If you’re craving the savory, buttery goodness from your favorite seafood chain but want to whip it up at home, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) is everything you need! Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce with a pop of Old Bay that delivers absolute restaurant magic right in your own kitchen. It’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special, satisfies those takeout cravings, and honestly, might just be better than the original!

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients shining in every bite. Each one plays a crucial role, from bringing out the shrimp’s sweetness to filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and a touch of coastal flair!

Extra large shrimp: Big, juicy shrimp hold up perfectly in the skillet and soak up every drop of that scampi sauce.
Kosher salt: A pinch brings out the natural sweetness of your shrimp and balances all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right gentle kick without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
Old Bay Seasoning: This classic blend is what gives the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) its unmistakable flavor.
Olive oil: Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a lush foundation for the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Four cloves may sound bold, but it’s what gives the dish its seriously savory, aromatic edge.
White wine: A dry wine brings depth and a slight acidity that balances all the richness.
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Don’t skimp here! Fresh lemon makes the sauce pop with brightness.
Unsalted butter: For that glossy, luscious texture that ties the whole scampi together.
Chopped flat leaf parsley: Fresh parsley keeps things tasting light and looks beautiful as a finishing touch.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that final savory layer you find in every classic scampi.

How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat)

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by seasoning both sides of your shrimp generously with salt, black pepper, and half of the Old Bay. This first step lays down the flavor foundation—and helps ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned and completely crave-worthy.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your shrimp in a single layer, making sure they aren’t crowded. Sauté for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until they turn bright pink and just curl up. Remove them to a plate so they don’t overcook while you prep the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Toss your minced garlic into the same skillet. The residual oil picks up any shrimp flavors left behind, infusing the garlic with even more deliciousness. Stir and cook for only about a minute to keep the garlic fragrant, not browned.

Step 4: Build the Scampi Sauce

Pour in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice, then use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up every golden-brown bit from the pan—that’s pure flavor! Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let the liquid simmer for five minutes, letting the flavors concentrate beautifully.

Step 5: Add Butter and More Old Bay

Now, add the butter and the remaining teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning to the pan. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the sauce looks silky. This is where it becomes unmistakably Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) level awesome!

Step 6: Return the Shrimp

Gently add the shrimp back into your luscious sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated. Give it a quick taste and tweak the salt and pepper as needed to make sure every flavor sings.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and, if you’re like me, a generous shower of Parmesan right over the top. Serve immediately while everything’s piping hot and gleaming with saucy goodness.

How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat)

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley and a mountain of grated Parmesan make this dish sing! If you want even more zip, a light sprinkle of extra Old Bay or chili flakes adds a fun twist and beautiful color right before serving.

Side Dishes

This is a main course that shines with simple sides. Pile your shrimp scampi onto a bed of pasta like linguine or angel hair to soak up every bit of sauce. Or, mop it up with crusty bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp Caesar salad for freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) family-style in a big skillet for a fun, casual feel, or elegant in individual shallow bowls topped with lots of herbs. For parties, try serving the shrimp and sauce as crostini or over creamy polenta for something totally memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer any remaining shrimp and sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure the shrimp are fully submerged in sauce to keep them juicy and tender.

Freezing

While you can freeze Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat), keep in mind the shrimp may become a little firmer once reheated. Store cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm shrimp and sauce in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery if overheated. A splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make this dish without wine?

Absolutely! Substitute with an equal amount of low-sodium chicken broth and perhaps a touch more lemon juice for brightness. You’ll still get a deliciously flavorful sauce for your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat).

What kind of shrimp should I buy?

Look for extra large or jumbo shrimp, ideally peeled and deveined to save prep time. Wild-caught shrimp often have the best flavor, but use what’s freshest at your market.

Is Old Bay Seasoning essential for this recipe?

Old Bay is really what gives Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) its signature taste, but if you can’t find it, try making a quick blend from celery salt, paprika, and cayenne for a similar flavor twist.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just thaw them completely first and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the skillet, so your shrimp cook up juicy and flavorful.

How can I make this recipe spicy?

If you’re a fan of heat, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing your garlic, or finish the dish with a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

If you love restaurant seafood classics, you’ll be amazed at how quick and easy this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat) is to make at home. Give it a try and treat yourself to a dish that’s full of flavor, fuss-free, and guaranteed to make any night feel like a special occasion!