Imagine bringing restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort — that’s exactly what you’ll get with Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. This iconic seafood dish features succulent shrimp bathed in a zesty garlic-butter sauce with a kiss of white wine and lemon, infusing every morsel with bright, luxurious flavor. Whether you’re indulging in a cozy night in or impressing guests, this recipe promises a quick, utterly irresistible meal brimming with the magic of your favorite seafood restaurant, all without leaving home.

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s the combination of simple, high-impact ingredients that gives Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi its signature taste. Each component, from the fresh shrimp to the lively dash of lemon juice, plays a starring role in creating an unforgettable, silky sauce that clings to every bite. Gather these treasures for a truly special homemade scampi experience.

Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): For best results, use fresh or thawed shrimp and pat them dry for crispness in the pan.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the shrimp sear beautifully and adds a fruity note to the base of your sauce.
Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Lends a wonderfully rich mouthfeel to the scampi and is vital to the velvety sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The reason you’ll want seconds — it infuses the whole dish with aromatic warmth.
Dry White Wine (1/4 cup): Deglazes the pan, deepening the flavor; feel free to sub with chicken broth if you prefer alcohol-free.
Lemon Juice (juice of 1 lemon): Provides brightness and a bit of tangy kick to balance all the savory elements.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough heat for a gentle spicy nudge without overwhelming the shrimp.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Offers bold herbal notes reminiscent of classic Mediterranean flavors.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor; season to taste and adjust as you like.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle, earthy warmth that complements the garlic and shrimp.
Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sprinkled at the end, this adds a pop of color and freshness.
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Brings a nutty finish and beautiful texture to the final dish.
Cooked Pasta or Crusty Bread: Whether you love twirling noodles or soaking up sauce with bread, both are perfect partners for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Start by gently patting your shrimp dry with paper towels — this is the secret to getting them that restaurant-style golden sear. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and black pepper to set the stage for all the flavors to come. The seasoning doesn’t just sit on the surface; it mingles into every bite as the shrimp cooks.

Step 2: Sear the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil and half the butter (2 tablespoons) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and the pan is just shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer. Let them cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully pink and opaque. Don’t crowd the pan — if needed, do this in batches to avoid steaming the shrimp.

Step 3: Set Shrimp Aside

Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, transfer them to a plate. They’ll rest briefly while you build that irresistible sauce. This quick step keeps them juicy and prevents overcooking, ensuring your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi boasts tender, succulent seafood.

Step 4: Build the Garlic-Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute until it fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma — be careful not to let it brown. Then, pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the pan. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce reduces just slightly.

Step 5: Toss & Finish

Slide the shrimp back into the skillet and gently toss to coat them in that luscious sauce. In just a minute, they’ll soak up all the garlicky, buttery flavor while warming through. Finish by showering your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve immediately over your cooked pasta or alongside crusty bread to revel in every drop.

How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

A finishing touch makes all the difference. Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top for vibrant color and a subtly herbal kick, and don’t skimp on the Parmesan for a salty, nutty accent. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few extra red pepper flakes or a little extra zest of lemon — it not only looks beautiful but balances the buttery sauce.

Side Dishes

The best companion for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi? A bowl of al dente linguine or angel hair pasta to twirl through the garlicky sauce. Crusty bread is a must-have for mopping up every last drop, but you can also serve alongside roasted asparagus or a fresh green salad for a lighter touch, making for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving in a shallow pasta bowl with lemon wedges on the side gives it that restaurant-at-home vibe. For parties, try piling the shrimp on crostini as elegant appetizers. Or make it family-style: mound the shrimp and sauce atop a platter of pasta, and let everyone help themselves for a festive, shareable feast. However you serve it, Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi feels special every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, cool the shrimp and sauce quickly, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 2 days. Remember to keep the pasta or bread separate, so nothing gets soggy.

Freezing

While the buttery sauce does freeze fairly well, the texture of cooked shrimp can change after freezing. For best results, freeze the sauce separately, and add freshly cooked shrimp when reheating. If you freeze the whole dish, use a freezer-safe, airtight container and enjoy within a month.

Reheating

Gently reheat your scampi over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Shrimp are sensitive to overcooking, so warm just until hot. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen the shrimp and dull those vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi without wine?

Absolutely! Simply swap the white wine for chicken broth or a splash of seafood stock. You still get a punchy, flavorful sauce — just as bright and satisfying.

What kind of shrimp should I use?

Large, raw shrimp (peeled and deveined) deliver the best results for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. You can use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking for maximum flavor and texture.

How do I keep my shrimp from overcooking?

The key is a quick, hot sear and removing the shrimp from the pan as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Return them to the sauce just to heat through at the end; this keeps them juicy and perfectly tender.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Serve your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi over gluten-free pasta, rice, or even zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta. Skip the bread, or use a gluten-free baguette to enjoy every last drop of sauce.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese, or use a vegan-friendly version. The resulting scampi will still be loaded with bright, garlicky flavor.

Final Thoughts

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is proof that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps and just the right mix of ingredients, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in minutes. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will wow your taste buds and bring a little gourmet magic to any weeknight!

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe that brings succulent shrimp in a garlic-infused buttery sauce. This dish is a delightful combination of seafood, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, served with your choice of pasta or crusty bread.