Indulge in the flavor-packed Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, made with succulent shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce. This recipe is perfect for seafood lovers craving a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Shrimp scampi is a classic seafood dish enjoyed by many, with its flavorful combination of shrimp, garlic, butter, and herbs. The Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi has become a staple on the restaurant’s menu, known for its rich, savory sauce and tender shrimp. If you’re looking to recreate this beloved dish at home, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the recipe, preparation tips, variations, and everything you need to know to make this scrumptious meal yourself.
What Makes Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi So Special?
The allure of Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi lies in its simplicity yet depth of flavor. With its rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and a touch of lemon, this dish is undeniably mouthwatering. Although traditionally made with white wine, this recipe substitutes any alcoholic elements with a non-alcoholic option that still delivers a stunning taste. The combination of shrimp and the garlicky sauce makes for a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
Many seafood dishes can seem overwhelming to prepare, but Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is surprisingly easy to make. The key lies in balancing the flavors of garlic, butter, and lemon while ensuring the shrimp are perfectly cooked. This dish can be made in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step preparation, storage options, and much more, so you can make this delicious dish anytime you crave it.
The Recipe: Ingredients and Preparation
To start off, here’s what you’ll need for the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi:
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves (minced)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/2 cup chicken broth (for a non-alcoholic alternative to wine)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Cooking Time:
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings:
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Serves 4 people
Now that you have the ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation process.
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at Home
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp is frozen, make sure to thaw them properly before starting. Peel and devein the shrimp, ensuring they are clean and ready for cooking.
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Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
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Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add Chicken Broth and Lemon: Stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any bits of shrimp left in the pan. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat. Let them cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the shrimp to absorb all the flavors.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve the shrimp scampi immediately with a side of crusty bread or over pasta, if preferred.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is an easy and indulgent seafood dish that will surely impress anyone you serve it to. Here are five reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
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Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something special without a lot of hassle.
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Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is rich and savory, and the fresh lemon adds a tangy zest that perfectly complements the shrimp.
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Versatile: You can enjoy this dish with pasta, rice, or on its own. It’s also great for pairing with a side salad or garlic bread.
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Restaurant-Quality at Home: You can now recreate the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi in your kitchen, saving money while enjoying a delicious meal.
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Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings or add your favorite herbs to make it truly your own.
Ingredient Notes
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Shrimp: For the best results, use large or jumbo shrimp. Fresh is always ideal, but frozen shrimp work just as well if thawed properly.
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Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt content in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, be sure to reduce the amount of salt added.
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Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine in this recipe. It gives the sauce depth without the need for wine or other alcohol.
Storage Options for Shrimp Scampi
If you have leftovers (though they are hard to come by!), store your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp may become a bit less tender after storage, but the sauce will still be flavorful.
To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the shrimp rubbery.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to mix things up or need to make substitutions, here are some ideas:
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Shrimp Alternatives: Swap the shrimp for scallops, lobster tail, or crab meat for a different seafood experience.
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and vegan shrimp (or tofu) for a cruelty-free version.
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Herb Variations: Try adding fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for a different herb profile.
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Creamy Scampi: Add a splash of cream to the sauce for a richer, creamy version of the dish.
Pairings and Accompaniments
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi pairs wonderfully with:
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Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine for a complete meal.
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Garlic Bread: Savor the garlic butter sauce with a side of crispy, buttery garlic bread.
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Salad: A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the scampi perfectly.
Comparison with Similar Recipes
While many shrimp scampi recipes are out there, the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi stands out with its balance of garlic, butter, and lemon. Unlike traditional scampi recipes that may use wine, this version swaps the alcohol for chicken broth, making it more accessible for a variety of dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How did shrimp scampi get its name?
The name “scampi” comes from the Italian word for a type of crustacean (Nephrops norvegicus), which is similar to a lobster. Over time, the term “scampi” came to refer to the dish made with shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce.
What is the difference between scampi and lobster?
While both are crustaceans, scampi (also known as langoustine) is smaller and has a more delicate texture compared to lobster. Shrimp scampi uses shrimp as the main ingredient, while lobster scampi would feature lobster meat.
Why is shrimp scampi so good?
Shrimp scampi is adored for its simple yet flavorful combination of garlic, butter, and shrimp. The sauce is rich, aromatic, and perfectly complements the tender shrimp, making it a beloved dish in many cultures.
What is the scampi sauce made of?
The scampi sauce is made from butter, garlic, lemon, and sometimes wine or broth. It’s a rich, aromatic sauce that coats the shrimp, creating a delectable seafood dish.
Best Time to Enjoy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is perfect for a dinner party, a special date night, or a weeknight meal. It’s also great for holidays or whenever you’re craving seafood. Serve it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing, satisfying meal.
Presentation Tips
To make your shrimp scampi look even more inviting, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a lemon wedge on the side. If serving with pasta, plate it neatly and sprinkle with extra herbs for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Conclusion
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a flavor-packed, simple-to-make dish that is sure to impress your guests. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this beloved restaurant favorite in the comfort of your home. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a seafood lover’s dream. Try it today and experience the deliciousness of this iconic dish!
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