Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi – A Restaurant Classic at Home
Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is a beloved restaurant classic known for its succulent shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce. Now, you can recreate this delectable dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. With a few simple ingredients and a dash of culinary finesse, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and savor the taste of the sea!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups cooked linguine or your choice of pasta
Instructions:
- Prep the Shrimp:
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Sauté the Shrimp:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Create the Scampi Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the alcohol to cook off.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and fresh parsley to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat and add the unsalted butter. Stir continuously until the butter has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the scampi sauce. Gently toss the shrimp to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Serve Over Pasta:
- Serve the shrimp scampi over cooked linguine or your preferred pasta.
Cook’s Notes:
- Wine Choice: While white wine is optional, it adds a layer of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, you can omit it or substitute with chicken broth.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you like it spicier, add more; for a milder version, use less or omit them altogether.
- Pasta Variety: Feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape to serve with the shrimp scampi. Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well.
- Toppings: For an extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is a seafood lover’s dream, with succulent shrimp and a zesty, buttery sauce that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this homemade version brings the magic of the restaurant to your table. Enjoy! 🍤🍝🍷
