Craving the classic taste of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi? This recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen with succulent shrimp in a flavorful garlic and wine sauce, perfect for a special dinner or a delightful weeknight meal. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering dish at home:
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups white wine
- ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 stick butter, unsalted and at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the 1 pound of shrimp with ¼ teaspoon black pepper and ½ teaspoon salt. This ensures the shrimp are well-seasoned before cooking.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil will add flavor and help sear the shrimp.
2. Cook the Shrimp
- Sauté the Garlic: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. The shrimp should be cooked through but not overcooked, as they can become tough.
3. Make the Scampi Sauce
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour 1 ½ cups of white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Add Lemon Juice and Old Bay: Stir in ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning. These ingredients enhance the shrimp’s natural flavors and add a zesty kick.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
4. Finish the Dish
- Incorporate the Butter: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 stick of unsalted butter. Let the butter melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve
- Plate the Dish: Transfer the shrimp and sauce to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Add Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.
- Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.
6. Enjoy
Serve your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delectable sauce. This dish is perfect for an elegant dinner or a cozy night in.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until they are pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and chewy.
- Adjust the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat level to avoid burning the garlic. Medium to medium-high heat works best.
- Wine Selection: Use a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for the best results. Avoid sweet wines as they can alter the flavor of the dish.
Variations
- Spicy Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and wine mixture for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Scampi: For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream along with the butter.
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor.
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers the iconic taste of the restaurant’s dish right to your table. With its rich garlic and wine sauce, tender shrimp, and a touch of fresh parsley, it’s a surefire way to impress family and friends. Enjoy this classic dish with your favorite sides and savor every bite of this seafood delight.
