We are telling you in very simple language how to make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe at home, its complete information is given in step by step recipe. This guide is prepared for all you viewers, and it clearly explains all the tips and practical serving method on how you can make a “famous red lobster shrimp scampi recipe“. Let’s have a fun cooking today.
Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe Step by Step Easy Method
Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever been to Red Lobster? If you have, then chances are you must have tasted the iconic Shrimp Scampi which tastes so good and amazing. If you haven’t, then know all the details on how to make it better at home through this recipe.
Red Lobster shrimp are sautéed in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce and you can pair it with white wine and red lobster pasta or crown breadsticks it is wonderful and full of flavor and is easy to make at home.
This guide will walk you through each step of making restaurant-style shrimp scampi using ingredients that are commonly found in most grocery stores in the USA. You can enjoy this recipe anytime, whether for a family meal, a romantic dinner, or just to pamper yourself. This copycat is sure to amaze your taste buds. The ingredients are given below and follow them all.
Ingredients (4 servings)
The ingredients given here are for 4 people, you can make it for more or less people accordingly.
Time required
- Prep time – 15 minutes
- Cook time – 20 minutes
- Total time – 35 minutes
Ingredients for Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw shrimp (17 to 20 count), peeled, deveined and tails on
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 red pepper flakes crushed (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
Ingredients For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon (2 to 3 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but very tasty)
- Lemon wedges for garnish
- For serving (optional)
- 8 ounces linguine pasta (boiled al dente) or angel hair
- Red Lobster Style Cheddar Bay Biscuits or crusty bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Shrimp
If your shrimp is frozen, thaw it first, then wrap it in paper towels The best way is to dry them out so that there is no moisture left, as any moisture will thin out your sauce and cause the shrimp to steam rather than cook.
Use these ingredients to season the shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed
- Optional: a pinch of paprika for color
Tip: If you want to cut the shrimp tails off, you can, but leaving the tails on makes for a nice presentation.
2. Cook the Pasta (for serving with the pasta)
Bring a large pot of 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add whatever pasta you are using (linguine or angel hair works great) and cook until ardent – about 9 to 11 minutes, depending on what type of pasta you are using. Now drain the water and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and keep aside.
Tip: Make sure the pasta is not overcooked a little bit is always good as it absorbs the sauce later. Follow this guide and you will have a great meal. Let’s go through the 3 steps.
3. Roasting the Garlic
Take a large skillet, you can use either stainless steel or cast iron. Heat it up. Once hot, add:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook over medium heat until it melts and bubbles.
Now add the minced garlic and stir it for 2 minutes to cook it well. (Properly roasted shrimp makes for delicious shrimp.)
Important tip: do not over brown the garlic. Over browning will make the dish taste bitter, so always cook on low heat.
4. Add the lemon juice and wine
When the garlic is soft, add:
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Let the garlic simmer for 3 to 4 minutes over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat a little.
Using wine cooks out much of the alcohol, leaving just a strong, flavorful base. If you don’t use wine, substitute chicken broth and a little lemon juice or white wine vinegar. (This is how you can make a great copycat Red Lobster shrimp scampi in delicious ways. “Now let’s move on to number 5”)
Tips: If you use Red Lobster wine, it gives this scampi a special shine. You can use it to get the shine. But if you use a dry white wine, avoid anything sweet and that’s a must.
5. Add the Shrimp
Add your seasoned shrimp directly into the bubbling sauce in a single layer. Then sear on all sides until they’re just pink and starting to curl a little, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Do not move the shrimps while cooking as they cook very quickly and do not overcook them as overcooking makes them rubbery.
When half cooked, use tongs to flip the shrimps so that they cook evenly on both sides.
6. Finish with herbs and butter
When the shrimp are cooked through, reduce the heat to low and add:
2 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp butter
Optional: You can use 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Mix these ingredients together so the butter blends in and forms a smooth coating over the shrimp.
Taste and adjust seasonings: If you find something off, add a pinch of salt, lemon juice, or crushed red pepper to taste.
A couple of notes: You can use cooked pasta to make a great meal if you need one that tastes even better.
Serve and Plate
Red Lobster Style Shrimp Scampi can be served in three popular ways:
A. Serve over pasta
First, place a portion of pasta in a bowl or plate, top it with shrimp and plenty of sauce (optional). Garnish with parsley, parmesan and lemon wedges.
B. Serve with cheddar biscuits or garlic bread
If you use garlic sauce, serve shrimp scampi as a main course with warm crusty bread or Red Lobster style biscuits to soak it up.
C. Serve with turf or surf side
If you use steak or grilled chicken, use shrimp scampi as a surf side. Serve with steamed broccoli, Caesar salad or asparagus.
Additional tips and options:
Wine substitute –
If you don’t have wine, use 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
Shrimp substitute –
For an upscale twist, use lobster or scallops.
You can also use pre-cooked shrimp or frozen shrimp but add it in at the last minute to warm it up.
Low-carb options:
Serve the sauce and shrimp with zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower rice. It’s a great option.
Gluten-free options:
You can use gluten-free pasta or omit this and enjoy with a salad or gluten-free bread.
For a spicy kick:
Increase the crushed red pepper to 1/2 tsp. or use a little hot sauce.
For a creamier version:
After cooking the shrimp thoroughly, use 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. This will keep the scampi sauce from thickening too much.
Storage and Reheating
Shrimp scampi is the most delicious and if you have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator or in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
How to Reheat:
- Get a pan and add a splash of water or broth.
- Heat slowly over low heat until heated through.
- Avoid microwaves as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- 450–550 calories (depending on cheese and pasta)
- 30 g – fat
- 30 g – protein
- 1 g – sugar
- 20–50 g – carbs (depending on the portion of pasta)
- 1 g – Fiber
Wrap Up
Here’s how to make Red Lobster’s famous Shrimp Scampi recipe at home. This dish is a perfect pre-dinner dish. The dish perfectly balances the flavors of sour, salty, garlic and butter and it looks amazing but the best part is that it takes only 30 minutes to make.
If you’re looking to impress your guests or satisfy a seafood craving, this is an easy one pan meal that never disappoints.
Serve this with a glass of chilled white wine or top your favorite pasta with some lovely garnishes. It’s a great way to make someone happy, even yourself.
Suggested Pairings:
Wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio
Sides: Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad, or Roasted Broccoli
Dessert: Cheesecake or Key Lime
This is how you can make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi with or without wine. This recipe has everything you need to know.
So get ready to start making the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe.