Mouthwatering Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Dazzling Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Seafood enthusiasts crave this classic red lobster shrimp scampi recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

Succulent shrimp dance in a rich, buttery garlic sauce that promises pure culinary delight.

The aromatic blend of herbs and white wine creates an irresistible backdrop for each perfectly cooked morsel.

Tender shrimp nestle in a silky sauce that whispers of coastal elegance and home-cooked comfort.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dish that feels both sophisticated and welcoming.

Every bite carries the essence of coastal dining, minus the restaurant price tag.

You’ll want to savor each delectable spoonful of this restaurant-inspired seafood masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

For Seafood Base:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, large shrimp are the star of this dish, delivering sweet oceanic flavor and tender protein perfect for coating in garlic sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden sear and provides smooth cooking surface for delicate shrimp.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses deep, rich taste and creates signature scampi essence.
  • White Wine: Adds sophisticated depth and helps create light, tangy sauce base.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens entire dish with zesty, fresh citrus notes and balances rich butter.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers nutty, salty complexity and helps thicken sauce with creamy texture.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Butter: Creates luxurious, silky sauce with rich, golden undertones.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides vibrant color and subtle herbal freshness to complete presentation.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that awakens and highlights natural shrimp sweetness.

Tools to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing shrimp and creating the delicious sauce.
  • Tongs: Perfect for flipping and moving shrimp while cooking.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients in the pan.
  • Cutting board: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
  • Sharp knife: Helpful for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
  • Cheese grater: Required for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
  • Plate: Used for setting aside cooked shrimp.

Prep & Cook: Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

  • Season and Sizzle Shrimp

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over shrimp, making sure each piece gets some love. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, letting it shimmer and dance with heat.

  • Quick Shrimp Dance

Slide shrimp into the hot skillet, letting them sear and turn a beautiful pink in just 1-2 minutes per side. Quickly transfer to a waiting plate.

  • Garlic Moment

Melt butter and remaining olive oil in the same skillet. Drop in minced garlic, stirring until its fragrance fills the kitchen and makes your mouth water.

  • Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour white wine and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Let the liquid bubble and reduce, creating a tantalizing sauce that promises deliciousness.

  • Final Flavor Fusion

Return shrimp to the skillet, gently coating them in the rich garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy embrace. Scatter fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the flavors are bold and vibrant.

How to Add Flair to Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

  • Gently crush garlic cloves before mincing to release more intense flavor and aroma, elevating the entire scampi experience.
  • Choose large or jumbo shrimp with shells removed for easier eating, ensuring uniform cooking and maximum sauce absorption.
  • Replace shrimp with chicken or scallops for versatile protein options that maintain the delicious garlic butter sauce's signature taste.
  • Use gluten-free chicken broth instead of wine and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to create a low-carb, celiac-friendly version of the classic dish.

Ways to Present Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi with Style

  • Seafood Feast Companion: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a perfect flavor-absorbing sidekick.
  • Pasta Paradise: Toss the shrimp scampi over linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic Italian-inspired meal that transforms the dish into a hearty dinner.
  • Fresh Garden Salad: Pair with a light, crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, buttery shrimp and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which enhances the lemony, garlicky flavors of the scampi.

Keeping Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Fresh

  • Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
  • Keep the shrimp scampi fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Always check for any unusual odors or color changes before reheating to ensure food safety.
  • Warm the scampi gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or white wine to restore moisture. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make shrimp tough and rubbery.
  • While possible to freeze, the dish's creamy sauce and delicate shrimp might lose quality. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat carefully to maintain the original flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess water in the skillet.

  • What type of white wine works best for shrimp scampi?

Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are ideal. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.

  • How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery, so watch them carefully during cooking.

  • Is this recipe spicy or mild?

This shrimp scampi is mild and buttery with a light garlic and lemon flavor. If you want heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Print
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Mouthwatering Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Mouthwatering Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brings succulent seafood together with garlic-butter sauce. Diners can savor Mediterranean-inspired flavors without leaving home kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) shrimp, large, peeled and deveined
  • ¼ cup (57 g) butter, unsalted
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) white wine, dry (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsps (8 g) parsley, fresh, chopped
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed (optional, for heat)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat shrimp with salt and pepper, ensuring uniform coverage across both surfaces to enhance flavor profiles.
  2. Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an optimal searing environment for the shrimp. Carefully introduce seasoned shrimp, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until transforming to a vibrant pink hue with a translucent finish.
  3. Flavor Foundation: Without cleaning the skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Quickly introduce minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent scorching while releasing its aromatic essence for approximately one minute.
  4. Sauce Development: Pour white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pan, whisking ingredients to create a harmonious liquid mixture. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce, concentrating flavors for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Final Integration: Reintroduce seared shrimp to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the rich garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot, ensuring maximum flavor and optimal dining experience.

Notes

  • Control Heat Precisely: Maintain medium-high temperature to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery or overcooked, ensuring tender and juicy results every time.
  • Season Strategically: Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help salt and pepper adhere better and create a perfect golden-brown exterior when sautéing.
  • Watch Cooking Time Carefully: Cook shrimp exactly 1-2 minutes per side; even 30 seconds extra can transform texture from succulent to tough and chewy.
  • Create Flavor Layers: Use the same skillet after cooking shrimp to capture delicious browned bits, enhancing overall sauce depth and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 250 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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