Introduction: A Taste of Red Lobster at Home
If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, then you know that their shrimp scampi is one of the most iconic dishes on the menu. The perfect balance of tender shrimp, rich garlic butter, and zesty lemon creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. But did you know you can recreate this delicious dish at home? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making your own Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe right in your kitchen!
Making shrimp scampi doesn’t require professional culinary skills—just a love for great food and a few essential ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to satisfy your seafood cravings.
What is Shrimp Scampi?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s first explore what shrimp scampi is and what makes the Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe so special. Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian–American dish that typically features shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a touch of lemon juice, white wine, and sometimes parsley. It’s often served with pasta or rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
At Red Lobster, their version of shrimp scampi is known for its rich and buttery sauce, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and tender pasta. The dish is a fan favorite because of its depth of flavor and the way it highlights the natural sweetness of the shrimp. By recreating this at home, you’ll bring that restaurant-quality dish straight to your table.
Ingredients for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
The key to a perfect shrimp scampi is using high-quality ingredients. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make the Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Scampi Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or seafood stock for more depth)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
For Serving:
- 1 lb pasta (linguine or spaghetti work best)
- Extra lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this delicious Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by prepping the shrimp. Make sure your shrimp are peeled and deveined. You can use frozen shrimp, but if you’re using fresh shrimp, give them a quick rinse under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Linguine is the classic choice for shrimp scampi, but you can also use spaghetti or any other pasta you prefer. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the seasoned shrimp to the pan in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. You want the garlic to release its aromatic oils without turning brown.
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the white wine and chicken broth to the pan. Stir well to combine, and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This will allow the alcohol in the wine to cook off and the flavors to meld together. Add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes at this point if you’re using them.
Step 5: Combine the Shrimp and Pasta
Once the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce to coat well. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss everything together until the shrimp, pasta, and sauce are well combined. Make sure the pasta is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce, and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is combined, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired) over the top for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve the shrimp scampi immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
Tips for the Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
To make your Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe even more amazing, here are a few tips that will elevate the dish:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give the dish a sweeter, juicier flavor. If you must use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make it rubbery. Watch closely while sautéing to ensure they turn pink and opaque, but not overdone.
- Choose the Right Wine: Dry white wine adds complexity to the sauce without making it overly sweet. Avoid using overly fruity wines, as they may overpower the other flavors in the dish.
- Add Extra Garlic: If you love garlic, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two. Garlic is the backbone of this dish, so a little extra will only enhance the flavor.
- Customize the Heat Level: If you like a little spice, feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes. You can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hotter kick.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are plenty of delicious gluten-free options that will pair beautifully with this shrimp scampi.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
For those mindful of their calorie intake, here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content for this dish (serves 4):
- Calories: 480-520 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 40g (varies depending on pasta type)
- Fat: 28g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 2g
These values are approximate and can vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Making the Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe at home is easier than you think, and the result is a flavorful, satisfying dish that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe brings the restaurant experience to your kitchen.
Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and add your personal touch to the dish. With a few simple steps, you can recreate this fan-favorite shrimp scampi and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Happy cooking, and enjoy!
