Description: Recreate the iconic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home! This recipe delivers succulent, perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a rich, garlicky, and buttery sauce, infused with white wine, lemon, and Italian herbs. It’s an elegant yet simple dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Preparation:
This recipe is all about speed and building flavors in layers. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a delicious and perfectly cooked Shrimp Scampi. Let’s break it down:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp: The most important step is to thoroughly rinse the shrimp under cold water. This removes any lingering grit or impurities. Then, pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent the shrimp from browning properly and will dilute the sauce, resulting in a less flavorful dish. Make sure they’re fully peeled and deveined! This means no shells or digestive tracts remaining. The deveining process involves making a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp and removing the dark vein. Nobody likes a gritty surprise.
Step 2: Mince the Garlic: Finely minced garlic is crucial for infusing the butter with its aromatic goodness. Use a garlic press, a microplane, or simply chop it very finely with a knife. Avoid using pre-minced garlic, as it often lacks the pungent flavor of fresh garlic. The finer the mince, the more garlic flavor will be released into the butter as it melts.
Step 3: Gather the Remaining Ingredients: Measure out all the remaining ingredients: the butter, white wine, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Having everything measured and ready to go before you start cooking is known as “mise en place” and is a hallmark of a well-organized kitchen. It makes the cooking process much smoother and prevents any frantic searching for ingredients while you’re in the middle of a step.
Step 4: Choose Your Skillet Wisely: A large skillet, preferably a 12-inch one, is essential for cooking the shrimp evenly and allowing the sauce to reduce properly. Choose a skillet with a light-colored interior if possible, as it will help you to better judge the color of the shrimp as they cook. A non-stick skillet will help with ease of cleaning.
Step 5: Prepare Your Garnishes: Chop the fresh parsley and cut the lemon into wedges. These bright, fresh garnishes add a final touch of flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish. Keep them aside until ready to serve!
Instructions:
- Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Watch the butter carefully to prevent it from burning. Burnt butter has a bitter taste that will ruin the entire dish.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. The garlic should be aromatic but not browned. Burnt garlic is also bitter. Reduce the heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Overcrowding the skillet will cause the shrimp to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and are cooked through. The shrimp should be opaque and firm to the touch.
- Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the dry white wine, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits, known as fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to reduce slightly. This will concentrate the flavors and create a richer, more cohesive sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little salt and pepper can make a big difference.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top. The Parmesan cheese will melt into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty flavor. The parsley will add a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon wedges add a bright, acidic element that balances the richness of the sauce.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a winner for so many reasons!
- It’s Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of garlic, butter, white wine, lemon, and Italian herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- It’s Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- It’s Elegant: This dish is sophisticated enough to impress guests, yet simple enough to make for yourself.
- It Brings Back Memories: For many, this recipe evokes nostalgic memories of dining at Red Lobster, bringing a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Serving Suggestions:
- Over Linguine or Spaghetti: Toss the Shrimp Scampi with cooked linguine or spaghetti for a classic and satisfying meal.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Over Rice: Spoon the Shrimp Scampi over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
- As an Appetizer: Serve smaller portions of the Shrimp Scampi as an elegant appetizer.
- With a Salad: Pair the Shrimp Scampi with a light and refreshing salad.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and unpleasant. Cook them just until they turn pink and are cooked through.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you don’t like spicy food, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Deglaze the Pan: Be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when adding the white wine. This will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Use Quality Butter: Opt for a good quality unsalted butter for the best flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate) Nutritional information can vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving sizes used.
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile enough to be served in a variety of ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. Enjoy the taste of Red Lobster in the comfort of your own home!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place the frozen shrimp in a colander under cold running water for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are thawed. Pat them dry with paper towels before cooking. Thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is also a great option. Avoid thawing them at room temperature, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Q2: I don’t drink wine. Can I substitute the white wine with something else?
A2: Absolutely! If you don’t drink wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will still add moisture and flavor to the sauce, but it won’t have the same complexity as wine. You can also add a splash of white wine vinegar for a bit of acidity. Another option is to use clam juice for a briny flavor that complements the shrimp.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this Shrimp Scampi recipe?
A3: Of course! Adding vegetables is a great way to customize this recipe and make it even healthier. Some good options include: asparagus, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Add the vegetables to the skillet after you’ve cooked the garlic and before you add the white wine. Cook them until they are tender-crisp, then proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Q4: How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A4: While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time. You can peel and devein the shrimp, mince the garlic, and measure out all the ingredients. You can even make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce in the skillet and add the shrimp to cook. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp when reheating the sauce.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Shrimp Scampi?
A5: To reheat leftover Shrimp Scampi, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon or two of water or broth to help keep the shrimp moist. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
