Best recipes for shrimp scampi from Red Lobster
Ever dreamed of a seafood dish that feels like a coastal getaway? Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi recipe brings that magic to your home. It’s quick to make, with only 30 minutes of prep time. This dish combines juicy shrimp, creamy butter, and fragrant garlic.
Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi recipes are more than food. They’re a journey through flavors. Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or love seafood, this recipe promises to wow your guests.
Picture this: you impress your loved ones with a dish that’s as good as a restaurant’s. Each serving is packed with flavor, with only 255 calories and 12 grams of protein. It’s both tasty and light.
Ready to make shrimp scampi that rivals your favorite seafood spots? Your culinary journey begins here!
Table of Contents
Introduction to Red Lobster’s Signature Shrimp Scampi
Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi is a favorite among seafood fans in the U.S. It’s more than a meal; it’s a celebration of sea flavors and skill. For over 50 years, it has brought joy to diners.
A Delicious Journey Through Time
Since 1968, Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi has been a hit. It’s a mix of old traditions and new flavors. This makes it a standout dish.
- Established in 1968
- Over 50 years of culinary excellence
- Consistently popular seafood option
What Makes This Shrimp Scampi Special
The secret to Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi is its flavor mix. Jumbo shrimp are chosen for their quality. This makes the dish unique among seafood dishes.
Key Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Jumbo Shrimp | 1 pound |
Unsalted Butter | 6 tablespoons |
White Cooking Wine | 1 1/4 cups |
Minced Garlic | 4 teaspoons |
Restaurant Favorite: A Culinary Masterpiece
Dining on this shrimp scampi is more than just eating. It’s a dish made with love and care. The mix of garlic, butter, and white wine makes the shrimp taste amazing.
A perfect shrimp scampi is an art form that requires passion, precision, and premium ingredients.
Essential Ingredients for Restaurant-Quality Shrimp Scampi
To make a real homemade shrimp scampi, you need the right ingredients. These will make your dish taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant. Start by picking the best parts to make this classic dish stand out.
Key Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
- Shrimp: 1 pound of large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Unsalted butter (½ cup)
- Dry white wine (1½ cups)
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, finely minced)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Italian seasoning
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Choosing top-notch ingredients is key for your shrimp scampi to be amazing. Your shrimp should be fresh, plump, and smell like the sea. The butter makes the sauce creamy, and the white wine adds a special flavor.
“The secret to restaurant-quality shrimp scampi lies in the quality of your ingredients and precise preparation.”
Ingredient Breakdown
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Large Shrimp | 1 pound | Main protein, provides texture |
Unsalted Butter | ½ cup | Creates creamy, rich sauce |
Dry White Wine | 1½ cups | Adds complexity to flavor |
Garlic | 4 cloves | Provides aromatic base |
With these ingredients, your homemade shrimp scampi will taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant. Remember, using fresh ingredients is what makes a dish truly special.
Selecting and Preparing the Perfect Shrimp
Choosing the right shrimp is key to making a great shrimp scampi. It’s what makes your dish as good as Red Lobster’s. The quality and how you prepare your shrimp can greatly affect your dish.
Shrimp Size and Quality Guidelines
For a dish like restaurant shrimp scampi, go for extra-large shrimp (12 to 16 per pound). They have the perfect texture and look. Here’s what to look for in quality shrimp:
- Firm, glossy appearance
- Fresh, mild ocean scent
- No discoloration or black spots
- Uniform pink or white color
Proper Thawing Techniques
Thawing shrimp right is important to keep them fresh. Here are two ways to thaw:
- Refrigerator Method: Put frozen shrimp in the fridge overnight
- Quick Thaw Method: Soak sealed shrimp in cold water for 15-20 minutes
Cleaning and Deveining Tips
“The secret to restaurant-quality shrimp is in the preparation” – Professional Chef
To clean and devein shrimp for your scampi:
- Rinse shrimp under cold water
- Remove shell, leaving tail intact if desired
- Make a shallow cut along the back with a knife
- Remove dark vein with a knife tip or rinse under water
Shrimp Size | Pieces per Pound | Recommended Use |
---|---|---|
Extra Small | 51-60 | Salads, Pasta |
Small | 41-50 | Appetizers |
Medium | 31-40 | Stir-fries |
Large | 21-30 | Grilling |
Extra Large | 12-16 | Shrimp Scampi |
Recipes for Shrimp Scampi from Red Lobster
Discover the secrets of Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi recipe. It’s a dish of succulent shrimp and a rich, buttery sauce. It’s a taste of seafood heaven.

To make Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi, you need quality ingredients and precision. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound fresh large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio recommended)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Cooking this shrimp scampi recipe is quick and easy. It takes about 20 minutes, making it great for a weeknight dinner.
