If you’ve ever been to Red Lobster, you’re probably familiar with their famous shrimp scampi—a rich, buttery dish infused with garlic and lemon. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just love trying new recipes, understanding what goes into this dish can help you recreate it at home. The key to its delicious flavor lies in a handful of high-quality ingredients: fresh shrimp, butter, garlic, white wine, and Italian herbs. Want to pair your shrimp scampi with something equally indulgent? Try serving it alongside baked beans with ground beef for a hearty meal.
Shrimp scampi at Red Lobster has become a signature dish, praised for its simplicity and perfectly balanced flavor profile. If you’re interested in learning more about seafood cooking techniques, check out this seafood boil sauce recipe to complement your next seafood feast.
Table of contents
Ingredients in Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that go into Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi:
1. Fresh Shrimp
Red Lobster uses medium to large shrimp that are peeled and deveined to make the dish easier to eat. Fresh shrimp ensures a firm texture and sweet flavor. For the best results, avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery if cooked too long. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
2. Butter
Butter is essential to the rich sauce that defines shrimp scampi. Unsalted butter is recommended, allowing better control over the dish’s saltiness. The butter also helps emulsify the sauce, giving it a smooth, glossy texture.
3. Garlic
Minced garlic adds a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the shrimp. The key to cooking garlic is timing—sauté it just until fragrant to avoid burning, which can turn it bitter.
4. White Wine
A splash of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, adds acidity and depth to the sauce. The wine also helps deglaze the pan, lifting any caramelized bits that add extra flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock.
5. Lemon Juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the vibrant citrus notes of fresh lemons.
6. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning, which typically includes oregano, basil, and thyme, enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
7. Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Though optional, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami element that complements the shrimp and sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the cheese.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at Home
Recreating Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi at home is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen.
1. Sauté the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, stirring well. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
3. Combine and Cook
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss the shrimp in the sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes to coat them evenly and meld the flavors.
4. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately with crispy salmon bites or over a bed of pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh shrimp, garlic, and lemons will yield the best flavor. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque. Deglaze properly: Adding wine or broth after sautéing the garlic lifts any flavorful bits stuck to the skillet, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
Variations of Shrimp Scampi
Here are a few ways to put your own twist on this classic dish:
Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Add ½ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture. Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Vegetable Shrimp Scampi: Toss in vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp scampi is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
With pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked linguine or angel hair pasta for a classic pairing.
For rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a gluten-free option. With bread: Pair with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
For salad: A light garden salad or roasted vegetables can help balance the richness of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Thaw by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or by running cold water over them for a quicker method. Always pat them dry to remove excess moisture, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a good texture.
What’s the best type of wine for shrimp scampi?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best for shrimp scampi. These wines add a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the butter and garlic. Avoid sweet wines, as they can overpower the dish’s savory flavors.
Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with chicken or vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version. Broth provides a similar depth of flavor and helps deglaze the pan just like wine. Adding a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice can also enhance the sauce’s brightness.
How do I store and reheat leftover shrimp scampi?
Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the shrimp.
Can I make shrimp scampi dairy-free?
Yes, you can make shrimp scampi dairy-free by substituting butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute for a similar umami flavor. The dish will still be flavorful with garlic, lemon, and herbs.
What side dishes go well with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty garlic bread, which soak up the delicious sauce. For a balanced meal, consider serving it with a light salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. These sides complement the richness of the scampi perfectly.
Can I add vegetables to shrimp scampi?
Yes, adding vegetables is a great way to enhance shrimp scampi. Popular options include spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Add them toward the end of cooking to maintain their texture and color while blending with the sauce.
Is shrimp scampi gluten-free?
The main components of shrimp scampi—shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon—are naturally gluten-free. However, if serving with pasta, use gluten-free options like rice noodles or zucchini noodles. Also, ensure that any broth or seasoning blends used are labeled gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for shrimp scampi?
Yes, pre-cooked shrimp can be used, but they require less cooking time. Add them at the end, tossing them in the sauce just long enough to heat through. Overcooking pre-cooked shrimp will make them rubbery.
Can I make shrimp scampi spicy?
Absolutely! For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while preparing the garlic butter sauce. You can adjust the level of heat according to your preference, making it mild or extra fiery.
Conclusion
Red Lobster shrimp scampi is a timeless seafood dish, cherished for its rich, buttery flavors, garlicky aroma, and simple preparation. With just a few fresh ingredients—like shrimp, butter, garlic, and lemon—you can effortlessly recreate this restaurant favorite at home. Whether you’re serving it as a main course with pasta or as a luxurious appetizer with warm, crusty bread, shrimp scampi is guaranteed to impress your family and guests. Pair it with baked beans with ground beef for a hearty meal or with cheezy rice for a comforting side.
What makes shrimp scampi truly special is its versatility. You can easily customize the dish by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes or by adjusting the spice level with red pepper flakes. If you’re looking for another seafood dish to complement your meal, consider trying this crispy salmon bites recipe, which pairs wonderfully with shrimp scampi.
With endless variations and serving options, shrimp scampi is suitable for a casual dinner, an elegant gathering, or even a quick weeknight meal. So, grab your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the satisfaction of making a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!