Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

If you’re anything like me, a plate of perfectly cooked shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce can instantly transport you to your favorite seaside restaurant. That’s exactly what you get with this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe—tender shrimp bathed in an aromatic blend of white wine, lemon, and herbs, finished off with a dusting of Parmesan that takes every bite to pure bliss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, sharing with family, or impressing friends, this irresistible dish tastes like it came straight from the Red Lobster menu—and you can have it on your table in less than thirty minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is all about building big, layered flavor with just a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one adds distinctive taste, texture, or freshness, and together they create the restaurant-quality magic you crave.

• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): Choose large, raw shrimp for the juiciest, most flavorful bites; fresh or frozen (thawed) both work beautifully.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to quickly sear the shrimp, giving it a light golden color while adding a subtle richness.
• Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons): The soul of the sauce—luscious, creamy, and perfect for carrying the bright flavors of garlic and wine.
• White cooking wine (1 ¼ cups): Adds just the right tang and depth to the sauce; you can also use dry white drinking wine for even bigger flavor.
• Minced garlic (4 teaspoons): Don’t skimp! Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with unmistakable aroma and warmth.
• Juice from half a lemon: A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors, lending irresistible freshness to every forkful.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend of dried herbs gives the dish a lovely Mediterranean touch.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish): Salty, nutty Parmesan gives a final flourish that brings everything together.

How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Sauté them for about two minutes per side, or just until they curl and turn a lovely pink color. Be careful not to overcook—they should be just barely opaque and juicy inside. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside while you build your sauce.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Garlic Sauce

Lower your heat to a gentle simmer and toss the unsalted butter into the same pan. Let it melt, then add the minced garlic, stirring constantly. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic turns fragrant but not browned (as that can make it bitter). That rising aroma will have everyone in your kitchen eagerly awaiting dinner!

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine & Lemon

Pour in the white cooking wine and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, stirring well and scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Raise the heat slightly and let the sauce bubble away, reducing until it’s thickened and rich—usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This reduction concentrates all those gorgeous flavors, resulting in that signature Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi taste.

Step 4: Season and Reunite

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning into the sauce, then nestle the cooked shrimp back into the skillet. Toss well to coat every shrimp with that luscious sauce, and sauté for just another minute or two, ensuring they soak up all those savory flavors.

Step 5: Serve with a Finishing Touch

Remove your pan from the heat, then generously shower the shrimp with grated Parmesan cheese. Add a few sprigs of fresh parsley, if you like, for an extra pop of color and freshness. Your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is now ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, nothing beats a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving. I also love to add a shower of freshly chopped parsley and a few twists of black pepper—these elements not only enhance the dish’s color but also add a final flair of freshness and flavor that makes the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi look and taste truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely sings when paired with warm, crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of buttery garlic sauce. Classic sides like angel hair or linguine pasta are a natural fit, but you can also try steamed asparagus, a simple Caesar salad, or even buttery mashed potatoes if you’re feeling indulgent. The goal is to keep things light and let the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi shine as the star.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, I love piling the shrimp scampi into individual bowls over a puddle of creamy polenta or nestled atop zucchini ribbons for a gluten-free option. Serving straight from the skillet family-style also makes for a dramatic (and low-effort!) presentation. However you plate it, be ready—this dish will absolutely steal the show!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just be sure the shrimp are completely cooled before sealing to help them stay fresh and juicy.

Freezing

The sauce in this recipe freezes well, but shrimp tend to lose their tender texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze, I recommend making the sauce, freezing it in an airtight container, then gently reheating and adding fresh-cooked shrimp when you’re ready to serve. This way, every bite still tastes freshly made!

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, just until warmed through. If microwaving, use short 30-second bursts and stir frequently to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Add a splash of white wine or water to loosen the sauce and restore that silky texture.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Frozen shrimp are often flash-frozen at their peak, so they retain excellent flavor and texture.

What’s a good substitute for white cooking wine?

If you don’t have white cooking wine, dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) is a perfect swap. For a non-alcoholic version, try low-sodium chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar for tang.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can use a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free twist. While you’ll sacrifice a touch of richness, the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will still be vibrant and delicious.

How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?

Shrimp cook fast! Watch for them to just turn opaque and pink—usually 2-3 minutes per side. As soon as they curl and are no longer translucent, they’re ready to go.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, the classic version isn’t spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat with your shrimp scampi!

Final Thoughts

There’s something seriously magical about whipping up Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home—it brings restaurant elegance to your own kitchen without any fuss. I promise you, it’s so much easier than you think, and the reward is a dish so packed with flavor, it’s bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and share it with someone special—the compliments will roll in with every bite!

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