Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Description of this recipe: Indulge in the rich, garlicky flavors of homemade Shrimp Scampi, inspired by the iconic Red Lobster classic. This recipe delivers tender, succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious white wine and butter sauce, seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs and finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A restaurant-quality meal that you can effortlessly create in your own kitchen.

Why you will love this recipe:

Quick and Easy: This scampi comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick weekend treat.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the deliciousness of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi without leaving the comfort of your home.
Versatile: Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside your favorite side dishes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be customized to your liking.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic, white wine, lemon, and Italian herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Impressive yet Simple: While it tastes incredibly elegant, this recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks.

Introduction

Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish, beloved for its simplicity and decadent flavor. While many versions exist, the Red Lobster rendition stands out for its perfectly balanced sauce and tender shrimp. This recipe aims to recreate that restaurant magic in your own kitchen, using readily available ingredients and straightforward techniques. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring that you achieve the perfect texture and taste every time. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your repertoire. The key to a truly exceptional shrimp scampi lies in the quality of the ingredients and the attention to detail in the sauce. Using fresh, plump shrimp is crucial, and don’t skimp on the garlic or butter! The white wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, while the lemon juice provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness. The Italian seasoning ties everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients:

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (Fresh or frozen, thawed)
1 tablespoon pure olive oil
2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped (Approximately 4-6 cloves)
1 1/2 cups dry white wine (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
1/2 fresh lemon, juice only (Approximately 2 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Ensure your shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieve a good sear and prevent the shrimp from steaming in the pan. Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Over-salting can be a common mistake, so err on the side of caution.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed sauté pan over medium heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding the shrimp to get a nice sear. Add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook until tender and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Overcooking shrimp will make them rubbery, so keep a close eye on them. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Don’t wipe out the skillet; those flavorful browned bits are essential for the sauce!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep it moving in the pan, stirring frequently. The aroma of the garlic should fill your kitchen, signaling that it’s ready.

Step 4: Create the Wine Sauce

Pour in the white wine and add the lemon juice. Increase the heat to medium and cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. This process intensifies the flavors of the wine and lemon, creating a rich and concentrated base for the sauce. The liquid should thicken slightly as it reduces. Watch closely to prevent it from reducing too much and becoming overly acidic.

Step 5: Finish the Scampi Sauce

Reduce the heat to low. Add the Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in the softened butter, one tablespoon at a time, until melted and smooth. This creates a creamy, emulsified sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully. Don’t rush this process; adding the butter slowly ensures that the sauce doesn’t break or become greasy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Remember that the Parmesan cheese will add saltiness, so adjust accordingly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp to the skillet, coating them evenly with the sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Let the cheese melt slightly from the heat of the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

COOKING Rating:

Ease of Preparation: Easy Flavor Complexity: Medium Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

Serving Suggestions:

Over Pasta: Toss with linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine for a classic and satisfying meal.
With Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
Alongside Rice: Pair with steamed rice or risotto for a complete and balanced meal.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy and delicious side dish.
As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions as an appetizer for a dinner party or special occasion.

Tips:

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and unpleasant. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the best flavor. Avoid using jarred minced garlic, as it often lacks the pungent aroma and flavor of fresh garlic.
Soften the Butter: Softened butter incorporates more easily into the sauce and creates a smoother, creamier texture.
Use a Dry White Wine: A dry white wine like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Avoid sweet wines, as they will make the sauce too sweet.
Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your preference.
Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Garnish with Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

Calories: 450-550 Protein: 35-45g Sodium: 600-800mg

Conclusion

This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your table. With its ease of preparation, versatility, and incredible taste, it’s a dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this scampi is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to savor the rich, garlicky goodness of homemade Shrimp Scampi! Enjoy!

Questions and Answers:

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh shrimp? Answer: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander and run cold water over them until they are thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the skillet. Keep in mind that the cooking time might be slightly shorter with thawed frozen shrimp, so watch them carefully to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have white wine on hand? Can I substitute it? Answer: While white wine adds a significant depth of flavor, you can substitute it in a pinch. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used as an alternative, but keep in mind that the sauce will lack the subtle acidity and complexity that the wine provides. You might want to add a little extra lemon juice to compensate for the missing acidity. Another option is to use a dry vermouth, which is a fortified wine with a similar flavor profile to dry white wine.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Answer: It’s best to serve the Shrimp Scampi immediately after cooking to ensure the shrimp are tender and the sauce is at its peak flavor. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet over medium heat, then add the shrimp and cook until they are heated through. Keep in mind that the shrimp may become slightly tougher if reheated.
What is the best way to serve Shrimp Scampi for a dinner party? Answer: For a dinner party, consider serving the Shrimp Scampi over a bed of linguine or fettuccine. Cook the pasta according to package directions and toss it with the scampi sauce. Arrange the pasta on a platter or individual plates, and top with the shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. You can also serve the scampi in small ramekins as an appetizer, accompanied by toasted baguette slices.
Can I add vegetables to this Shrimp Scampi recipe? Answer: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize the recipe and add extra nutrients. Some good options include asparagus, broccoli florets, zucchini slices, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic, and cook until they are tender-crisp. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed. Be mindful of the cooking times of the vegetables to avoid overcooking them.