If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances buttery richness, garlicky goodness, and a fresh squeeze of lemon, look no further than the Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. This delightful seafood favorite whips up quickly with simple ingredients, yet delivers a mouthwatering experience that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe brings that charming Red Lobster magic right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe lies in its straightforward, essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: from the plump shrimp providing the main star, to the garlic and butter that build deep flavor, and the lemon and parsley that brighten every bite.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and sweetness.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create that silky scampi sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth: Wine offers brightness, while broth keeps it savory yet mild—choose based on your pantry stock.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: A splash of acidity to cut through the richness and bring freshness.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kiss of heat if you’re feeling bold.
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste: Essential for seasoning and accentuating natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste: A subtle peppery finish that complements garlic beautifully.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for an irresistible creamy touch.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish visually and adds fresh herbal notes.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: The final burst of zesty flavor to squeeze over your plated masterpiece.
How to Make Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is shimmering, toss in your freshly minced garlic and sauté just long enough for it to release its fragrance—about 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown, as you want that mellow garlic sweetness to shine through.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
Now comes the star moment – place the shrimp into your skillet and season them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Cook the shrimp about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they turn a gorgeous pink and become opaque. This quick cooking keeps them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Next, pour in the white wine or chicken broth, along with fresh lemon juice, into the skillet. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps marry the flavors and reduces the liquids slightly, creating that signature luscious scampi sauce.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over your shrimp, and gently stir as it melts into the warm sauce, making it luxuriously creamy. Remove the pan from heat and fold in the chopped fresh parsley to add that vibrant, herbal brightness.
Step 5: Serve
Carefully transfer your shrimp scampi to a serving dish, place lemon wedges alongside for squeezing, and dig in! This Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is best enjoyed immediately, while everything is fresh and warm.
How to Serve Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges on the side instantly elevates your presentation and flavor. The green garnish pops beautifully against the buttery shrimp, and the lemon adds a welcome burst of sharp citrus that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light sides such as garlic butter pasta, steamed asparagus, or a crisp green salad. The buttery, garlicky sauce is perfect for soaking up in crusty bread or tossing with linguine for a complete meal that feels fancy without the fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp over a bed of creamy polenta or roasted cauliflower rice. You can even stuff the shrimp scampi into warm pita pockets with some fresh arugula for an unexpected handheld flavor adventure. The Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is incredibly versatile, so get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, be sure to refrigerate them in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. The shrimp will stay tender, and the sauce will maintain its flavor for up to 2 days, making for a delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp scampi is not ideal, as the texture of shrimp can become rubbery when thawed. However, if you must freeze, store only the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers, and try to use within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your shrimp scampi on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Avoid using a microwave if you can, as that can dry out the shrimp. Adding a splash of broth or lemon juice helps revive the sauce’s vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to achieve that perfect sear and flavor in your Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great option that still adds moisture and depth without altering the taste too much.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has an optional pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, so you can control the heat. Leave them out for a mild, family-friendly dish or add them in for a gentle kick.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free if you serve it without pasta or with gluten-free pasta. Just double-check that your Parmesan cheese and broth have no hidden gluten ingredients.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?
Shrimp cook very quickly—look for them to turn pink and opaque all over. Overcooking makes them tough, so removing them from heat as soon as they change color ensures they stay tender.
Final Thoughts
Making the Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe at home unlocks a world of buttery, garlicky joy in just 20 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that impresses guests yet is simple enough to whip up on a busy evening. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it and savor the warm, comforting flavors that make this recipe a timeless favorite in so many kitchens.
Print
Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce with white wine, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce and Garnish
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to let the garlic brown.
- Add the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic option, use chicken broth instead of white wine.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- You can serve this dish over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to change the spice level according to your preference.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but you can substitute with dried parsley if needed.
