Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a restaurant-style dish made at home with tender shrimp sautéed in a buttery garlic white wine sauce, accented with fresh lemon juice and parsley. It’s a quick, flavorful, and elegant seafood dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week and pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
largeraw shrimp (peeled and deveined)unsalted butterolive oilgarlic cloveswhite winelemon juicedried parsleyflakesred pepper flakes (optional)saltblack pepperfresh parsley (for garnish)
directions
Heat olive oil and half the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off slightly.
Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until pink and opaque.
Stir in the lemon juice, remaining butter, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Simmer briefly until the sauce slightly thickens and shrimp are fully coated.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes
Variations
Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta for a complete meal.
Use chicken or scallops as a substitute for shrimp.
Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.Avoid overcooking to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure they are thawed completely and patted dry before cooking.
What kind of white wine should I use?
A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works best.
Can I omit the wine?
Yes, substitute with chicken broth or seafood stock for a non-alcoholic version.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can control the heat level to your taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a larger skillet or cook the shrimp in batches.
Do I need to marinate the shrimp?
No marination is necessary; the flavor comes from the quick cooking in the seasoned sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance for faster cooking.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce cooking time and only warm them through in the sauce.
What can I serve with this?
Pasta, rice, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad all pair wonderfully.
Conclusion
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brings bold, buttery, garlicky flavor to your table with ease. This seafood favorite is simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious copycat version of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi, featuring succulent shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter and white wine sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add the remaining butter and crushed red pepper flakes if using; simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately over cooked pasta or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for best flavor.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust garlic and lemon to taste preference.
- This dish cooks quickly; avoid overcooking the shrimp.