If you have been craving the irresistible flavors of a seafood classic, the Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is your golden ticket to indulgence right at home. This dish perfectly balances succulent shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with hints of tangy lemon and just the right touch of heat. Each bite promises a burst of flavor that’s elegant yet uncomplicated, making it a timeless favorite that feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight, this recipe elevates your dinner with stunning simplicity and rich, satisfying taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this delicious meal. Each component is simple but essential, providing distinct layers of flavor, texture, and that vibrant pop of color that makes this dish so inviting.
- Large shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined, tails on): Fresh or thawed shrimp are the star, offering tender, juicy seafood perfection.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a smooth, fruity base for cooking the shrimp without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich, silky sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
- Dry white wine (½ cup) or chicken broth: Brightens the sauce with acidity and depth, perfectly pairing with seafood.
- Lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Adds a fresh, zesty tang that lifts all the flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Provides a gentle warmth to balance the buttery richness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers a lovely green color and a mild herbal note.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a nutty, savory finish that’s utterly mouthwatering.
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.
How to Make Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by warming the olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the shrimp seasoned with salt and pepper in a single layer. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—this quick sear locks in their juiciness. When perfectly cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside, ensuring the pan remains ready for the next flavorful steps.
Step 2: Build the Scampi Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and toss in the fragrant minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until you can smell that divine aroma filling your kitchen. Now, carefully pour in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid slightly reduces, intensifying the sauce’s flavor. If you enjoy a touch of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage for a subtle spicy kick.
Step 3: Reintroduce and Coat the Shrimp
Return the shrimp back to the skillet, tossing them lovingly into the sauce. Let them simmer together for another minute so the shrimp absorb all those vibrant flavors and the sauce clings perfectly to each piece. Once heated through, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if using, over the top. This final touch adds freshness and a hint of savory complexity that’s truly irresistible.
How to Serve Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and bright herbal notes, or elevate the dish by adding a delicate dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. A wedge of lemon on the side invites diners to add extra zing if desired, complementing the tangy undertones of the scampi sauce.
Side Dishes
Traditionally, this scampi pairs beautifully with al dente pasta like linguine or angel hair to soak up every bit of that nectar-like sauce. For a lower-carb or gluten-free option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Don’t underestimate the power of crusty bread—perfect for mopping up the buttery sauce and making every last dropping a delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your shrimp scampi over creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice to keep things cozy yet elegant. Presenting the dish in individual shallow bowls with the sauce generously spooned over creates an inviting look great for dinner parties. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of chili flakes for that extra wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the shrimp juicy and the sauce vibrant, avoid mixing it with pasta or bread until reheating time.
Freezing
Freezing this shrimp scampi is not ideal due to the delicate texture of the shrimp and the buttery sauce, which can separate. However, if necessary, freeze only the shrimp and sauce separately from any sides and consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally so the butter stays emulsified and the shrimp don’t become rubbery. If needed, add a splash of white wine or broth to refresh the sauce’s texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve the best sear and texture.
What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or even vegetable broth works well, adding depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp flavor.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Not at all! Parmesan adds a savory layer but the dish is delicious on its own with just garlic, lemon, and butter.
How spicy is the Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add gentle warmth, but they’re optional and easy to adjust according to your heat preference.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply serve the shrimp scampi over gluten-free pasta or enjoy it with gluten-free bread for a safe and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about creating the Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe at home—it brings together simple, fresh ingredients and transforms them into a dish that feels luxurious and comforting all at once. Whether you’re serving it up for family dinner or sharing with friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Grab your skillet, some fresh shrimp, and get ready to enjoy a little taste of restaurant magic, any night of the week!
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Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe features tender, juicy shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with a hint of white wine and lemon juice. Perfectly seasoned and served over pasta or with crusty bread, it’s a quick and delicious seafood dish that replicates the beloved restaurant favorite.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of the butter until melted and hot.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté garlic: To the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
- Add spice (optional): Stir in crushed red pepper flakes if using, for a subtle heat.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce to coat well. Simmer together for 1 more minute until shrimp are heated through.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately over cooked pasta or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a richer, more buttery flavor closer to the restaurant version, increase the butter slightly and reduce the amount of white wine.
- If using pre-cooked shrimp, reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best bright citrus flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the shrimp at its best texture and flavor.
