The Best Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe Ever Made

Succulent shrimp dancing in a buttery red lobster shrimp scampi sauce captivate seafood enthusiasts with their irresistible charm.

Garlic and white wine create a symphony of flavors that transport you straight to coastal dining experiences.

This classic dish combines simple ingredients with elegant techniques for a restaurant-quality meal.

Tender shrimp nestle perfectly in a light, zesty sauce that promises pure culinary delight.

Mediterranean influences shine through each delicate bite of this beloved seafood preparation.

Restaurants might charge premium prices, but you can effortlessly recreate this luxurious recipe in your own kitchen.

Prepare to savor every luxurious, herb-infused morsel that awaits.

What Makes This Shrimp Scampi Stand Out

• Quickly Elevate Your Cooking: Master a restaurant-worthy seafood dish at home with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a gourmet meal that looks sophisticated but requires basic cooking skills and just a few ingredients.
• Healthier Restaurant Copycat: Enjoy a lighter version of the famous Red Lobster classic without excess calories or hidden ingredients.
• Versatile Weeknight Dish: Whip up a delicious protein-packed meal that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete dining experience.

What You’ll Need for Shrimp Scampi

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that brings oceanic flavor to the dish.
• White Wine or Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that enriches the overall taste.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that brings freshness to the recipe.

• Garlic, Italian Seasoning: Fragrant herbs and spices that create a classic Mediterranean profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and mild green taste.

• Olive Oil: Smooth oil perfect for sautéing and building flavor base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty cheese that provides a delightful finishing touch.

How to Cook Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prep the Seafood Stars

Grab your succulent shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in olive oil.

Carefully place the shrimp in the hot pan, cooking until they transform into a beautiful pink color and become delightfully opaque.

This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.

Once done, transfer the shrimp to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and introduce the minced garlic.

Let it dance in the pan for 1-2 minutes, releasing its aromatic magic.

Be careful not to let the garlic turn brown – we want it fragrant, not burnt.

Step 3: Create the Luxurious Sauce

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and fresh lemon juice.

Crank up the heat to medium-high and let the liquid bubble and reduce by half.

This concentrates the flavors and creates a magical base for our scampi.

Step 4: Butter and Herbs Magic

Lower the heat to medium-low and welcome in the Italian seasoning and butter.

Gently stir as the butter melts, creating a silky, rich sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Final Flavor Fusion

Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them generously in the luscious sauce.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Give everything a gentle toss to ensure each shrimp is perfectly dressed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a shower of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately, letting the steam and aroma invite everyone to the table.

Smart Tips for Better Shrimp Scampi

• Choose large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're properly cleaned before cooking.
• Watch shrimp carefully and remove from heat immediately when they turn pink to avoid rubbery, tough texture.
• If using chicken broth instead of white wine, add a splash of lemon juice to maintain the bright, tangy flavor profile.
• Reduce sauce slowly and carefully to achieve the perfect thickness, allowing it to simmer gently without burning.
• Toast minced garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils, creating a richer, more complex taste in the final dish.

Reheating and Storing Shrimp Scampi Leftovers

• Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled shrimp to a freezer-safe container, ensuring it's sealed tightly; freeze for up to 2 months without losing flavor quality.
• Warm refrigerated shrimp at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
• Gently reheat small portions on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent rubbery texture.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Shrimp

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay with citrus undertones to complement the buttery, lemony scampi sauce and enhance the delicate shrimp flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect sidekick by toasting crusty Italian bread rubbed with garlic and brushed with olive oil to soak up the rich, savory sauce.
• Match Fresh Arugula Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, bright contrast that cuts through the richness of the shrimp scampi.
• Recommend Pinot Grigio: Choose a crisp, dry Pinot Grigio with subtle mineral notes that will refresh the palate and harmonize with the seafood's delicate profile.

Creative Shrimp Scampi Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce and use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the classic scampi flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, and skip the Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version of the dish.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic sauce for a bold, fiery kick that elevates the traditional shrimp scampi recipe.

FAQs

• What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay are ideal because they provide a crisp, light flavor that complements the shrimp without overpowering the dish.

• Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen shrimp works great. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water in the pan.

• How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly. As soon as the garlic becomes fragrant, add liquid to stop the cooking process and prevent burning, which can make the garlic taste bitter.

• Is there a substitute for white wine if I don't drink alcohol?

Chicken broth or seafood stock make excellent non-alcoholic alternatives that will still provide depth and flavor to the scampi sauce.

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent shrimp dancing in garlic-butter sauce bring Mediterranean coastal magic to classic Red Lobster shrimp scampi. Lemony herbs and delicate shellfish create a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear the shrimp in a hot skillet with olive oil until they transform from translucent to vibrant pink, creating a delicate caramelized exterior. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a separate plate, preserving their succulence.
2. Reduce the skillet’s temperature and gently toast the minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence without allowing it to brown or burn.
3. Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine and fresh lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and concentrate, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
4. Lower the heat and introduce Italian seasoning and cold butter, slowly swirling until the butter melts and emulsifies, creating a silky, luxurious sauce.
5. Reintroduce the perfectly cooked shrimp into the fragrant sauce, gently coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
6. Season the dish with a delicate balance of salt and freshly cracked pepper, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve immediately, allowing the warm sauce to complement the tender shrimp, creating a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Notes

• Shrimp Selection Matters: Choose large, fresh shrimp with shells removed to ensure quick and even cooking.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Cook shrimp briefly to prevent rubbery texture, removing them immediately when they turn pink and opaque.
• Wine Substitution Option: Replace white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich flavor complexity.
• Butter Emulsion Trick: Add butter slowly and off direct heat to create a smooth, silky sauce without separating or becoming greasy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 300 mg