Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe brings a taste of the ocean right to your dinner table. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal, this dish combines succulent shrimp with a rich garlic butter sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. With its blend of savory and zesty flavors, it’s sure to impress both seafood lovers and casual diners alike!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Shrimp
• For the Sauce
• For Finishing Touches
• How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
• Step 2: Sauté Garlic
• Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Lime
• Step 4: Add Seasonings
• Step 5: Add Butter
• Step 6: Finish the Dish
• Step 7: Serve Hot
• How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Over Pasta
• With Crusty Bread
• On a Bed of Rice
• As a Standalone Dish
• How to Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Best Side Dishes for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Reheating Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of seafood?
• How spicy is this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
• What should I serve with this dish?
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Rich Flavor: The buttery white wine garlic sauce infuses the shrimp with delightful taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over pasta, rice, or serve with crusty bread for dipping.
• Restaurant Quality: Recreate your favorite restaurant dish at home without any hassle.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of shrimp and easy mixing of ingredients.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for scraping up those flavorful bits from the pan while deglazing.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate amounts of wine and other liquid ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1½ cups dry white wine
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Finishing Touches

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Cook the Shrimp

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and keep them warm.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If necessary, add a splash more oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Lime

Pour in the white wine and lime juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer and reduce by half for about 6–8 minutes.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to let all flavors meld together.

Step 5: Add Butter

Reduce heat to low. When the skillet has cooled slightly and bubbling has stopped, add butter. Stir until melted and fully combined into the sauce.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Return the cooked shrimp (along with any juices) back to the pan. Add parsley and Parmesan cheese. Let everything warm through for about 1–2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve immediately while your scampi is hot and saucy. This dish pairs wonderfully over pasta or rice, or simply enjoy it with crusty bread!

How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Serving Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to complement this flavorful dish.

Over Pasta

• Spaghetti or Linguine: Toss the shrimp scampi with al dente pasta for a classic combination that absorbs the rich sauce.
• Pesto Pasta: Serve over pesto pasta for an herbal twist that pairs beautifully with the garlic and butter flavors.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.
• Baguette Slices: Use toasted baguette slices as a crunchy option to enjoy alongside the scampi.

On a Bed of Rice

• White Rice: Fluffy white rice helps soak up the sauce and balances the flavors.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A zesty rice option that adds freshness and pairs well with the shrimp.

As a Standalone Dish

• Garnished with Fresh Parsley: Serve in a bowl, garnished with parsley for a simple yet elegant presentation.

How to Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

To achieve the ultimate Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is bursting with flavor and has the perfect texture.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp offers superior flavor and texture compared to frozen varieties. Look for shrimp that smells like the ocean, not fishy.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
• Quality White Wine Matters: Use a dry white wine you would drink, as its flavor enhances the sauce significantly.
• Let Ingredients Meld Together: Allowing the seasonings to simmer helps develop deeper flavors in your dish.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley at the end maintains its vibrant color and fresh taste.

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Best Side Dishes for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Pairing side dishes with your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi can create a complete meal experience. Consider these options that complement the rich flavors of your main dish.

1. Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a healthy green element and pairs well with garlic flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized brings depth to your meal.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that everyone loves.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness and crunch, making it an ideal side for seafood dishes.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies provides protein and texture without overpowering the scampi’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can make your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi turn out perfectly. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:

• Using frozen shrimp: Fresh shrimp yields better texture and flavor. If you must use frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly; overcooking makes it tough. Aim for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Neglecting seasoning: Not seasoning the dish properly can lead to bland flavors. Don’t skip salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to enhance taste.
• Skipping the deglazing step: Failing to deglaze the pan means missing out on rich flavors. Always scrape up those bits with wine or lime juice.
• Not using enough butter: Butter is crucial for that rich, silky sauce. Stick to the recipe’s amount for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Portion into smaller containers for easier thawing and reheating.

Reheating Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

Can I use other types of seafood?

You can substitute shrimp with scallops or lobster for a different twist on the classic scampi.

How spicy is this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes for mild heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

What should I serve with this dish?

This shrimp scampi pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or substituting proteins as desired. Give it a try and enjoy a delightful seafood dinner at home!