Bring the iconic taste of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi to your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter and white wine sauce make for a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just enjoy a flavorful seafood meal, this recipe will bring the classic flavors you love straight to your plate.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Restaurant Quality at Home: This recipe recreates the delicious garlic butter shrimp scampi just like Red Lobster, right in your own kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: With basic ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy a gourmet meal without the restaurant price tag.
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or an elegant weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (if using) to ensure they are evenly coated.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze with Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and incorporate any browned bits from the bottom. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce by half.
3. Combine and Finish
- Add the Shrimp Back: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are heated through and fully coated in the sauce.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the shrimp scampi with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if desired).
- Serve Immediately: Serve the shrimp scampi warm, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of angel hair pasta or linguine, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Crusty Bread: Accompany the dish with crusty bread or homemade garlic bread to soak up every bit of the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp scampi as an appetizer with toothpicks for easy serving, perfect for parties or gatherings.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Scampi
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley make a big difference in the flavor of this dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, so be sure to watch them closely to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Wine Substitute: If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version of the scampi.
Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme or basil to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor.
- Creamy Version: For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream just before adding the shrimp back to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can thaw them quickly by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What kind of wine is best for shrimp scampi?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a Chardonnay works best for shrimp scampi. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with chicken broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sliced bell peppers would make great additions to this dish. Just add them to the skillet before adding the shrimp back in.
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi copycat recipe is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality seafood into your home. With tender shrimp, a buttery garlic sauce, and a hint of lemon, it’s a dish that will impress family and friends without much effort. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, with bread, or as an appetizer, this shrimp scampi is sure to be a favorite.
Give this simple and flavorful recipe a try, and enjoy the taste of Red Lobster from the comfort of your own kitchen!