If you have a craving for rich, buttery seafood with a bright citrus twist, you are going to love this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. There is something incredibly satisfying about succulent shrimp cooked in a garlicky, buttery sauce enhanced by fresh lemon juice and a touch of Old Bay seasoning. This dish perfectly balances flavor and simplicity, bringing the joy of a restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen in just about 30 minutes. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a vital role in delivering the authentic taste and luscious texture that make this dish unforgettable. From the aromatic garlic to the zesty lemon juice and the classic Old Bay seasoning, every component is essential.
- Extra large shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined shrimp ensure a tender, ready-to-cook base for this recipe.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp without overpowering them.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Old Bay Seasoning (2 teaspoons, divided): The signature seasoning that brings a distinctive, savory flavor—don’t skip this!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a healthy fat that helps sear the shrimp with a subtle fruity note.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with an irresistible aroma and a punch of flavor.
- White wine (1 1/2 cups): Adds brightness and a slight acidity that balances the butter.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup fresh): The star citrus element that lifts the entire dish with lively tang.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Creates a velvety, rich sauce that coats each shrimp perfectly.
- Flat leaf parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings freshness and color as a finishing touch.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish; sprinkle to your preference.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by seasoning both sides of your shrimp with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the Old Bay seasoning. This simple step infuses the shrimp with that iconic flavor we all crave before they hit the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, add the shrimp and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re just cooked through and have a lovely pink color. Remove them from the skillet and set aside so they don’t overcook while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and freshly squeezed lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Allow this to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the liquid reduce slightly.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Turn the heat to low and stir in the room-temperature butter along with the remaining Old Bay seasoning. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and toss everything together, coating each shrimp in that irresistible, buttery sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous touch that cuts through the richness of the dish, while a sprinkle of Parmesan offers a subtle salty nuttiness that takes the flavor to the next level. Feel free to add a twist of lemon zest for extra brightness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic linguine or angel hair pasta is a natural match, soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread on the side is always a crowd-pleaser to mop up those buttery drippings.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your shrimp scampi over creamy risotto or nestled on a bed of sautéed spinach. For a festive presentation, spoon the shrimp and sauce into individual shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. The bright colors and inviting aroma make it feel like a special occasion every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp stay tender and flavorful, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to experience all the sauce’s vibrant notes.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp scampi is possible but not ideal, as the shrimp can become rubbery and the sauce may separate. If you must freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve tenderness, adding a splash of white wine or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the shrimp and dull the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This step prevents excess moisture from interfering with the searing process.
What’s the best wine to use in shrimp scampi sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works wonderfully here. These wines add crisp acidity without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
Can I make this dish without wine?
Yes! Substitute the white wine with low-sodium chicken broth or seafood stock, and add a splash of white wine vinegar or extra lemon juice to maintain brightness.
How spicy is this recipe?
The Old Bay seasoning offers a mild warmth and savory complexity but is not overly spicy. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Definitely! Ensure your Old Bay seasoning is gluten-free (most are), and serve the shrimp scampi with gluten-free pasta or vegetables to keep the dish free from gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little bit of restaurant magic into your home kitchen. It’s simple yet elegant, bursting with bright, buttery flavors that feel both comforting and indulgent. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do. Cooking shrimp scampi at home has never been so satisfying!
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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Red Lobster-style Shrimp Scampi recipe featuring succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic, white wine, and lemon butter sauce, perfectly seasoned with Old Bay and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Season both sides of the shrimp with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning to impart a flavorful base.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the room temperature unsalted butter and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly with the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- The white wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Serve over pasta or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
