Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is one of the most beloved dishes on their menu, known for its buttery, garlicky, and citrus-infused sauce that perfectly coats tender shrimp. The dish is served over a bed of linguine or with crispy bread for dipping, making it an irresistible seafood classic. While dining at Red Lobster is always a treat, making this famous shrimp scampi at home allows you to enjoy the same flavors at a fraction of the cost—and with complete control over ingredients.

This copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples like garlic, butter, white wine (or broth), and fresh parsley. The key to achieving restaurant-quality shrimp scampi lies in perfectly sautéing the shrimp to tender perfection and creating a sauce that is rich, flavorful, and slightly tangy.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an elegant date night dish, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this shrimp scampi recipe delivers in every way. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make this iconic dish, from ingredient choices to expert cooking techniques, storage tips, variations, and more. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering seafood classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: This recipe perfectly replicates the bold and buttery flavors of Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples like garlic, butter, and lemon.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap out ingredients, or make it creamy for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as an elegant dinner, a casual meal, or a shareable appetizer.
• Budget-Friendly: Save money by making this delicious seafood dish at home instead of dining out.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 portion of shrimp and sauce

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

(Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredient choices.)

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Scampi Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

For Serving (Optional):

• Cooked pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair)
• Crusty bread (for dipping)
• Extra lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Season the shrimp with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Do not overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
• Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Scampi Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
• Pour in ½ cup of white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
• Stir in the lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Combine and Serve

• Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Simmer for another 1-2 minutes, just until heated through.
• Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for dipping.
• Garnish with extra lemon wedges for added freshness.
• Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredient Background

• Shrimp: A rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp is the star of this dish.
• Garlic & Butter: These ingredients provide the classic scampi richness and depth of flavor.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and enhances the sauce’s complexity. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works best.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the buttery richness with bright acidity.
• Parmesan Cheese: While optional, it adds an extra layer of umami to the dish.

Technique Tips

• Do Not Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly—overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, avoiding the bitterness of pre-minced garlic.
• Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the shrimp, deglazing with wine lifts all the flavorful bits from the skillet.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Shrimp Scampi Tacos: Serve in warm tortillas with a drizzle of garlic butter sauce.
• Shrimp Scampi Pizza: Use the shrimp and sauce as a topping for a thin-crust pizza.
• Shrimp Scampi Zoodles: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Butter: A good unsalted butter enhances the sauce’s richness.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes according to taste.
• Double the Sauce: If serving over pasta, make extra sauce for better coverage.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi: Add extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesier version.
• Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked shrimp (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with extra butter or broth to keep the shrimp tender.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For added fiber and nutrients.
• Reduce Butter: Use half the butter for a lighter version.
• Swap White Wine for Broth: A lower-calorie alternative without compromising flavor.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• Garlic press (optional)
• Tongs for flipping shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?

Yes! If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still add a rich and flavorful depth to the sauce without altering the essence of the dish. If you want to mimic the acidity that wine provides, consider adding a splash of white wine vinegar or a squeeze of extra lemon juice.

2. What pasta works best for shrimp scampi?

Linguine, spaghetti, and angel hair pasta are the best options because they hold onto the garlic butter sauce well. If you prefer a heartier pasta, fettuccine or pappardelle can also work. For a lighter, low-carb option, you can use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.

3. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Frozen shrimp is a great option and often more convenient. Be sure to thaw it completely by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or running it under cold water for about 10 minutes. After thawing, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the skillet, which can affect the texture of the dish.

4. How do I thicken the sauce?

If you prefer a thicker scampi sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering. Allow it to cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly. Another way to achieve a richer texture is to add a tablespoon of heavy cream or extra butter to the sauce.

5. What’s the best wine for shrimp scampi?

Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay work best because they provide acidity and enhance the flavor of the garlic butter sauce. Avoid sweet wines, as they can make the sauce taste overly sugary. If you only have a sweeter white wine, balance it with extra lemon juice.

6. Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Instead of butter, use extra virgin olive oil to create a lighter but still flavorful sauce. You can also add a bit of dairy-free butter or coconut cream for a touch of richness. Parmesan cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free alternative or simply omitted.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, or bell peppers make excellent additions to shrimp scampi. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before adding the shrimp. Adding vegetables not only enhances the dish’s nutrition but also creates a more vibrant and colorful presentation.

8. How do I keep shrimp from becoming rubbery?

The key to perfectly cooked shrimp is to cook them quickly over medium-high heat. Shrimp only need 1-2 minutes per side to turn pink and opaque. Overcooking them will cause them to become rubbery and tough. If you’re unsure, remove them from the pan as soon as they’re fully cooked and let them rest while you finish the sauce.

9. Can I make shrimp scampi spicy?

Yes! To add a bit of heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also sauté finely chopped jalapeños with the garlic for an extra kick.

10. What’s the best way to reheat shrimp scampi?

The best way to reheat shrimp scampi is to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or a pat of butter. Avoid microwaving, as this can overcook the shrimp and make them rubbery. If you’re reheating pasta with the scampi, add a little extra butter or olive oil to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi copycat recipe is the perfect way to bring a taste of your favorite restaurant dish into your own kitchen. With its buttery, garlicky, and citrusy sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, pairing it with crusty bread, or keeping it light with vegetables, this shrimp scampi is guaranteed to impress.

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility—you can customize the sauce, adjust the spice level, and even add extra ingredients like vegetables or cream for a unique twist. Plus, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier and budget-friendly alternative to dining out.

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