Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Step-By-Step Guide to Recreate This Classic Dish at Home

If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, chances are you’ve been wowed by their famous Shrimp Scampi. This dish is a culinary favorite among seafood lovers for good reason—tender shrimp cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s perfect for pairing with pasta or crusty bread. But did you know you can recreate this mouth-watering Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe at home? This guide will take you through the process of making Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi from scratch, complete with tips, ingredients, and variations.

What Makes Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Special?

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi stands out not just for its rich flavors but also for its use of simple, high-quality ingredients. The shrimp is the centerpiece of this dish, cooked to perfection in a velvety garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. But what truly makes this scampi so beloved is its balance of fresh ingredients and carefully crafted cooking techniques.

The combination of tender shrimp, aromatic garlic, and the perfect amount of lemon and butter creates a sauce that clings to each bite of shrimp, adding richness without overpowering the delicate seafood flavor. Plus, the dish is easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients, which is part of what makes it so special.

Ingredients for the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

To bring Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi into your kitchen, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Shrimp (peeled and deveined)	1 pound	Jumbo shrimp work best for a hearty, satisfying dish.
Butter	1/2 cup (1 stick)	Unsalted butter is preferred for better control of flavor.
Garlic	4-5 cloves	Minced or finely chopped. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
White wine (optional)	1/4 cup	Adds depth and a touch of acidity to the sauce.
Lemon juice	2 tablespoons	Fresh lemon juice gives the dish a zesty, bright flavor.
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Chopped for garnish, adds freshness and color.
Red pepper flakes (optional)	1/4 teaspoon	Adds a touch of heat, optional based on your preference.
Salt and pepper	To taste	Essential for seasoning the scampi to perfection.

These simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at Home

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi in your own kitchen.

Preparing the Shrimp

First, ensure the shrimp are cleaned and prepared properly. If you’re using frozen shrimp, you’ll need to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. Once thawed, peel and devein the shrimp if it hasn’t already been done. To do this, simply remove the shell and use a small knife to make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp, removing the black vein.

Next, rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remaining shell fragments or debris. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly in the skillet.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

The star of the dish is the garlic butter sauce that coats the shrimp in a rich, savory layer of flavor. Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be sure not to burn it, as that can make the garlic taste bitter.

Once the garlic is softened and fragrant, you can add the white wine, which will help deglaze the pan and bring depth to the sauce. Allow the wine to simmer for about 2 minutes, reducing slightly, before adding the lemon juice. Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using) to create a tangy and slightly spicy kick in the sauce.

Cooking the Shrimp

Now, it’s time to cook the shrimp to perfection. Add the shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are fully pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery if left in the pan too long. As the shrimp cook, make sure they are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.

Once the shrimp are cooked, give everything a final stir to ensure the sauce has evenly coated each shrimp.

Final Touches and Serving

Once your shrimp are cooked, it’s time to assemble and serve this delectable dish. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the shrimp for a burst of freshness and color. You can also add more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier flavor.

Red Lobster often serves their Shrimp Scampi alongside a side of pasta or crusty garlic bread. You can serve your homemade Shrimp Scampi in the same way, or get creative by serving it over rice, steamed vegetables, or even as an appetizer on its own.

Red Lobster Shrimp and Scallop Parmesan Scampi – A Delicious Variation

If you’re looking for a new twist on the classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, try adding scallops for a truly decadent dish. The addition of scallops brings a delightful sweetness and richness to the scampi.

To make Red Lobster Shrimp and Scallop Parmesan Scampi, simply add fresh scallops to the skillet when you add the shrimp. Be sure to cook the scallops for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once both the shrimp and scallops are finished, toss them in the garlic butter sauce and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and depth.

Other Shrimp Scampi Recipes Inspired by Red Lobster

There are many variations of shrimp scampi that are inspired by Red Lobster’s popular dish. Here are a couple of additional recipes you can try.

Shrimp Pasta Red Lobster Recipe

For pasta lovers, the Shrimp Pasta Red Lobster recipe brings the rich flavors of scampi to a delicious pasta dish. Simply cook your favorite pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine) according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and toss it with the garlic butter shrimp from the scampi recipe. The buttery sauce will coat the pasta, making it a creamy and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.

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Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

The classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi remains a favorite thanks to its simplicity and flavor. This version focuses on the shrimp, garlic butter, and fresh lemon, without the need for pasta or additional variations. It’s the perfect dish for a light yet satisfying meal.

Red Lobster Recipes You Can Make at Home

Red Lobster is known for more than just Shrimp Scampi – there are several other delicious recipes you can recreate at home. If you’re a fan of the restaurant’s offerings, here are a few other dishes you can make yourself:

• Cheddar Bay Biscuits – These famous, cheesy biscuits are a must-try. Soft, flaky, and full of cheddar flavor, they pair perfectly with any seafood dish.
• Lobster Bisque – A rich and creamy soup made with fresh lobster and a savory base.
• Garlic Bread – Another great side to accompany your Shrimp Scampi, Red Lobster’s garlic bread is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Tips for Perfecting Your Shrimp Scampi

To ensure your Shrimp Scampi tastes just like the one from Red Lobster, follow these expert tips.

Adjusting the Flavor Profile

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi has a signature flavor, but you can customize it to suit your taste. Add more garlic for a stronger flavor, or toss in extra lemon juice for a tangier, fresher taste. If you prefer a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Cooking Techniques to Avoid Overcooking Shrimp

Overcooking shrimp can turn them tough and rubbery – here’s how to avoid that mistake. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in 2-3 minutes per side. When the shrimp turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Remove them from the heat immediately to avoid overcooking.

FAQ About Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Can I Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Ahead of Time?

While shrimp scampi is best served fresh, there are ways to prepare it ahead of time. You can make the garlic butter sauce and cook the shrimp in advance, then store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the shrimp in the sauce over low heat until warmed through.

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can work just as well in this recipe, as long as you follow the proper thawing process. Be sure to thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before using them in the recipe.