If you are craving a dish bursting with bold flavors, buttery richness, and that perfect hint of citrus, you have to try this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It captures everything that makes the restaurant’s famous shrimp scampi so irresistible, all made right in your kitchen in about 30 minutes. Picture plump, juicy shrimp nestled in a garlicky, lemony butter wine sauce, accented with a touch of Old Bay seasoning that brings a surprising warmth and complexity. This recipe is not just dinner; it’s a celebration on a plate that’s bound to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor, from the bright lemon juice that adds freshness to the savory garlic and the iconic Old Bay seasoning that gives the dish a unique kick. These straightforward ingredients come together to deliver a luxurious yet approachable meal.
- 1 pound extra large shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and the best texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavor of the shrimp without overpowering it.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and aromatic depth.
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided: The signature seasoning that lends a distinctive, warm spiciness reminiscent of the original Red Lobster taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the shrimp, contributing a subtle fruitiness and helping to develop a golden crust.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic powerhouse that saturates the dish with rich flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, perfect for deglazing the pan and balancing the richness of butter.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with zesty notes that cut through the butter’s richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Creates that indulgently silky texture and the classic creamy finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley: For fresh color and a subtle herbaceous lift.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by seasoning both sides of your shrimp with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the Old Bay Seasoning. This initial step is crucial because it infuses the shrimp with savory notes and a distinctive hint of spice that you’ll taste throughout the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, developing a beautiful sear. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become rubbery. Once perfectly cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté it for about one minute, just until fragrant but not browned, which intensifies the flavor without bitterness. Next, deglaze the pan by pouring in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom. Let this simmer for around five minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate the bright, zesty flavors.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Now the magic happens—stir in room temperature butter along with the remaining Old Bay Seasoning. This step transforms the sauce into a silky, luscious coating for your shrimp. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, making sure your flavors are balanced perfectly. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped flat leaf parsley and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that authentic Red Lobster touch.
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese. The parsley adds a vibrant pop of green and a fresh, herbaceous note, while the Parmesan gives a subtle, salty richness that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. A simple angel hair pasta or linguine tossed in olive oil works wonderfully too if you want to make it a heartier meal. For a lighter side, a crisp garden salad or steamed asparagus complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun and elegance, try serving the shrimp scampi over a bed of creamy polenta or cauliflower rice. You can also stuff it into toasted baguette halves for a decadent appetizer or create individual serving plating with small ramekins for an impressive dinner party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure the shrimp and sauce are cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately for up to one month. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp and sauce gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave at medium power. Avoid high heat to prevent the shrimp from overcooking and becoming tough. Adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice during reheating can help refresh the flavors and keep the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely, pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, and proceed with seasoning and cooking as directed. Using fresh shrimp adds the best texture, but frozen is a convenient and tasty option.
What type of white wine is best for the shrimp scampi?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works wonderfully. Choose a wine that you would enjoy sipping, as it greatly influences the sauce’s flavor.
Is Old Bay Seasoning necessary in this recipe?
While you can make shrimp scampi without Old Bay, this seasoning is what really sets the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe apart by adding a warm, savory depth that’s difficult to replicate with other spices.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you serve it without pasta or with a gluten-free alternative. Just check that your Old Bay Seasoning does not contain any gluten ingredients.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery when cooking?
Cook shrimp quickly over medium-high heat and remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking is the main cause of rubbery texture, so timing is key for tender, juicy shrimp.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so gratifying about recreating a beloved restaurant favorite like the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe at home. It’s a dish that feels elegant but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on the balance of buttery richness, bright citrus, and that unforgettable Old Bay seasoning. Go ahead, give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy shrimp!
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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe recreates the rich and flavorful seafood classic with succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlicky butter sauce infused with white wine, lemon, and Old Bay seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner that pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread.
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
Sauce
- 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: Season both sides of the peeled and deveined shrimp with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning. This ensures the shrimp is well-flavored before cooking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them 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 fresh lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and mellow the flavors.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the room temperature unsalted butter and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped flat-leaf parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp scampi before serving. This adds color and an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic taste.
- ‘Old Bay Seasoning’ can be adjusted or substituted with other seafood seasonings if desired.
- Serve over cooked linguine or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to maintain their tenderness and juiciness.
