Name: Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re on the hunt for a restaurant-quality seafood dinner you can whip up in just 20 minutes, you’ll fall head over heels for Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. It features juicy shrimp, a lusciously buttery garlic-lemon sauce, and a silky finish with a touch of fresh parsley. This tried-and-true favorite tastes just like the one you crave at the restaurant, only easier, brighter, and ready anytime you want it — perfect for weeknights, dinner parties, or whenever you want to show off your home-cooking chops!

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this dish is refreshingly simple, yet every element truly shines in the final result. Each one brings balance, flavor, and a bit of magic to your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with tails on for the perfect bite and presentation.
Olive oil: A dash of quality olive oil gets everything sizzling and deepens the richness.
Unsalted butter: This gives the scampi its signature velvetiness—don’t skimp!
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory aroma and flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): These add a touch of heat, perfectly balanced by the butter and citrus.
Dry white wine or chicken broth: The acidity brightens the dish and draws out the shrimp’s sweetness.
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Fresh lemon keeps the flavors lively and cuts the richness beautifully.
Salt: Just the right amount to enhance every flavor in the pan.
Black pepper: Adds warmth and slight bite to tie everything together.
Chopped fresh parsley: A pop of green for a burst of freshness and color.
Lemon wedges for serving: Bring everything together with an extra burst of brightness at the table.

How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your shrimp in a single layer so they get lovely golden edges—let them cook for just 1 to 2 minutes per side. When the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, take them out and set aside. Remember, overcooking shrimp is the only way to ruin this party!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat to medium, then add your unsalted butter to the same fragrant pan. Once melted and bubbling, toss in the minced garlic and, if you like a little heat, sprinkle in those crushed red pepper flakes. Let the garlic sizzle and bloom—just a minute—until your kitchen smells like pure heaven.

Step 3: Create the Scampi Sauce

Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer to keep things alcohol-free), followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This will gently reduce the sauce and bring all those flavors together, ready for the main event.

Step 4: Finish with the Shrimp

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, and toss everything to coat. Give it another 1 to 2 minutes to meld and let the sauce thicken just slightly—enough to hug each piece of shrimp but not so much that it evaporates away.

Step 5: Add Freshness and Serve

Off the heat, sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a refreshing finish. Immediately plate up your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi with lemon wedges on the side, inviting everyone to squeeze as much extra brightness as they’d like.

How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

The finishing touch for any good scampi is in the garnishing. A shower of vibrant green parsley and a few lemon wedges make your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi look as spectacular as it tastes. If you’re feeling fancy, a grating of fresh lemon zest or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving will make your dish sing.

Side Dishes

This shrimp scampi begs to be paired with something that can soak up its dreamy sauce. Think al dente linguine or angel hair pasta twirled on the plate, or a warm hunk of crusty bread to mop up every garlicky drop. For a lighter approach, serve it atop steamed veggies or alongside a crisp mixed salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this restaurant classic into your own statement dish. Pile the shrimp over a bed of creamy risotto for a cozy meal, or spoon them atop roasted spaghetti squash for a low-carb twist. Set the skillet out family-style with a tangle of pasta or tuck the shrimp into toasted rolls for an irresistible shrimp scampi sandwich—there’s no wrong way to enjoy Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch pretty irresistible.

Freezing

While you can freeze shrimp scampi in a pinch, the texture of shrimp is always best fresh. If you do freeze, do so as soon as it cools, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Reheat gently after thawing for best results—just know the shrimp will be a tad firmer than when freshly cooked.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce as needed. Heat just until the shrimp are warmed through (avoid boiling, which can make shrimp rubbery). A quick blast in the microwave on low power works, too—just keep a close eye to maintain that perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp thoroughly under cold running water or overnight in the fridge, then pat them dry so they sear up nicely in the pan before making your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

What type Main Course

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect, lending acidity without overpowering the shrimp. If you’d rather skip alcohol, swap in chicken or seafood broth and enjoy all the bright flavors of your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

Is the crushed red pepper really necessary?

Crushed red pepper flakes are entirely optional! They add a gentle heat, but if you prefer mild flavors, just leave them out and your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi will still be full of flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Of course! Use your favorite plant-based butter in place of regular butter. The shrimp will still get coated in a luscious, garlicky sauce for a dairy-free version of Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.

What if I want to serve this at a party?

This is a fantastic option for entertaining. You can double or triple the recipe and keep the cooked shrimp and sauce warm in a chafing dish or slow cooker—just wait to add the parsley and lemon wedges until right before serving so your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi stays vibrant and fresh.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself and those you love to a taste of seafood indulgence, bring home the magic with this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas—give it a try, and let this classic favorite find a spot in your own recipe hall of fame!

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

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4.6 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the flavors of the sea with this delicious Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe. Succulent shrimp cooked to perfection in a savory garlic butter sauce, served with a hint of citrus. A perfect dish for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails on)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp and sear for 1–2 minutes on each side until pink and golden. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: Lower heat, add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant. Pour in wine or broth, add lemon juice, and simmer.
Combine and cook: Return shrimp to the pan, season with salt and pepper, toss to coat, and cook until shrimp are fully cooked and sauce thickens.
Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.