Enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dinner right at home with this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe. Featuring fresh, uncooked peeled shrimp sautéed in butter, white cooking wine, and garlic, then finished with bright lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is both elegant and simple to prepare.
A Personal Story Behind the Recipe
My love for Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi started on a special date night, where the rich garlic and wine-infused flavors instantly captured my heart. Inspired to recreate that unforgettable taste in my own kitchen, I experimented until I perfected a version that brings back those cherished memories with every bite. Now, I love sharing this delicious, comforting dish with family and friends—it truly elevates any meal into a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Scampi
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between gourmet flair and ease of preparation. It relies on quality ingredients like fresh shrimp and real butter, enhanced with white cooking wine and a touch of Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an impressive yet approachable dish for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Key Ingredients to Know
- Shrimp: Use fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce without adding extra salt.
- White Cooking Wine: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity that perfectly complements the shrimp.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers the signature pungent aroma essential to scampi.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the buttery sauce with a refreshing acidic balance.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth and enhances the seafood flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh for a nutty, savory finish that makes the dish shine.
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- Sauté the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove shrimp from the pan to avoid overcooking.
- Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze & Reduce: Pour in white cooking wine and lemon juice, stirring to lift the flavorful bits left from the shrimp. Let the sauce simmer until reduced by half, concentrating the flavors.
- Combine: Stir in Italian seasoning, then return the shrimp to the pan. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce, warming them through for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the shrimp tender. Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the shrimp and sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Wine Alternative: Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, tangier flavor.
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the oil before cooking shrimp for a spicy twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Use fresh basil or oregano instead of Italian seasoning to brighten the dish.
Bring the taste of Red Lobster’s iconic shrimp scampi to your home kitchen with this easy, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4