Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like bringing a restaurant classic into your own kitchen, and the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is one dish that never fails to impress. With plump shrimp bathed in a buttery, garlicky wine sauce and finished with a little zest, every bite will make you feel like you’re sitting at a table by the sea. This recipe is simple but elegant, delivering that irresistible flavor you crave—all from the comfort of home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering everything for the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is refreshingly straightforward. Each ingredient pulls its weight to help build layers of flavor and that luscious finish—the kind that makes people mop up every last drop of sauce with a hunk of bread.

• Shrimp (1 pound, uncooked, peeled, and deveined): Go for large or jumbo shrimp for the juiciest, most satisfying texture.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): This helps give the shrimp a golden sear and adds subtle richness up front.
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): The backbone of that signature silky sauce—don’t skimp!
• White cooking wine (1 ¼ cups): Use a dry wine that adds brightness and depth to the sauce.
• Minced garlic (4 teaspoons): The star flavor—fragrant, savory, and oh-so inviting.
• Lemon juice (from half a lemon): Adds a zing that balances the richness of butter and brings the dish to life.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A pinch of this brings herbal warmth and ties all the flavors together.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish): A finishing shower for nutty saltiness and a little wow factor.

How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Start with a skillet over medium-high heat, adding your olive oil until it shimmers. Drop in those luscious shrimp in a single layer and let them sizzle for about 1 or 2 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook—they finish fast! Scoop them out and set aside; you want them tender and juicy for the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi’s finale.

Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Turn your heat down to low and toss in all the butter. Once it melts into a molten golden pool, add the minced garlic. Stir it around and inhale the aroma—but don’t let it burn! About 30 seconds is all you need until it’s wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Reduce

Pour in the white cooking wine and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. With the heat still gentle, stir and scrape up any tasty brown bits from the pan. Let the mix bubble away gently until the liquid reduces by half—this intensifies the flavor and thickens the sauce just right.

Step 4: Season and Reunite

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning into your simmering sauce. Now, slide your cooked shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together so every piece soaks up that luscious scampi sauce. Cook for another one to two minutes, just to blend the flavors—any longer and you risk tough shrimp!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan generously over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, add a little chopped parsley for color and freshness. Your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is ready for its grand entrance!

How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

The finishing touches matter! A shower of grated Parmesan is non-negotiable, lending salt and richness. For pop and brightness, chopped fresh parsley is perfect. Slice up a lemon into wedges so guests can add even more zing—these little extras make the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi shine on the plate.

Side Dishes

I love to pile this scampi over a tangle of angel hair pasta or a mound of buttery rice. For something lighter, try it with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or a crisp Caesar salad. And don’t forget some crusty bread—nothing rivals mopping up every last drop of that irresistible scampi sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For an appetizer party twist, serve shrimp scampi on toasted baguette slices as elegant bites. Stuff them into warm tortillas for zingy shrimp tacos, or spoon the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi over creamy polenta. However you serve it, guests will ask for seconds (and thirds…)

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra scampi? Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The shrimp will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, though the sooner you enjoy it, the better the texture will be.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, shrimp are delicate and may toughen slightly when reheated from frozen. If you do, make sure to cool completely, seal tightly, and enjoy within a month. Thaw in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can overcook the shrimp. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through for scampi that tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

Absolutely! Just make sure the shrimp are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This helps you achieve that beautiful golden sear, just like in the original Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

What kind of wine works best in the sauce?

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal. It brings brightness and depth to the dish without being overly sweet—just what you want for recreating Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?

Definitely! You can use chicken broth with an extra squeeze of lemon. The result is still vibrant, and you won’t miss any of the classic scampi tang.

How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

The trick is to cook the shrimp just until they’re pink and opaque, then remove them from the pan until the sauce is ready. This way, they finish cooking gently when you add them back—keeping them perfectly tender in your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! If you’re serving a crowd, double all the ingredients but sear the shrimp in batches so they cook evenly. Combine everything in the pan at the end so everyone gets plenty of shrimp and sauce.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste just how easy and delicious the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is when made at home! Whether for a weeknight dinner or an at-home date night, this scampi brings restaurant-worthy flavor to your table every time. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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