Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is one of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes, known for its rich, garlicky flavor and buttery sauce. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this dish at home, you’re in luck. This recipe captures all the deliciousness of the original, with tender shrimp bathed in a decadent white wine and garlic butter sauce. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Shrimp is the star of this dish, and using medium-sized shrimp ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the shrimp and garlic, adding a subtle richness to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped: Garlic is essential for the scampi sauce, infusing it with its pungent, aromatic flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay recommended): White wine adds depth and acidity to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter.
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only: Lemon juice brightens the dish with its tangy freshness, cutting through the buttery sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme) adds a subtle complexity to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: Butter is key to creating the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the shrimp.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, herbaceous flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese contributes a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp:
- Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they haven’t already been prepared. You can leave the tails on for presentation, or remove them if you prefer. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can become bitter.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once the shrimp are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Scampi Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the white wine, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add a lot of flavor to the sauce.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by half. This concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce slightly.
- Add the Butter:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. The butter adds richness and helps to thicken the sauce.
- Return the Shrimp to the Skillet:
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to ensure they are well coated. Allow the shrimp to heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and color. If desired, you can also sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp, or serve it on the side for people to add as they like. The cheese adds a wonderful umami flavor that complements the garlic and butter.
- Serve:
- Serve the shrimp scampi immediately while it’s hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread (perfect for sopping up the sauce), pasta, or even over a bed of rice. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Pasta Pairing: For a more substantial meal, toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, before serving.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic as it sautés.
- Swap the Wine: If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the restaurant’s signature flavors right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing this for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, it’s sure to be a hit. The combination of tender shrimp, rich garlic butter sauce, and a hint of lemon is simply irresistible. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite side, and don’t forget to have some bread on hand to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce!
