Name: Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, shelled and cleaned.; 2 tablespoons good olive oil.; 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped.; 1/4 cup butter, unsalted.; 1/4 cup dry white wine.; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes.; Sea salt and black pepper.; 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan, grated.; 2 tablespoons parsley, freshly chopped.

A close-up of shrimp sautéed in a creamy sauce, garnished with black pepper and parsley. | kitchenscroll.com

I discovered my love for shrimp scampi during my first waitressing job at a local seafood spot. After watching our chef create this buttery garlic masterpiece hundreds of times I finally mastered it in my own kitchen. This copycat version of Red Lobster's famous dish brings all that restaurant magic home and trust me it's easier than you'd think.

Your New Favorite Dinner

The best part about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. In less time than it takes to get takeout you'll have a restaurant worthy meal on your table. The aroma of garlic and butter will fill your kitchen and the first bite will transport you straight to your favorite seafood spot.

Grab These Ingredients

Shrimp: One pound of big beautiful shrimp peeled and ready to go.
Butter: Four tablespoons of the good stuff unsalted.
Olive Oil: Three tablespoons for that perfect sauce base.
Garlic: Five cloves because garlic makes everything better.
White Wine: Half cup or swap in chicken broth if you prefer.
Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed from half a lemon.
Parmesan: Quarter cup freshly grated adds such richness.
Salt and Pepper: Season to your taste.
Parsley: Fresh chopped for that perfect finish.

Making Magic

Give those shrimp a good season with salt and pepper. Get your pan nice and hot with olive oil then cook the shrimp just until they turn pink. Set them aside while you work on that incredible sauce. In goes more oil butter and loads of garlic. Once that heavenly smell hits your nose add the wine and lemon juice. Let it bubble away then bring those shrimp back home to the pan with a shower of parmesan.

A close-up of cooked shrimp in a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs and black pepper. | kitchenscroll.com

My Kitchen Secrets

The key to perfect scampi is treating those shrimp like little treasures. They only need a quick cook until they're just pink. I always keep some crusty bread nearby to soak up every drop of that buttery sauce. Sometimes I throw in an extra clove of garlic because why not?

Ways to Serve

While this sauce is heavenly over pasta my family loves it with crusty bread for soaking up every drop. A simple green salad on the side keeps things light. Sometimes I serve it over rice or even zucchini noodles when we're feeling extra healthy.

Good to Know

A serving gives you all the satisfaction without weighing you down. The protein keeps you full while that rich sauce makes it feel totally indulgent. It's the perfect balance of treating yourself while still keeping things reasonable.

Saving for Later

If you happen to have leftovers they'll keep nicely in the fridge for a couple days. When you reheat just do it gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep that sauce creamy. I don't recommend freezing this one the texture just isn't the same after.

A close-up image of succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy sauce, garnished with herbs and spices. | kitchenscroll.com

Mix It Up

Sometimes I skip the wine and use broth instead it's just as delicious. Feel fancy? Toss in some scallops or bits of lobster. Following a special diet? This works beautifully with zucchini noodles for a low carb feast.

Keeping Those Shrimp Perfect

The secret to juicy shrimp is not overcooking them. They're done the moment they turn pink and curl into little Cs. When reheating be gentle with them a quick warm through is all they need.

Quick Answers

You can absolutely make this alcohol free with chicken broth. Want to make it gluten free? Serve over rice or veggie noodles. Looking to impress? Add some scallops to the mix. Just remember the golden rule cook those shrimp just until pink.

Pure Comfort Food

This dish has become my go to when I want to spoil myself or someone special. It feels fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a weekday treat. The best part? You'll never have to wait for a table at Red Lobster again.

A close-up image of succulent shrimp cooked in a creamy sauce, garnished with black pepper and green herbs. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without wine?: Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth. The dish will still be delicious while keeping the same rich flavors.
→ How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?: Shrimp is cooked when it turns pink and forms a 'C' shape. This usually takes 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooked shrimp becomes tough and rubbery.
→ What can I serve with shrimp scampi?: Pasta like linguine or fettuccine is traditional. You can also serve it with crusty bread, rice, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
→ How long do leftovers last?: Leftover shrimp scampi can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
→ What type of white wine works best?: Use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines as they can alter the sauce's flavor.

Conclusion

This copycat Red Lobster shrimp scampi features juicy shrimp in a flavorful garlic butter sauce with white wine and lemon. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi