Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re craving a rich, flavorful, and easy-to-make seafood dish, this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is the perfect choice. With perfectly cooked shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce infused with lemon and white wine, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make and packed with vibrant flavors, making it ideal for both a weeknight dinner and a special occasion. The addition of fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese brings both color and a delightful finishing touch to the dish. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients
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1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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¼ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt
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4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
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2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 ½ cups white wine
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¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
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1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
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2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season both sides of the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp of Old Bay Seasoning.
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Cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping them with tongs until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside on a plate.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
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Pour in the white wine and lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits at the bottom of the skillet.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to concentrate.
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Stir in the butter and the remaining Old Bay Seasoning. Cook until the butter melts completely and integrates into the sauce.
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Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet, stirring to coat the shrimp in the sauce. If desired, adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
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Garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
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Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
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Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi: Increase the amount of lemon juice and add lemon zest for a more citrus-forward flavor.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp: If you love garlic, you can double the amount of minced garlic to create an even more intense garlic flavor.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with mushrooms or plant-based shrimp for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the shrimp scampi gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp to prevent them from becoming tough.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
2. How do I know when the shrimp are done cooking?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking can make them rubbery, so be sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they’re cooked.
3. What can I serve this shrimp scampi with?
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
4. Can I use a different seasoning than Old Bay?
Yes, you can substitute Old Bay with other seafood seasonings or even a simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne for a different flavor profile.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based products.
6. Can I make this recipe in advance?
It’s best to make shrimp scampi fresh, as shrimp are best when cooked just before serving. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.
7. What kind of wine should I use for this recipe?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio works best in this recipe.
8. Can I substitute the white wine with something else?
Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
9. How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp?
Cook shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side, watching closely for their color change. Once they’re pink and opaque, they’re ready.
10. Can I make this recipe with smaller shrimp?
Yes, you can use smaller shrimp, but reduce the cooking time accordingly. Be sure not to overcook them.
Conclusion
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is the perfect balance of flavor, richness, and simplicity. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. With its buttery, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp, it’s a dish that delivers on both taste and presentation. Give it a try, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi features perfectly cooked shrimp in a buttery, garlicky sauce with lemon and white wine. This flavorful dish is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound extra large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ cups white wine
¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Old Bay Seasoning.
- Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in butter and the remaining Old Bay Seasoning, cooking until the butter melts into the sauce.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
For a more citrusy flavor, increase lemon juice and add lemon zest.
Double the garlic for an even more intense garlic flavor.
For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or plant-based shrimp.
Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Seafood
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 220mg