If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the sea, the Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish delivers tender, garlicky shrimp bathed in a buttery, lemony sauce with just the right hint of spice and freshness, making it a timeless favorite for seafood lovers everywhere. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a casual weeknight treat, this recipe brings a perfect balance of flavors that are both impressive and simple to pull off in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe plays a key role in building its irresistible taste and vibrant texture. From the richness of butter to the brightness of fresh lemon, these essentials come together seamlessly without any fuss.
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, delivering juicy and succulent bites.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a luscious richness and creates the silky sauce base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that’s absolutely essential in scampi.
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth: Infuses the dish with subtle acidity and depth of flavor.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Offers a vibrant citrus brightness to lift the entire recipe.
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Provides just a touch of heat to balance the buttery sauce.
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste: Enhances all the lovely flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste: Adds a gentle warmth and seasoning to the shrimp.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a nutty and savory complexity.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Injects a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
- Lemon wedges, for serving: Provide an extra zesty kick right at the table.
How to Make Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the garlic in butter
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook it just until it’s fragrant — about one to two minutes. Be careful not to let it brown because that can give a bitter taste which would distract from the buttery garlic goodness that defines this recipe.
Step 2: Cook the shrimp
Next, add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and if you like a hint of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes. Cook the shrimp for about two to three minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful opaque pink. This process seals in their natural juices and ensures they stay tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add wine and lemon juice to simmer
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the fresh lemon juice. Allow this mixture to simmer for another two to three minutes. This step not only melds the flavors together but also creates a delightful sauce that’s light yet packed with flavor.
Step 4: Melt in Parmesan and finish with parsley
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and stir continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce, enriching it with a subtle, nutty flavor. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the fresh parsley for that final burst of herbal freshness and gorgeous green contrast.
Step 5: Serve immediately with lemon wedges
Transfer your shrimp scampi to a serving dish and garnish with lemon wedges. Serving it right away while warm ensures you enjoy every bit of that heavenly garlic butter sauce clinging to the tender shrimp.
How to Serve Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh, vibrant garnishes can elevate your Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe to the next level. A handful of finely chopped parsley not only freshens up the dish but also adds appealing color. Lemon wedges are essential — a quick squeeze just before eating awakens all the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This shrimp scampi feels like the perfect centerpiece, but pairing it with simple sides completes the meal effortlessly. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is ideal for soaking up every last bit of that buttery sauce. For a lighter balance, steamed or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad complement the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the shrimp over a bed of angel hair pasta or delicate linguine to turn this into a hearty main course. For a low-carb option, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice work wonderfully. You might also present individual shrimp skewers drizzled with the scampi sauce for a fun appetizer twist that still shouts Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp scampi keeps well for up to two days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best texture, try to keep the sauce and shrimp together so the flavors continue to meld, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze shrimp scampi for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space at the top for expansion. Thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor as much as possible.
Reheating
For perfectly reheated shrimp scampi, gently warm it on the stove over low heat. Avoid the microwave when possible as it can toughen the shrimp and separate the sauce. Add a splash of white wine or broth if the sauce seems too thick, stirring just until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works great for this Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that keeps the flavor profile savory and balanced without altering the dish’s integrity.
Is the crushed red pepper flakes ingredient necessary?
Not at all. The crushed red pepper flakes are entirely optional and only add a subtle kick of heat. If you enjoy a mild dish with no spice, feel free to omit them.
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Cooking shrimp just until they turn opaque and pink is key. Overcooking is the main cause of rubbery shrimp, so watch the clock, usually two to three minutes per side, and keep the heat moderate.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you confirm that your Parmesan cheese contains no additives with gluten and serve it without bread on the side or with gluten-free alternatives.
Final Thoughts
The Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe combines straightforward ingredients and easy steps to create a meal bursting with flavor and comfort. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to return to again and again, whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and bring a taste of that beloved seafood classic right to your own table — you won’t regret it!
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Classic 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
Description
This Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe features succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice, white wine, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and elegant seafood dish ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shrimp Scampi Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Simmer with Wine and Lemon: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with the fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the alcohol to cook off if using wine.
- Add Parmesan and Parsley: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the top, enhancing the citrus flavor.
Notes
- Use large shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth to keep the dish alcohol-free.
- Do not overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to make it a full meal.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
