Imagine diving fork-first into the rich, buttery goodness of the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe—a dish that bursts with bright lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfectly complementing tender, juicy shrimp. This recipe brings the classic restaurant flavors right into your kitchen, with a luscious wine-infused sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing friends, this dish hits that perfect balance of elegance and comforting familiarity you never want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a breeze because it uses simple, fresh ingredients that work wonderfully together to create an unforgettable taste experience. Each component plays a crucial role, from the succulent shrimp to the aromatic garlic and silky butter sauce.
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, offering a tender and juicy texture that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil: Helps cook the shrimp perfectly without overwhelming their natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped: Provides that irresistible, fragrant punch that’s a must in any good scampi.
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay recommended): Adds depth and a subtle fruity acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only: Brightens the entire dish with a zesty touch, cutting through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complements the garlic and lemon perfectly.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that coats every shrimp with flavor.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Fresh and vibrant, parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and slight saltiness that rounds out the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add your shrimp and let them cook until they turn tender and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This quick cooking locks in their natural sweetness and prevents them from becoming rubbery. Once done, remove the shrimp and set them aside to make room for the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, gently sauté the finely chopped garlic. The goal here is to bring out its fragrant aroma without letting it brown or burn, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Next, pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice. Allow this to reduce by half over 5 minutes, which intensifies the sauce’s flavor and concentrates those wonderful citrus and wine notes.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce
Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning and give it a good stir. Reduce the heat to low and add the softened butter a little at a time, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly and the sauce thickens to a silky consistency. This buttery base is what makes the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe so irresistibly rich and indulgent.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat thoroughly with that delicious sauce. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of herbal brightness. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and finish by sprinkling on the grated Parmesan cheese for that subtle cheesy kick that ties everything together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
The final step is the best—dig in while it’s hot! Serve this shrimp scampi with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce, over your favorite pasta, or alongside a crisp salad for a meal that feels both special and effortless.
How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side can elevate the presentation and add fresh bursts of flavor at the table. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese right before serving adds an inviting finish that guests will love.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Pasta is a classic choice—angel hair or linguine works beautifully to catch the sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes can also be a surprisingly delicious match.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp scampi in individual small cast iron pans to keep the dish warm and charmingly rustic. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly option that still delivers on flavor and indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days and ensures you can enjoy the flavors again without losing any of the dish’s signature richness.
Freezing
While shrimp can sometimes suffer texture-wise after freezing, you can freeze the sauce separately for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator and then gently reheat with freshly cooked shrimp for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the shrimp from overcooking. Adding a splash of white wine or a pat of butter while reheating helps keep the sauce luscious and silky as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking, and pat them dry to get a good sear and avoid extra moisture diluting the sauce.
What type of pasta pairs best with the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Angel hair or linguine are fantastic choices as they toss well with the sauce and soak up the buttery goodness without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
Is white wine essential in this recipe?
While white wine adds wonderful depth of flavor, you can substitute a low-sodium chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice and water for a similar effect if you prefer not to cook with alcohol.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This particular recipe centers on shrimp, but you could easily swap the shrimp for large sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian take that still highlights the garlic-lemon-butter sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the white wine and lemon juice reduce a bit longer before adding the butter. Slowly incorporating more butter while stirring will also help reach a richer consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a restaurant favorite but is incredibly rewarding and simple to make at home, give the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe a try. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive enough for guests, offering a perfect blend of bright, buttery, and savory flavors that everyone will rave about.
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Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe offers a luscious, garlicky seafood dish cooked in a buttery white wine sauce with a hint of lemon and Italian seasoning. Perfectly tender shrimp are sautéed in olive oil and combined with a rich sauce, then topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for an irresistible meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay recommended)
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking until tender and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped garlic until fragrant but not browned, roughly 2-3 minutes. This will release the garlicky aroma and flavor without bitterness. Then add the white wine and fresh lemon juice, letting the mixture simmer until the wine reduces by half, approximately 5 minutes, concentrating the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse herbal notes. Reduce the skillet heat to low and add the softened butter gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat evenly with the sauce. Mix in the chopped parsley for freshness, and season with salt and pepper to your preference. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a rich, savory finish.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi hot, ideally with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, over pasta, or alongside your preferred side dish for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use medium shrimp for consistent cooking time and tenderness.
- Choose a dry white wine like Chardonnay for optimal flavor release in the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to maintain a juicy texture.
- Softened butter should be at room temperature to blend smoothly into the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, linguine, or steamed vegetables.
