Are you craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s rich, buttery, and bursting with garlic flavor? Look no further than this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe! This iconic dish features tender shrimp cooked in a mouthwatering garlic-butter sauce, complemented by a hint of lemon and white wine.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this shrimp scampi is the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the trip to Red Lobster and recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the buttery garlic sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable shrimp scampi:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp – Peeled and deveined for convenience.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the shrimp to perfection.
For the Garlic-Butter Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – The star ingredient for bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white wine – Adds richness and depth to the sauce. (Substitute chicken broth if preferred.)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced – For a fresh, zesty kick.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that complements the shrimp beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – For a rich and creamy sauce.
For Garnish and Flavor Boost:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for added creaminess.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Balances and enhances the flavors.
How to Make Shrimp Scampi
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a buttery, garlicky masterpiece:
1. Cook the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Deglaze with Wine and Lemon Juice
Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this is where the flavor is!). Bring the liquid to a boil and let it reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Make the Garlic-Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, until fully melted. Add the Italian seasoning and stir to combine, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
5. Return the Shrimp to the Sauce
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat them in the garlic-butter sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, just long enough to heat the shrimp through.
6. Garnish and Serve
Season the shrimp scampi with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for the perfect finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
This shrimp scampi is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Over Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
- With Rice: Serve over fluffy white rice or buttery risotto to soak up every drop of sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: Use a loaf of warm, crusty bread to scoop up the garlic-butter sauce—no spoon needed!
- With Zoodles: For a low-carb option, serve the scampi over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Tips for Success
- Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can turn rubbery if overdone. Remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Use Real Parmesan: For the best flavor, grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
- Customize the Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but be careful not to overcook them. Simply add the shrimp to the sauce in Step 5 and heat for 1-2 minutes.
2. What can I substitute for white wine?
If you don’t have wine or prefer not to use it, substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of white grape juice for sweetness.
3. How do I thicken the sauce?
For a slightly thicker sauce, whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the shrimp, and combine them just before serving.
5. What wine pairs well with shrimp scampi?
A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this dish. Bonus: You can use the same wine in the recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 28g
Final Thoughts
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe brings bold flavors and restaurant-quality indulgence straight to your table. With tender shrimp, a buttery garlic sauce, and the perfect touch of lemon and white wine, it’s a dish that’s bound to impress.
Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. Serve it with your favorite sides, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy every flavorful bite. You deserve it!
So, grab your skillet and get cooking—this shrimp scampi is about to become your new favorite seafood dish!