Best 5 Recipes for Shrimp Scampi from Red Lobster

Have you ever wondered how Red Lobster makes their shrimp scampi so irresistibly delicious? Whether it’s the buttery garlic sauce or the tender, juicy shrimp, this iconic dish has captured hearts (and taste buds) across the globe. Lucky for you, we’ve gathered the best 5 recipes for shrimp scampi from Red Lobster that are simple, quick, and packed with flavor. With a few easy steps, you can bring restaurant-quality seafood magic into your kitchen. Ready to dive in?

Overview: Why These Recipes Stand Out

These recipes for shrimp scampi from red lobster are special because they combine simplicity with sophistication. Each recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. The difficulty level is beginner-friendly—no fancy culinary skills required! Plus, these dishes are versatile enough to serve with pasta, rice, or even as standalone entrees.

Whether you’re craving the classic lemon-garlic sauce, these recipes have something for everyone. Let’s get cooking!

Essential Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The secret to a great shrimp scampi lies in its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component matters:

• Shrimp : Use fresh or frozen shrimp (peeled and deveined). Shrimp is high in protein and low in calories, making it a healthy choice 4. For extra flavor, opt for medium-sized shrimp.
• Garlic : Minced garlic adds depth and aroma. If you love bold flavors, don’t skimp on this ingredient!
• Butter and Olive Oil : A mix of both creates a rich, velvety sauce without being too heavy. Butter enhances flavor, while olive oil prevents burning.
• Lemon Juice and Zest : Brightens up the dish and balances the richness of butter.
• Italian Seasoning and Parsley : Fresh herbs elevate the dish and add freshness.
• Pasta or Rice (optional): Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or brown rice for a complete meal.

Substitutions and Variations :

• Swap lemon juice for vegetable stock or apple cider vinegar.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Shrimp Scampi

Let’s break down one of the most popular recipes for shrimp scampi from red lobster:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients :
   • Peel and devein 1 lb of shrimp. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
   • Mince 4 cloves of garlic and zest/juice 1 lemon.
2. Sauté the Shrimp :
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce :
   • In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Pour in 1 cup of lemon juice (or substitute) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
   • Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Finish :
   • Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss in the sauce.
   • Sprinkle chopped parsley for color and freshness.

Assembly: Building Your Dish

Now comes the fun part—plating! To assemble your shrimp scampi:

• Cook your favorite pasta al dente and toss it with the shrimp and sauce.
• Garnish with extra parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• For a wow-worthy presentation, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or toasted breadcrumbs on top.

Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the garlicky sauce!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about shrimp scampi is how well it stores. Follow these tips for maximum freshness:

• Refrigeration : Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Freezing : Freeze cooked shrimp scampi (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Meal Prep : Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate. Simply reheat and toss with freshly cooked shrimp when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations: Get Creative

Feeling adventurous? Try these creative twists on easy recipes for shrimp scampi from red lobster:

1. Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe Without Wine : Replace wine with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice for a family-friendly option 9.
2. Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe with Extra Veggies : Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes alongside the shrimp for added nutrition and texture.
3. Red Lobster Shrimp Pasta Recipe with Cream Sauce : Add heavy cream to the sauce for a decadent twist.
4. Crispy Dragon Shrimp Red Lobster Style : Coat shrimp in panko breadcrumbs and bake until crispy. Drizzle with scampi sauce before serving.
5. Low-Carb Option : Skip the pasta and serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Conclusion: Time to Get Cooking!

There you have it—the best 5 recipes for shrimp scampi from red lobster . Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of our creative variations, you’re sure to impress your family and friends. So grab those ingredients, fire up the stove, and let your inner chef shine. Bon appétit!

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know ( Recipes for shrimp scampi from red lobster )

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking 4.

Q: Is shrimp scampi healthy?
A: Yes! Shrimp is lean and full of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Using olive oil instead of excessive butter keeps it light and heart-healthy.

Q: Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Toss with freshly cooked shrimp just before serving.

Q: What sides pair well with shrimp scampi?
A: Crusty bread, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad complement the dish perfectly.

Q: Can I skip the alcohol in the recipe?
A: Definitely! Substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable stock for a kid-friendly version 7.

Q: How do I make Red Lobster shrimp scampi?

A: To make Red Lobster-style shrimp scampi, start by sautéing 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil until pink. In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic, chicken broth , lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Combine the shrimp with the sauce, and serve over pasta or rice for a complete meal 2.

Q: What is shrimp scampi sauce made of?

A: Shrimp scampi sauce is super simple yet incredibly flavorful. It typically includes lemon juice, and butter as the base ingredients. For added depth, you can incorporate minced garlic, Italian herbs like parsley, oregano, and thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat 1.

Q: What’s the difference between scampi and shrimp scampi?

A: Scampi technically refers to a type of shellfish called langoustine or Dublin Bay prawn, which is more closely related to lobster than shrimp 9. However, in American cuisine, “shrimp scampi” has become the popular term for shrimp cooked in a garlic-butter sauce, borrowing the name from traditional scampi dishes.

Q: How do you thicken shrimp scampi sauce?

A: To thicken shrimp scampi sauce, reduce it on medium heat for a few extra minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate naturally. Alternatively, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer briefly until thickened 6.

With these tips and tricks, you’re all set to master the art of Recipes for shrimp scampi from red lobster. Happy cooking!