If you have ever dreamed of recreating a restaurant-quality seafood dish at home, this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is your golden ticket. With succulent, tender shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter and white wine sauce, it’s a timeless favorite that brings gourmet flavors right to your kitchen table. Every bite delivers a burst of fresh, zesty lemon and savory Parmesan that makes this shrimp scampi not just a meal but an experience you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it relies on a handful of simple but incredibly important ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the plump shrimp that offer a perfect texture to the garlic and herbs that infuse the sauce with so much flavor. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items to create an impressive dish.
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or thawed shrimp to ensure a tender and juicy bite every time.
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil: Adds a smooth base for cooking shrimp and enhances overall richness without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped: The aromatic backbone that makes this scampi so irresistible.
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay recommended): A dry white wine gives the sauce brightness and depth, balancing the buttery richness.
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only: Brings a fresh, citrusy zing that lifts all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 cup softened butter: The star that makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped: Adds color and a fresh herbal note for contrast.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty finish that makes every bite even more luxurious.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your shrimp and cook them gently until they turn opaque and tender—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side. It’s important not to overcook them, as shrimp can become rubbery quickly. After cooking, remove the shrimp and set them aside; this ensures they stay juicy when reintroduced to the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Reduce Wine
Using the same skillet, sauté the finely chopped garlic for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s wonderfully fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic would throw off the flavor). Pour in the white wine along with the fresh lemon juice and cook the mixture until it is reduced by half. This step concentrates the flavors, creating the vibrant, tangy base for your scampi sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add the Italian seasoning to the wine reduction and stir well. Lower the heat before adding your softened butter, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. The gentle heat ensures the butter emulsifies perfectly with the wine reduction, resulting in a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the shrimp.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the shrimp to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in that irresistible sauce. Stir in the chopped parsley to brighten the dish with fresh color and flavor. Season everything with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top, letting it melt slightly to add an extra layer of savory richness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This is the moment to really make this dish shine. Serve the shrimp scampi piping hot, paired with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce, spoon it over your favorite pasta, or enjoy it alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter twist. Every mouthful bursts with the harmonious balance of garlicky butter, zesty lemon, and tender shrimp that defines this famous recipe.
How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra chopped parsley or a little sprinkle of Parmesan can elevate the presentation and flavor. For a touch of elegance, freshly cracked black pepper or thin lemon slices placed on top offer a lovely visual and extra zing. These small additions turn serving into an experience worth savoring.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad complement the richness of the shrimp scampi beautifully. For something lighter, steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans provide a fresh counterpoint, balancing the meal with vibrant textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the typical plating: serve the shrimp scampi in hollowed-out baguette boats for a fun bread bowl-style approach or drizzle it over a bed of zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. You could also present each serving in individual cast iron skillets, making every plate feel personal and restaurant-worthy. Presentation matters and can turn this beloved recipe into a memorable dining occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days. Be sure to let the shrimp cool to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing the shrimp scampi is possible but not generally recommended, as the texture of shrimp can become a bit rubbery after thawing. If you do freeze it, place it in a heavy-duty freezer bag and consume within 1 month for the best taste. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp. Adding a splash of white wine or a small knob of butter can help revive the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make shrimp tough and dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking to prevent excess water from diluting your sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or a mixture of water and lemon juice can work, though the flavor will be less complex.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
While optional, Parmesan adds a delightful nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce a bit, enhancing the overall richness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You could swap shrimp with large mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a similar texture and soak them in the same sauce—it won’t be the exact Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe, but it makes a tasty alternative.
How spicy is this recipe?
This classic recipe is mild and buttery but packed with garlic flavor; add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe because it combines elegant flavors with simple, accessible ingredients in a way that feels both luxurious and comforting. Next time you want to wow your friends or treat yourself, give this recipe a go—you’re in for a flavorful, unforgettable experience that’ll likely become a new favorite in your home kitchen.
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe features perfectly cooked shrimp in a rich garlic, white wine, and butter sauce, accented with lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for seafood lovers, ideal served with crusty bread or over pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay recommended)
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until tender and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic and reduce the wine: In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 2-3 minutes. Add white wine and lemon juice, and cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add seasoning and butter: Add Italian seasoning and stir. Reduce heat to low, then add softened butter, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine shrimp and sauce: Return shrimp to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and stir in parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve: Enjoy the shrimp scampi hot with crusty bread, over pasta, or with your preferred side.
Notes
- Use Chardonnay or a dry white wine for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to ensure they remain tender and juicy.
- You can substitute olive oil with butter for a richer flavor in the initial cooking step.
- For a low-carb option, serve without pasta and with steamed vegetables.
- For best results, use fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
