If you have ever dreamed of recreating a restaurant-quality seafood experience right in your kitchen, this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce brightened with fresh lemon and a splash of wine, this dish is a perfect harmony of flavors that feels both luxurious and homey. Every bite delivers a silky sauce that clings delightfully to the shrimp, making it irresistible and perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe shines because of its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether adding depth, freshness, or that unforgettable buttery richness.
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star protein, tender and quick to cook.
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil: For a gentle base heat that keeps shrimp juicy.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped: The aromatic powerhouse that infuses the dish with bold flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay recommended): Adds acidity and brightness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only: Fresh citrus for a zesty lift that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb mix that complements the garlic and shrimp perfectly.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: The luxurious base of the sauce that brings smoothness and depth.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Freshness and color to brighten the final plate.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a savory finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
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 to get a perfect sear. Add your peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking until they become tender and completely opaque – this typically takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Once done, remove the shrimp carefully and set aside, so the flavors remain pristine for the sauce step.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the shrimp, sauté your finely chopped garlic. Let it cook gently until it’s fragrant but not browned, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This ensures that the garlic flavor is mellow and sweet rather than bitter. Next, pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice, letting the liquid reduce by half over about 5 minutes. This reduction concentrates the flavors and creates a beautiful base for your sauce.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir to blend the herbs beautifully into the wine and garlic mixture. Then, reduce your heat to low and add the softened butter spoonful by spoonful, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety with that decadent buttery finish.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, gently tossing them in the luscious sauce. Stir in the fresh parsley to bring a fresh herbal note and season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, letting it melt slightly for an extra layer of savory goodness before plating.
How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that brightens this dish with its vibrant green color and mild flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side not only add an inviting look but allow anyone eating to add a punch of citrus if desired. For an elegant touch, a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving really seals the deal.
Side Dishes
This shrimp scampi is excellent served over a bed of al dente angel hair or linguine pasta, soaking up every bit of that sauce. Crusty garlic bread is another stellar side that complements the saucy seafood perfectly. For a lighter option, think crisp steamed asparagus or a simple mixed green salad with a zingy vinaigrette to balance the buttery richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the shrimp scampi in individual shallow bowls layered over fresh pasta nests with a drizzle of extra sauce on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens as a colorful garnish can elevate the dish’s aesthetic for special occasions. Using a large, rustic platter to share at the table also creates a warm, communal dining vibe everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within two days for the best texture and flavor, as the shrimp can tend to become rubbery if kept longer.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for maintaining the shrimp’s tender texture. If you must freeze, place the shrimp and sauce in a sealed container or freezer bag and consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi gently over low heat on the stovetop to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of white wine or broth can help loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is quicker but requires short bursts at medium power with stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that could make the sauce watery.
What type of wine works best in the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay is ideal as it adds bright, balanced acidity without overpowering the garlic and butter flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta or bread if needed.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cook the shrimp quickly over medium heat and remove them from the pan as soon as they turn opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor and texture in this classic dish, but in a pinch, margarine can be used. Just know that the taste and richness might not be quite the same.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe that brings elegance and comfort to your dinner table all at once. It’s simple to prepare without sacrificing any flavor, making it the perfect weeknight wonder or special occasion meal. So, grab these few essential ingredients and dive in—your taste buds are in for an incredible treat that will have you coming back for more!
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Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent medium shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic white wine sauce infused with Italian seasoning and fresh lemon juice. Finished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this flavorful dish is perfect served hot over pasta, with crusty bread, or your favorite sides.
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 shrimp and cook until tender and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add white wine and lemon juice, and cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce: Add Italian seasoning to the skillet and stir. Reduce heat to low, then add softened butter, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, coat them thoroughly with the sauce, and stir in chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp scampi hot alongside crusty bread, over cooked pasta, or with your preferred side dish for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Use dry white wine like Chardonnay for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender.
- You can substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh is preferred.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
- For a low-carb option, serve without pasta or bread.
