The Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Shrimp scampi represents a classic seafood delicacy that revolutionizes simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Delicate shellfish dance in a luxurious butter sauce, creating magic with minimal effort.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike treasure this elegant preparation for its remarkable simplicity.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this vibrant dish that celebrates oceanic flavors with remarkable depth.

Garlic and herbs meld into a silky backdrop, elevating humble shrimp into something spectacular.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through rich, complex tastes that feel simultaneously comforting and sophisticated.

Home cooking reaches new heights with this restaurant-worthy recipe that guarantees culinary success.

How to Get That Restaurant Finish at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp until they turn pink and become opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which takes about 30-45 seconds.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

• White wine (or chicken broth)
• Fresh lemon juice

Simmer and reduce the liquid by approximately half, concentrating the flavors.

Step 4: Enrich the Sauce

Lower the heat and gently stir in butter until completely melted. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning for additional depth of flavor.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Shrimp and Silky Sauce

• Select Fresh Shrimp: Choose large, fresh shrimp with firm, translucent flesh for the best flavor and texture.
• Control Heat Carefully: Watch the skillet temperature to prevent garlic from burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Reduce Wine Perfectly: Simmer wine until it reduces by half, concentrating the flavors and creating a rich sauce base.
• Butter Technique: Add cold butter in small pieces and swirl gently to create a smooth, silky sauce without breaking.
• Serve Immediately: Plate the shrimp scampi right after cooking to maintain the ideal temperature and prevent overcooking.

Reheat Without Overcooking or Clumping

• Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the delicate seafood flavor. Refrigerated shrimp scampi stays fresh for 1-2 days.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent rubbery shrimp texture. Add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently and heat just until the shrimp are warm, typically 2-3 minutes.
• Freezing Option: Freeze plain shrimp separately from the sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid refreezing to maintain the best quality and food safety.

Pasta and Bread That Pair Like a Seafood Dream

• Boost Wine Selection: Pair this zesty shrimp scampi with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complement the dish's bright citrus and buttery flavors while cutting through the richness.
• Bread-Based Buddy: Serve alongside warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the delicious white wine sauce, creating a perfect flavor-enhancing combination.
• Fresh Side Kick: Add a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, providing a peppery contrast that elevates the seafood's delicate taste.
• Pasta Pairing Power: Toss linguine or angel hair pasta with the shrimp scampi sauce for a complete meal that transforms the recipe into a more substantial dining experience.

Flavorful Add-Ons to Make It Even More Decadent

• Spicy Coastal Kick: Swap Italian seasoning for red pepper flakes and add a splash of hot sauce to create a fiery version that tingles your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace wine with white vermouth and incorporate fresh dill, oregano, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired seafood experience.
• Coconut Tropical Escape: Substitute half the butter with coconut milk, include a dash of ginger, and finish with toasted coconut flakes for a creamy, island-style transformation.
• Lemony Garlic Punch: Increase lemon zest, roast garlic before sautéing, and add a tablespoon of capers for an extra bright and tangy profile that celebrates zesty flavors.

Why Shrimp Scampi from Red Lobster Still Reigns Supreme

• Savor Speed: Whip up this restaurant-quality shrimp scampi in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Burst of Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly coats tender, succulent shrimp with a rich, zesty profile.
• Protein-Packed Healthy Indulgence: Packed with 25g of protein and relatively low in carbs, this dish offers a nutritious meal that feels like a luxurious treat without the guilt.
• Simple Cooking Magic: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks of all levels who want to impress family and friends with a restaurant-style seafood dish.

Ingredients That Make This Garlic-Butter Classic Shine

• Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are the star of this classic dish, providing sweet and tender protein.
• White Wine or Chicken Broth: Adds depth and helps create a flavorful sauce base.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy acidity to balance the rich flavors.
• Garlic: Provides intense, fragrant flavor as the foundation of the scampi sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and creating a smooth cooking base.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that enhances overall flavor profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish, adding color and a light herbal note.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi delivers a coastal culinary masterpiece with succulent shrimp bathed in garlic butter sauce. Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance across your palate, inviting pure seafood indulgence that brings restaurant magic directly to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• 1 lb (454 grams) medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Seasonings and Flavoring:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) white wine (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• ½ lemon (juiced)
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet by heating olive oil over medium-high temperature until shimmering, then carefully add raw shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, ensuring they turn pink and become translucent throughout.
2. Transfer cooked shrimp to a clean plate, leaving the flavorful oil and seafood remnants in the skillet.
3. Reduce skillet temperature to medium and add minced garlic, gently sautéing for 30-45 seconds until aromatic and just beginning to soften without browning.
4. Quickly elevate heat to medium-high and pour in white wine (or seafood stock) along with freshly squeezed lemon juice, allowing the liquid to simmer and reduce by approximately 50% to concentrate flavors.
5. Lower the heat and incorporate cold butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the bottom of the pan.
6. Sprinkle Italian seasoning blend into the sauce, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly and enhance the overall taste profile.
7. Gently return cooked shrimp to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the luxurious sauce and warming them through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and ground black pepper as needed.
9. Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving platter, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Cooking shrimp quickly prevents rubbery texture, ensuring tender and succulent bites.
• Reducing wine creates an intense, concentrated flavor that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Butter added at the end creates a silky, luxurious sauce that coats each shrimp beautifully.
• Fresh parsley provides a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Serving immediately guarantees maximum flavor and prevents shrimp from becoming overcooked.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 180mg