Cooking Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at Home
Indulge in the rich and garlicky goodness of Seafood Sensation: Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi, recreated for your home kitchen. This beloved dish, known for its buttery sauce and succulent shrimp, is a staple for seafood lovers. With this recipe, you can capture the essence of Red Lobster’s famous creation, bringing a touch of restaurant elegance to your dining table. Perfect for a special dinner or when you crave a luxurious seafood experience, this shrimp scampi combines simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi:
- Restaurant-Quality Meal: Enjoy the flavors of Red Lobster from the comfort of your home.
- Simple and Quick: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight gourmet treat.
- Garlicky Butter Sauce: The heart of the dish, rich, flavorful, and perfect for dipping bread.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, or pair with pasta or rice for a hearty main course.
Ingredients Notes For Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi:
- Shrimp: Medium to large-sized, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (and thawed) shrimp both work well.
- Butter: The base of the scampi sauce, providing richness and flavor.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key to achieving the authentic taste of the dish.
- White Wine: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce. A good-quality dry white wine is recommended.
- Lemon Juice: Brings a touch of brightness and citrus flavor to balance the richness.
- Seasonings: Red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Optional Additions: Parmesan cheese for a savory touch, or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added texture.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thoroughly thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not browned.
- Add the Shrimp: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, letting the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.
- Season: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (and Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs if using). Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread or over a bed of pasta or rice.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
Cooking Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at Home
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine for a more authentic flavor
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano and thyme
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp:
- Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has reduced slightly.
Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat the shrimp through.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp scampi and stir to combine. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
