The Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a dazzling blend of succulent shrimp, vibrant herbs, and a buttery, garlicky sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon and a touch of Old Bay Seasoning, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen in about 30 minutes. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a comfort meal that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh shrimp to the fragrant garlic and bright parsley, each element is simple yet essential, making your cooking experience straightforward and rewarding.
- 1 pound extra large shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish, offering tender, juicy seafood flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp perfectly without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle, spicy bite to balance the buttery sauce.
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided: This classic seasoning infuses the dish with a signature savory and slightly spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth cooking base to sear the shrimp and release beautiful aromas.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, punchy note that’s essential in any great scampi.
- 1 1/2 cups white wine: Deglazes the pan while adding acidity and depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 lemon): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Makes the sauce rich, silky, and irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley: Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal finish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for a nutty, savory sprinkle on top.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by seasoning both sides of your shrimp with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the Old Bay Seasoning. This step is crucial because it layers in that unmistakable flavor early on, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste. Don’t skip this—seasoning shrimp before cooking helps the flavors penetrate and makes the meat even tastier.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the shrimp and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Aim for a nice pink color without overcooking. When done, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside. This quick sear locks in the shrimp’s juiciness while creating a slight caramelization that adds texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those gorgeous browned bits left by the shrimp. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors—this forms the heart of your scampi sauce.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the butter along with the remaining Old Bay Seasoning until melted and smooth. Return your cooked shrimp to the pan, tossing everything together to coat those tender shrimp in the velvety sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish by sprinkling with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that final pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Simple touches like a sprinkle of chopped flat leaf parsley and fresh Parmesan cheese elevate the dish both visually and in taste. For extra flair, add a few lemon wedges on the side—these encourage a little extra zing for those who love a bright citrus punch with their seafood.
Side Dishes
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs beautifully with buttery garlic bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. Light, fluffy angel hair pasta or a bed of steamed rice also make amazing bases to turn this into a hearty meal. For a fresher side, serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables, which balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your shrimp scampi in individual shallow bowls with pasta twirled beneath, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also present it over cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative that still feels indulgent and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe, allow it to cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to two days. Keep in mind that seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat leftovers soon.
Freezing
Freezing shrimp scampi is possible but not ideal because the texture of the shrimp can become slightly rubbery upon thawing. If you must freeze, place the cooled dish in a sealed freezer-safe container and use within one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of water or white wine if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the silky texture of the sauce and the tenderness of the shrimp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This helps maintain the perfect texture and prevents sogginess.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer to avoid alcohol, use low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock combined with a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to keep the tangy acidity that white wine brings.
Is Old Bay Seasoning essential?
While Old Bay Seasoning adds an iconic flavor that makes this recipe stand out, you can substitute it with a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to capture a similar essence.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce base (garlic, wine, lemon, butter mixture) ahead and refrigerate it, but it’s best to add the shrimp and finish cooking just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
What type of pasta works best with shrimp scampi?
Angel hair or linguine are classic choices because their thin strands let the sauce cling beautifully to each bite without overwhelming the delicate shrimp.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the classic taste of the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe home is an absolute game-changer for seafood lovers. It’s simple enough for any weeknight, yet impressive enough for company. I can’t encourage you enough to give this vibrant, buttery, garlicky dish a try—you’ll fall in love with it just like I did. Once you master this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to favorites in your cooking repertoire!
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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe recreates the flavorful and buttery shrimp dish you love from the famous seafood chain. Featuring succulent extra-large shrimp sautéed with garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning, all finished with rich butter, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings restaurant-quality scampi to your home in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and season both sides evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning to infuse them with flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the room temperature unsalted butter and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning, whisking until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth and rich. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them fully in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped flat leaf parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use extra large shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Room temperature butter helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Serve this scampi over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
