- With uncooked peeled shrimp, butter, white cooking wine, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch, you can whip up a delicious seafood supper with our Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe.
My encounter with the renowned Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi started on a date night that will never be forgotten, when their shrimp scampi left a lasting impression on my mouth. Motivated to replicate this delectable dish in my own kitchen, I set out to distill the core of their recipe. My version was eventually perfected after multiple attempts and a great deal of suspense. With every taste, I am transported back to that unforgettable evening full of laughing and the distinct scent of wine and garlic, which is why this recipe is more than simply a dish—it’s a treasured memory that I like sharing with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love The Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
The simplicity and gourmet appeal of our Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe make it stand out. Its premium ingredients—fresh shrimp and real butter—combined with the refinement of white wine and a hint of Italian flavor are what make it special. Even though it just takes 30 minutes to cook from start to finish, this meal has the kind of sophisticated, restaurant-caliber flavor that elevates any supper to a memorable occasion. It’s ideal for enjoying a special weekday dinner or wowing visitors.
Ingredients Notes
To recreate the magical taste of Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi at home, here are some ingredient insights to ensure your dish is as delightful as the original:
- For optimal texture and flavor absorption, choose peeled, deveined, and fresh shrimp.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives the sauce a rich, velvety basis and lets you adjust the amount of salt.
- White cooking wine is an essential component that gives the meal a delicate sweetness and richness.
- Garlic: A classic flavorful addition to any scampi is minced garlic.
- Lemon juice: Gives the buttery sauce a bright, acidic balance.
- Italian Seasoning: This combination of herbs adds a depth of flavor to the shrimp.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty touch that enhances the recipe.
How To Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Crafting the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home is straightforward. Here’s a detailed guide to achieving the perfect scampi every time:
- Sautéing shrimp: Start by bringing a skillet’s worth of olive oil to a medium-high heat. When the shrimp are thoroughly cooked and pink, add them and sauté them to seal in their natural juices. To avoid overcooking, remove and set aside the shrimp.
- Base Aromatic: Reduce the heat and use the same skillet to melt the butter. Add the garlic and quickly sauté it until aromatic, being careful not to let it burn and develop an unpleasant flavor.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Add the lemon juice and white wine, stirring to bring out the nuances of the shrimp. Simmer to concentrate the flavors, reducing the liquid by half.
- Final Toss: Return the shrimp to the sauce and toss them to coat them evenly, then stir in the Italian seasoning for herbal undertones. and gently reheat them.
- Garnishing: Take off the heat and, for a savory finish, liberally sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If preferred, add parsley for a vibrant, fresh garnish.
Storage Options
Any leftover Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi can be refrigerated for up to two days in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and freshness. To keep the shrimp soft, reheat them slowly in a skillet over low heat. Because freezing can drastically change the texture of the shrimp and sauce, it is not advised.
Variations and Substitutions
Personalizing your shrimp scampi can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some variations and substitutions to try:
- Wine Substitutes: A high-quality chicken or vegetable broth can be used in place of wine if you’d rather not use any alcohol and still contribute flavor.
Cheese Selection: Pecorino Romano is a firm cheese that has a stronger flavor, although Parmesan is the classic choice.
Adding Heat: Before adding the shrimp, mix in a small pinch of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs such as basil or oregano added at the end of cooking can bring a delightful brightness to the dish, even though Italian seasoning is a perfect all-in-one option.
