Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delightful way to recreate the flavors of your favorite seafood restaurant in the comfort of your own home. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, this dish features tender shrimp cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. With its hint of heat and zesty lime, it’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Sauce
• Seasoning
• Finishing Touches
• To Taste
• How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
• Step 2: Sauté Garlic
• Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Lime
• Step 4: Add Seasonings
• Step 5: Add Butter
• Step 6: Finish the Dish
• Step 7: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Over Pasta
• With Rice
• Accompanied by Bread
• As an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Best Side Dishes for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Reheating Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
• How long does it take to make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
• Can I customize my Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, wine, and spices creates a deliciously rich sauce that elevates the shrimp.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping—perfect for any meal.
• Restaurant-Quality Dish: Bring the restaurant experience home without needing culinary skills.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends; everyone will love this dish!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A large skillet allows you to cook the shrimp evenly while providing enough space for sauce reduction.
• Wooden spoon: This tool is perfect for deglazing the pan and scraping up those flavorful bits stuck at the bottom.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1½ cups dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lime

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Finishing Touches

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

To Taste

• Salt and pepper

How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add a splash more oil if needed.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Lime

Pour in the white wine and lime juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits from the pan. Let simmer and reduce by half, about 6–8 minutes.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Add Butter

Reduce heat to low. Once the skillet has cooled slightly and the wine has stopped bubbling, add butter and stir until melted and combined.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Return the shrimp (and any juices) to the pan. Add parsley and Parmesan cheese. Let everything warm through for 1–2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while the scampi is hot and saucy. Great over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi!

How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Serving Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi can elevate your dining experience. With its rich flavors and buttery sauce, you can pair it with several delicious options to complement the dish.

Over Pasta

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Toss the shrimp scampi over al dente pasta for a classic combination that captures all the sauce.
• Fettuccine: Use wide noodles to hold onto that buttery garlic sauce, making every bite indulgent.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: A simple side that absorbs the flavors of the scampi, creating a satisfying meal.
• Garlic Rice: Enhance your meal by cooking rice with garlic for added flavor that pairs perfectly with shrimp.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Perfect for sopping up the garlicky sauce; serve warm with butter on the side.
• Garlic Bread: A flavorful option that complements the dish while adding a bit of crunch to your meal.

As an Appetizer

• Shrimp Cocktail: Start your meal with a fresh and tangy shrimp cocktail to set the seafood theme.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: Offer these savory bites as an appetizer to surprise your guests before they dive into the main dish.

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How to Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

To make your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi even better, consider these tips for perfecting this delightful dish.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp provide better texture and flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen, ensure they are properly thawed.
• Don’t Overcook: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their appeal.
• Quality Wine Matters: Choose a good dry white wine for deglazing; it enhances the flavor of the sauce significantly.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporating fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can brighten up the dish and add layers of flavor.
• Adjust Heat Levels: Modify red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can leave them out for a milder taste.
• Garnish Generously: Finish off with extra parsley or Parmesan cheese for a fresh presentation and added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Pairing side dishes with Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich scampi.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted in olive oil add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Coleslaw: This crunchy side brings a tangy note that balances out the buttery flavors of shrimp scampi.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic give a comforting touch alongside the seafood dish.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a deliciously sweet contrast; grill or boil it for quick preparation.
6. Bruschetta: Tasty toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes for an excellent starter or side that complements seafood well.
7. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a lighter option, spiralized zucchini offers a low-carb alternative that still holds onto all those great flavors.
8. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad mixed with veggies offers a healthy boost and works well with buttery shrimp dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking can make them tough. Cook until just pink and opaque for the best texture.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and lime juice elevate the dish’s flavor. Always opt for fresh rather than dried or bottled when possible.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Deglazing with wine captures all the tasty bits from the pan. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to your sauce.
• Using too much butter: While butter is essential for flavor, too much can overwhelm the dish. Stick to the recipe’s measurement for a balanced taste.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned shrimp scampi can taste bland. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• It’s best to freeze without added pasta or rice for optimal texture.

Reheating Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat while stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a delicious seafood dish featuring shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, often served with pasta or crusty bread.

How long does it take to make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

This dish takes about 40 minutes from prep to plate, making it a quick and satisfying meal option.

Can I customize my Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can make this shrimp scampi ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe perfectly captures restaurant flavors right at home. Its versatility allows you to tailor it to your liking while still being simple enough for any weeknight dinner. Give it a try—you’ll love how this dish can be both indulgent and easy!