If you’re a fan of Red Lobster’s famous Shrimp Scampi, you’re in luck! This recipe is easy to recreate at home and delivers the same buttery, garlicky flavor that we all love. In just a few simple steps, you can make a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes. Serve it over pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they aren’t already cleaned. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, as this will help them sear properly when cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it will turn bitter.
Step 4: Add Wine and Seasonings
Add the dry white wine (or chicken broth) to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly. If you prefer a bit of heat, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Shrimp
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the skillet, stirring to combine with the sauce. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the buttery garlic sauce until they are fully coated and warmed through, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh pop of flavor. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the shrimp and sauce. Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked pasta or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly and will turn rubbery if left in the pan too long. Cook just until pink and opaque, then remove them from the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Wine substitute: If you prefer not to cook with alcohol, chicken broth works perfectly well as a substitute for white wine.
- Extra richness: For an even richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
Variations
- Add veggies: You can easily bulk up this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Spicy kick: If you like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Be sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi is traditionally served over pasta, but you can also serve it with crusty bread, rice, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Shrimp scampi is best served fresh, as shrimp can become overcooked and rubbery when reheated. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before adding freshly cooked shrimp.
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe brings all the flavors of the restaurant to your kitchen in just a few simple steps. The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and white wine creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the tender shrimp. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi with pasta or bread, and savor the deliciousness!
