If you’ve ever craved the buttery, garlicky magic of the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, you’re about to be dazzled — because this recipe brings that restaurant experience home. Imagine juicy shrimp swimming in a bright, lemony wine sauce, flecked with fresh herbs and just a little kick of Old Bay. It’s weeknight-easy yet worthy of sharing with your favorite people.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Worthy… at Home: You’ll get all the decadence and flavor of Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi right in your own kitchen, no reservations required!
- Fast & Easy: From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, this is perfect for busy nights or spontaneous dinner parties.
- Classic Flavors with a Kick: That punchy Old Bay seasoning and the bright zip of lemon perfectly balance the buttery wine sauce for irresistible flavor.
- Super Versatile: Serve it over pasta, with crusty bread, or as an appetizer — there’s no wrong way to enjoy shrimp scampi!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is how it transforms simple, fresh ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. Each ingredient brings its own magic — from the lively pop of citrus to the savory richness of butter, every single one earns its place in the skillet.
- Extra large shrimp (1 pound): Bigger shrimp mean juicier bites and that show-stopping restaurant look; be sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: These basics let the shrimp and sauce ingredients shine, so season to taste!
- Old Bay Seasoning (2 teaspoons, divided): This signature blend gives the dish its trademark savory kick and seafood flair.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a smooth, light base for searing the shrimp and sautéing the garlic.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): A must for that irresistible aroma and flavor — use fresh garlic for best results.
- White wine (1 1/2 cups): Use a crisp, dry wine you’d happily drink; it becomes the vibrant backbone of your sauce.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup, freshly squeezed): Offers a fresh, tangy brightness that keeps the butter sauce from feeling heavy.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, room temperature): Melts into the sauce for velvety richness, tying all the flavors together.
- Optional: Chopped flat leaf parsley: For a burst of color and herbal freshness on top.
- Optional: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: A final flourish that adds salty depth and a touch of elegance.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi your own! The recipe is wonderfully flexible, letting you swap or add ingredients depending on your tastes or what you’ve got in the pantry.
- Pasta Lover’s Scampi: Toss the buttery shrimp and sauce with linguine or angel hair for a classic, satisfying meal.
- Spicy Scampi: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the garlic to deliver a gentle heat that sings with every bite.
- Wine-Free Version: Swap the white wine for shrimp or chicken broth for a delicate sauce that’s just as delicious, alcohol-free and family-friendly.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute a high-quality vegan butter for the classic richness without any dairy.
How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry and season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning. This helps infuse every bite with flavor and gets the base for your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi just right.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When shimmering, arrange the shrimp in a single layer, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until just pink and opaque. Remove to a plate — don’t worry, they’ll be back!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat slightly if needed, then add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for one fragrant minute, letting the garlic infuse the leftover oil and shrimp flavors.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the white wine and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about five minutes to concentrate those amazing flavors.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the butter and the remaining teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, letting the butter melt completely so the sauce becomes silky and rich. Season again with salt and pepper if you like.
Step 6: Return the Shrimp & Serve
Add the shrimp back to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the luscious sauce. If you want to go the extra mile, sprinkle with parsley and a shower of grated Parmesan before serving immediately. This final step brings your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi to absolute perfection!
Pro Tips for Making Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- Shrimp Selection Matters: Look for wild-caught shrimp if possible for the sweetest flavor, and dry them well so they sear rather than steam.
- Don’t Overcook! Shrimp cook incredibly fast — remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque to keep them juicy, not rubbery.
- Deglaze Like a Pro: Scraping the browned bits from the skillet when you add the wine is what makes the sauce taste restaurant-level amazing.
- Emulsify that Sauce: Add the butter slowly and swirl the skillet to help the sauce thicken and gloss, just like the Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi you love.
How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Garnishes
Go the extra mile by scattering chopped flat-leaf parsley and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan over your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi just before serving. Not only do they brighten the flavors, but they also turn your skillet into a showstopper!
Side Dishes
Crusty bread is almost non-negotiable for sopping up that luscious scampi sauce, but don’t stop there. Steamed asparagus, a fresh side salad, or buttery linguine all make excellent companions to your garlicky shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, pile your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi into toasted baguette cups, serve over creamy polenta, or arrange on a beautiful platter with colorful lemon wedges for a dinner party centerpiece that dazzles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the shrimp cool, then transfer them and the sauce to an airtight container. Store in the fridge and enjoy within 2–3 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, the butter sauce may separate slightly upon thawing and the shrimp texture can change. It’s best enjoyed freshly made, but freezing in a tightly sealed container can work for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Take care not to overcook the shrimp so they stay tender and juicy — microwave with extreme caution!
FAQs
-
Can I make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi without wine?
Absolutely! Simply substitute chicken or seafood broth for the wine. You’ll still get fantastic flavor, and it becomes a family-friendly option with no alcohol content.
-
What’s the best shrimp size for this recipe?
Extra large shrimp look gorgeous and taste meaty, which is traditional for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, but you can use large or even medium shrimp — just adjust the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
-
Is this dish spicy?
Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi has just a hint of warmth from Old Bay, but it’s not spicy-hot. If you want a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes to match your taste!
-
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
You sure can! Just use a larger skillet or work in batches to keep from overcrowding the shrimp. Mix all the cooked shrimp back into the sauce before serving so every piece is coated in scampi goodness.
Final Thoughts
Here’s your sign to cook up this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi and turn any evening into a sparkling occasion. I can’t wait for you to twirl each shrimp through buttery wine sauce and savor every single bite — you just might find it’s even better than dining out. Happy cooking!
Print
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a delicious seafood dish that features succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect dish for a special dinner or a weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
Shrimp:
- 1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning, divided
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed (1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Optional Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped flat leaf parsley
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Season both sides of the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in butter and remaining Old Bay Seasoning. Add the shrimp back to the skillet and combine with the sauce. Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