Cooking Stage | Time Required | Key Details |
---|---|---|
Preparation | 10 minutes | Clean and devein shrimp |
Cooking Shrimp | 4-5 minutes | 2 minutes per side until opaque |
Sauce Preparation | 5-6 minutes | Deglaze pan, reduce wine |
“The magic of shrimp scampi lies in its simplicity and bold flavors.” – Red Lobster Chef
Pro tip: Watch the shrimp cooking time. They should form a “C” shape, not a tight “O”. This means they’re not overcooked. The perfect shrimp are slightly pink and tender.
This recipe has about 401 calories per serving. It has 16g of protein and a great balance of flavors. It’s a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home.
Creating the Signature Garlic Butter Sauce
The heart of any great shrimp scampi recipe is its garlic butter sauce. Learning to make this sauce can turn your dish into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s key to getting that authentic taste, whether you’re making the best shrimp scampi or just trying it at home.
To make the perfect garlic butter sauce, focus on a few important things:
- High-quality unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1 stick)
- Fresh garlic (4-6 cloves, minced)
- White cooking wine
- Fresh lemon juice
Wine Selection Tips
Choosing the right wine is crucial for the flavor of your shrimp scampi. Pinot Grigio is the top pick for a balanced and tasty sauce. Its light, crisp taste goes well with the rich butter and garlic.
“The right wine can elevate your shrimp scampi from good to extraordinary.” – Culinary Chef
Perfecting the Butter-to-Garlic Ratio
Getting the garlic butter sauce just right is all about balance. For the best shrimp scampi, use 1-2 cloves of minced garlic for every tablespoon of butter. This gives a strong garlic taste without overpowering the shrimp.
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Unsalted Butter | 4-6 tablespoons | Rich, creamy base |
Minced Garlic | 4-6 cloves | Intense flavor |
White Wine | 1/4 cup | Depth and complexity |
Pro tip: Always use fresh garlic and mince it finely to release maximum flavor. Sauté the garlic briefly to prevent burning and create a smooth, aromatic sauce. This will make your shrimp scampi truly memorable.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Learning to make shrimp scampi is all about precision and attention to detail. This easy recipe will turn your kitchen into a seafood paradise in just 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Start with 1 pound of uncooked, thawed shrimp (26-30 count). Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure perfect searing.
- Create the Garlic Butter Base: Melt 1/2 cup butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add shrimp to the skillet, cooking 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink. Remove shrimp immediately to prevent overcooking.
The secret to restaurant-quality shrimp scampi lies in timing. Cook shrimp quickly – approximately 2-3 minutes total – to maintain their tender texture.
- Build the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup white wine, letting it bubble for 2 minutes. Add lemon juice and optional red pepper flakes.
- Finish and Serve: Return shrimp to the pan, toss with fresh parsley, and season with salt and pepper.
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” – Harriet Van Horne
Cooking Stage | Time Required | Key Action |
---|---|---|
Garlic Preparation | 30-45 seconds | Sauté until golden |
Shrimp Cooking | 2-3 minutes | Cook until pink |
Wine Reduction | 2 minutes | Let wine bubble |
Pro tip: Serve your shrimp scampi over linguine or with a side of roasted vegetables like broccolini for a complete meal that rivals any restaurant dish.
Plating and Presentation Techniques
Creating a stunning shrimp scampi recipe is not just about taste. It’s also about how it looks. Professional chefs say that how it looks can make a simple dish unforgettable.
Elegant Garnishing Options
Make your shrimp scampi recipe stand out with these elegant garnishes:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant green contrast
- Add lemon wedges for a bright, citrusy touch
- Scatter red pepper flakes for a subtle hint of heat
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh basil
Serving Suggestions
Your shrimp scampi recipe needs the right side dish. Here are some ideas:
- Serve over al dente pasta like angel hair or fettuccine
- Pair with crusty artisan bread for soaking up the rich garlic butter sauce
- Create a side salad with light vinaigrette
- Complement with a crisp white wine
“The art of presentation transforms a good meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.” – Culinary Expert
Remember, plating is about balance. Use white plates to highlight the golden shrimp and green herbs. Arrange the dish with care. A few smart garnishes can make your shrimp scampi look like it’s from a restaurant.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Style Results

To make the best shrimp scampi at home, you need to master some key techniques. Professional chefs say the secret is in the details and precise cooking.
