I’ll never forget the time I tried to wow my family with a homemade shrimp scampi. My kitchen was filled with smoke, and I somehow managed to turn my shrimp into rubbery little disasters. It was an experience I’d rather not relive, but it taught me an important lesson: simplicity and the right techniques are key when cooking shrimp. Enter this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe—a foolproof way to achieve restaurant-quality results every single time.
This recipe is everything you want in a shrimp scampi: tender, juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery, garlicky sauce, with hints of lemon and Italian herbs. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough to impress guests. Let’s dive into the details and unlock the secrets to this irresistible dish!
Why You’ll Love This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Restaurant-Quality at Home
There’s something magical about recreating a dish you love from your favorite restaurant. This shrimp scampi brings that same indulgent, buttery flavor Red Lobster is famous for straight to your table. You’ll save money, skip the crowds, and still enjoy a meal that tastes like it came from a professional chef’s kitchen.
Quick and Easy
With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules. The steps are simple and require minimal prep, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.
Packed with Flavor
The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, and lemon creates a sauce that’s both rich and refreshing. Add the tender shrimp, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, and you’ve got a dish bursting with flavor.
Versatile and Customizable
Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, this shrimp scampi adapts beautifully to your preferences. You can also adjust the spice level or add fresh herbs to make it uniquely yours.
The Secret to Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Shrimp scampi might seem fancy, but it’s all about timing and balance. The key is cooking the shrimp just right—pink, opaque, and tender—and creating a sauce that’s smooth and emulsified. Here’s what makes this recipe foolproof:
- Proper Shrimp Cooking: Cooking shrimp only takes a few minutes, and overcooking is a common mistake. Watch closely to ensure they’re just pink and opaque before removing them from the heat.
- Layered Flavors: Building the sauce in stages—starting with garlic and ending with butter—ensures every component shines.
- Emulsification: Adding softened butter slowly over low heat creates a creamy, luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a dish packed with flavor:
- 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the shrimp to golden perfection.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the dish with aromatic, savory goodness.
- 1½ cups white cooking wine: Chardonnay works well, adding depth and tanginess to the sauce.
- Juice of ½ fresh lemon: Brightens and balances the richness of the butter.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the dish’s savory notes.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, creamy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, arrange the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it.
Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the mixture to simmer until the liquid reduces by half, which takes about 4–5 minutes.
3. Finish the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Italian seasoning. Gradually add the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly to create a smooth, emulsified sauce. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy, cohesive texture.
4. Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the sauce. Let them heat through for 1–2 minutes, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
5. Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips for Success
To make your shrimp scampi perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp yield the best texture and flavor. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them rubbery.
- Deglaze the Pan: Stirring the wine and lemon juice into the skillet lifts the browned bits left from the shrimp, adding depth to the sauce.
- Softened Butter is Key: Using softened butter helps create a smooth sauce. Cold butter might not emulsify as well.
- Low Heat for the Sauce: Keep the heat low when adding butter to prevent it from separating.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Pasta: Classic linguine or fettuccine are great options to toss in the scampi sauce.
- Rice: Steamed rice or a pilaf soaks up the delicious buttery sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add a healthy, colorful contrast.
- Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat Gently: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp.
- Freeze the Sauce Only: While shrimp doesn’t freeze well, the sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before adding freshly cooked shrimp.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~5g
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~15g
- Cholesterol: ~250mg
- Sodium: ~600mg
Why You Should Make This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brings the flavors of the sea straight to your kitchen. It’s rich, buttery, and bursting with garlicky goodness, yet simple enough for any home cook to master. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress.
What’s more, it’s incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level, swap out the wine for chicken broth, or add extra herbs to suit your tastes. The recipe’s flexibility makes it a joy to cook and a favorite to eat.
So, why not give it a try? Snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations. Once you’ve experienced the magic of this shrimp scampi, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This copycat recipe brings the iconic flavors of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi to your kitchen. Tender shrimp in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 1½ cups white cooking wine (such as Chardonnay)
- Juice of ½ fresh lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in wine and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until liquid is reduced by half.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and gradually add butter over low heat, whisking to create a smooth sauce.
- Return shrimp to skillet, toss to coat in sauce, and heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Seafood