Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi! This dish is a total game-changer with its savory garlic butter sauce that just wraps around those succulent shrimp, bringing the flavors of the sea right to your dinner table. I still remember the first time I enjoyed this dish at Red Lobster—sitting by the window, the warm bread in one hand, and a forkful of that buttery goodness in the other. It felt like a mini celebration! Making it at home is just as delightful, and trust me, the aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds. You’re gonna love how quick and easy it is to whip up this seafood treasure, and it’s perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a cozy night in!
Ingredients
To make the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi, you’ll need just a handful of simple yet delicious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked linguine or spaghetti, for serving
Using fresh shrimp really elevates the dish, so don’t skimp! And don’t forget to have some crusty bread on hand for soaking up that amazing garlic butter sauce!
How to Prepare the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious dish! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when it’s done. Here’s how to whip up the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi:
- Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it get all bubbly and fragrant—trust me, you’ll love this part!
- Once the butter’s sizzling, add in the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You just want it to become fragrant; we don’t want it to brown!
- Now, toss in the pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn that lovely pink color. It’s so satisfying to watch!
- Next, pour in 1/2 cup of white wine and sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let the mixture cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce a bit.
- After that, squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Give everything a good stir to combine!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and make sure to taste it as you go! Serve this glorious shrimp over your cooked linguine or spaghetti, and watch everyone dig in!
And just like that, you’ve got a plate of shrimp scampi that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me share why the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi is a must-try at home! You’re going to fall in love with it for so many reasons:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 20 minutes!
- The rich, buttery garlic sauce is both indulgent and comforting.
- Versatile—serve it over any pasta you like or even with crusty bread.
- Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself on a weeknight.
- It’s a seafood dish that captures the essence of restaurant-quality dining right in your own kitchen!
Seriously, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!
Tips for Success
To make your famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi truly shine, here are my top tips! First, always go for the freshest shrimp you can find—look for those that smell like the ocean and have a firm texture. If you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes or just use a pinch to taste. And don’t forget about the serving! Pair this dish with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up all that glorious sauce, or even a simple green salad to balance it out. Trust me, these little touches make all the difference!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi! For a pop of color and nutrition, try adding some fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes to the skillet when you add the shrimp. You can also swap out the linguine for fettuccine or even zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. If you’re a fan of creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce. And for those seeking a bit more kick, why not throw in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning? The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is approximate. A serving of the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi typically contains around 350 calories, 20g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Got questions about the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Fresh is best, but frozen shrimp can work in a pinch!
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice mixed with water. It’ll still add great flavor!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I wouldn’t recommend making it too far ahead since shrimp is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can prep your ingredients in advance and cook it just before serving!
What sides pair well with shrimp scampi?
This dish goes wonderfully with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or even steamed vegetables. You really can’t go wrong!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
While it’s best fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers of the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi (which is rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When it’s time to reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can overcook the shrimp. Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: 5 Pleasurable Secrets
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a savory seafood dish featuring shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked linguine or spaghetti, for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in white wine and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce.
- Add lemon juice and parsley, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: Red Lobster, shrimp scampi, seafood recipe
