloved restaurant experience or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish never disappoints.
So grab your skillet, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor every bite of this homemade classic. Serve it with your favorite side and don’t forget the crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that delicious sauce. Happy cooking!
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Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: A Timeless Classic to Make at Home
Description
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about recreating restaurant favorites in your own kitchen, and Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is a dish that deserves a spot at the top of your list. Known for its tender shrimp bathed in a luxurious garlic-butter sauce with a pop of lemon, this dish captures the essence of indulgent dining without the need to leave your home.
My love affair with shrimp scampi began on a warm summer evening during a dinner outing with my family. The moment that first bite melted in my mouth, I was hooked. The buttery richness, the vibrant tang of lemon, and the perfectly cooked shrimp created a harmony of flavors that I couldn’t get enough of. Naturally, I had to try making it myself.
This version of Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brings all the flavors of the original into your kitchen. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that feels like a special occasion but is easy enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- Shrimp: 1 pound, raw, peeled, and deveined
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons
- Minced Garlic: 4 teaspoons (about 4 cloves)
- Lemon Juice: Juice from ½ a lemon (freshly squeezed)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For garnish (optional but highly recommended)
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, for a burst of color
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by ensuring your shrimp is cleaned and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture—this helps them cook evenly and ensures they develop a nice sear in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked for too long. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Seasonings
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir well.
Step 5: Combine the Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the shrimp simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. For the finishing touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp scampi. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the shrimp.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp fresh for the best results.