If there’s one copycat seafood dish that always wins hearts, it’s the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. Imagine plump shrimp tossed in a garlicky, lemon-butter sauce with herbal whispers of parsley and a gentle kick of heat — it captures everything you love about restaurant scampi but is incredibly doable at home. With its luxurious, savory flavors and quick, simple prep, this dish feels like a restaurant escape right from your own kitchen. Whether you serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or piled onto a platter for a dinner party, you’re in for a treat that’s as impressive as it is crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This iconic recipe keeps it beautifully simple, and every ingredient really shines. Each item brings a necessary pop of flavor, aroma, or color, and together they create pure, garlicky seafood bliss. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each piece matters:
- Shrimp (1 pound, large, peeled and deveined): The stars of the show — make sure they’re fresh and let them keep their tails for that classic look, or go tail-off for easier eating.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the shrimp get that golden sear.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Brings the essential silky, decadent base for the sauce — never skimp on the butter with this one!
- Garlic cloves (5, minced): The key to that irresistible aroma and bold scampi flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For a gentle touch of heat that balances the richness — add more or less to match your spice style.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth (½ cup): Deglazes the pan and forms a sauce with delicious depth — wine is traditional, but broth works beautifully for an alcohol-free version.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Lifts the entire dish with a bright citrus zing.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds extra aroma and color — zest before you juice so nothing goes to waste.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Season and accentuate all the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to season without taking over.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For vivid color and a fresh, herbal note to finish everything off.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional): A sprinkling at the end adds a lovely salty, nutty finish.
- Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta (optional for serving): If you love a hearty, comforting meal, nestle your shrimp and sauce right over a bowl of hot pasta.
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating your olive oil and half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The combination of these fats helps give the shrimp beautiful color and flavor. Add your shrimp in a single layer, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Let them sizzle for about 1–2 minutes per side — just until they turn gorgeously pink and opaque. Resist the urge to stir too early; letting them sit ensures you get that perfect golden sear. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside (they’ll finish in the sauce later).
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet (don’t even think about rinsing — all those browned shrimp bits are pure gold!), add the rest of the butter alongside the minced garlic. Sauté just for a minute, stirring occasionally, until everything is fragrant. If you like a hint of heat, now’s the time to toss in those crushed red pepper flakes. Cue the mouths watering: your kitchen will instantly smell like a seaside trattoria.
Step 3: Add the Wine and Reduce
Next, pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a cautious simmer, letting the liquid reduce for 2–3 minutes. This step not only intensifies all the flavors but also builds the characteristic scampi sauce that makes Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi so beloved.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Return the Shrimp
Add in the lemon juice and zest for that burst of citrusy brightness. Return the cooked shrimp (and any delicious juices they’ve released) to the skillet, gently tossing them in the buttery sauce. Let everything heat together just until the shrimp are warmed through — about 1 minute.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle in your fresh chopped parsley. If you’re a cheese lover, go ahead and shower your dish with a little grated Parmesan for that final flourish. Serve it immediately while everything’s hot and irresistible — straight from the pan, over pasta, or with crusty bread on the side for scooping up every last bit of sauce!
How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the finishing touches! A generous spoonful of fresh chopped parsley injects color and a refreshing herbal zing that brightens the rich sauce. If you adore cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a subtle nuttiness. For real restaurant flair, add extra lemon wedges on the side — they look beautiful and let your guests tailor each bite.
Side Dishes
This scampi is a true multi-tasker. Serve your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi over twirls of pasta (linguine or angel hair are classic), or pair it with a loaf of crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. If you want a lighter plate, try a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli. The delicate shrimp and lemony sauce are a match for all sorts of sides!
Creative Ways to Present
While piling shrimp scampi atop a steaming bowl of pasta is always a hit, you can also spoon it over creamy polenta, roast it with cherry tomatoes for added sweetness, or build decadent scampi crostini for an appetizer platter. For a wow-factor dinner party, serve the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi family-style in a big skillet, letting everyone gather round and scoop their share.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extras? Lucky you! Allow the shrimp scampi to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors become even bolder as they mingle, making tomorrow’s lunch a real event. Just be sure not to overcook the shrimp when reheating to keep them perfectly plump.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze shrimp scampi, the shrimp’s texture can become a bit rubbery after thawing. If you do decide to freeze it, cool the dish completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and know that while it’s certainly edible, fresh is always best for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi!
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, gently warm the shrimp and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Avoid high heat, which can make shrimp tough. If you’re using a microwave, do it in short 20- to 30-second bursts, stirring gently until just heated through.
FAQs
Can I substitute the wine with something else?
Absolutely! If you’d rather not use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that still imparts great flavor and makes the sauce shine. The key is letting it reduce a little to concentrate the savory notes and balance the lemon and butter.
Is Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi gluten-free?
The shrimp scampi itself is gluten-free when prepared as written — just be cautious with your choice of sides. Use gluten-free pasta or skip the bread to keep the meal entirely gluten-free and friendly for all your guests!
Should I use fresh or frozen shrimp?
Both work beautifully! If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking. Fresh shrimp will offer a slightly sweeter flavor and firmer texture, but frozen is super convenient and delicious, especially for weeknight meals.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated, but for best results, cook the shrimp just before serving so they stay juicy and tender. If you prepare the whole dish in advance, try not to overheat the shrimp during reheating — just enough to warm through.
What wine should I use for the sauce?
Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even an unoaked Chardonnay. These wines add acidity and a clean finish that perfectly balance the richness of the butter and garlic in Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.
Final Thoughts
Life’s too short for ordinary shrimp! With this recipe, you can bring the flavor and fun of a restaurant favorite right to your own kitchen. The Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is easy, quick, and always sure to impress — whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering. Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and watch it become a signature at your table!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to recreate the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home with this easy and delicious recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and white wine – a perfect dish for any seafood lover.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Garnish/Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
- Cooked linguine or angel hair pasta (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, cook 1–2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, add red pepper flakes if using. Pour in wine/broth, simmer for 2–3 minutes. Add lemon juice, zest, return shrimp to pan, toss to coat and heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley, serve immediately as is or over pasta. Garnish with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a splash of cream in the sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without pasta)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