Here are some tips to take your shrimp scampi to the next level:
- Use large shrimp (16/20 size) for the best texture
- Pat shrimp dry before cooking for perfect searing
- Cook shrimp quickly – 2-3 minutes per side until they curve
- Keep the heat high for even cooking
The sauce is key in a classic shrimp scampi. You want a balance of flavors:
- Use fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Choose high-quality unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
- Add 1/4 cup white wine for flavor depth
- Finish with fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
“The difference between good and great shrimp scampi is in the details.” – Culinary Chef
Temperature control is very important. Your pan should be hot to sear shrimp fast without overcooking. Remove shrimp when they turn pink to keep them tender. A quick 2-3 minute cook time makes them as good as in a restaurant.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Keeping your shrimp scampi recipe fresh is key. You can enjoy it for days after cooking. Just follow some simple steps for storage and reheating.
Refrigeration Best Practices
Put your leftovers in an airtight container right away. This helps keep the taste and texture just right. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
- Use a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid
- Store for maximum 3-4 days
- Keep refrigerator temperature at or below 40°F
Reheating Techniques
When reheating, be gentle to avoid tough shrimp. Low and slow is the best way to keep them tender.
- Remove shrimp scampi from refrigerator 10 minutes before reheating
- Use a skillet over low heat
- Add a splash of white wine or broth to refresh the sauce
- Stir gently and heat for 2-3 minutes
Freezing Options
Freezing is great for longer storage. Here’s how to freeze your shrimp scampi:
- Cool completely before freezing
- Use freezer-safe containers
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
“Proper storage transforms leftover shrimp scampi from mundane to magnificent.” – Culinary Expert
By storing and reheating your shrimp scampi right, it stays delicious. Enjoy your dish for longer.
Conclusion
Learning to make Red Lobster shrimp scampi is more than cooking. It’s about bringing a fancy restaurant feel to your home. With the right steps and ingredients, you can make this dish in just 30 minutes. It turns a simple dinner into a special culinary adventure.
The secret to success is knowing how to prepare seafood. Choose the right 16/20 shrimp and make a rich garlic butter sauce. Each detail is important. The Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe is loved for its mix of flavors since the 1980s.
Cooking is an art that needs practice and your own touch. Feel free to try new things like changing the garlic amount or wine pairings. Your kitchen is your space to create, and this dish is ready for your twist.
We encourage you to share your shrimp scampi stories, tips, and new ideas. Your cooking journey is just starting, and every chef began with one recipe. Enjoy the journey, relish each bite, and most importantly, have fun making Red Lobster’s taste your own.
FAQ
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Source Links
- Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) – https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe – https://sixdollarfamily.com/copycat-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe
- Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi – https://thatovenfeelin.com/famous-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi/
- Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe-n1 Leckerrecipes – https://www.leckerrecipes.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Shrimp Scampi – https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/19508/shrimp-scampi/
- Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe – https://weeknightrecipes.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat – https://krystelscooking.com/recipe/easy-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-copycat/
- How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at Home – https://charmrecipes.com/how-to-make-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-at-home/
- Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe – https://recipeflash.com/famous-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe – https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/copycat-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-110016984.html
- Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Mashed – https://www.mashed.com/1585713/copycat-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe You’ll Love to Make Again – Recipes Meat – https://www.recipesmeat.net/easy-red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe-53364/
- Shrimp Scampi – https://www.budgetbytes.com/shrimp-scampi/
- Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi – https://www.saltandlavender.com/garlic-butter-shrimp/
- Shrimp Scampi – https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/shrimp-scampi-2/?srsltid=AfmBOoo20VFNePkFvvbYVY9grDpO46Yq1r-uWUMqmqT0k8VVyosqNDti
- Best Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Dinner in 321 – https://www.dinnerin321.com/shrimp-and-crab-scampi/
- Quick and Easy Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Do You Roux – https://www.doyouroux.com/quick-and-easy-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Quick Shrimp Scampi Pasta | Charlotte Fashion Plate – https://www.charlottefashionplate.com/recipes/quick-shrimp-scampi-pasta/
- Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Fresh Fusion Recipe – https://freshfusionrecipe.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe: A Simple, Delicious Copycat Dish – https://fondrecipes.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- 5-Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: A Buttery Seafood Classic – https://www.fastmeatrecipes.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi/
- Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe – https://soulfoodcooking101.com/classic-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Perfect Shrimp Scampi Recipe – https://www.billyparisi.com/perfect-shrimp-scampi-recipe/
- Guide to Shrimp: How to Clean, Cook, and Choose the Best – https://www.justmaikacooking.com/cooks-notebook/guide-to-shrimp-how-to-clean-cook-and-choose-the-best/
- Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster Recipe – How to Make This Delicious Dish at Home – dadstastyrecipes.com – https://dadstastyrecipes.com/garlic-shrimp-scampi-red-lobster-recipe/
- Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe: Enjoy the Signature Taste – https://www.olivesavor.com/red-lobster-shrimp-scampi-recipe/