Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi 🍤🍋

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a quick, flavorful dish that captures the essence of classic Italian-American shrimp scampi. With tender shrimp bathed in a buttery, garlicky lemon sauce, it’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in just 15 minutes. Perfectly balanced with optional heat from red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for brightness, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying recipe step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
2. Restaurant-Quality Flavor : The buttery garlic-lemon sauce is rich, tangy, and aromatic.
3. Versatile : Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
4. Customizable : Add extra spice, veggies, or cheese to suit your taste.
5. Healthy Option : Packed with lean protein and bright flavors, it’s light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 1 lb large shrimp , peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 cloves garlic , minced
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option )
• ½ lemon , juiced (about 2–3 tablespoons )
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat )
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley , chopped
• Freshly grated Parmesan , optional (for garnish )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute , until fragrant but not browned.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add the shrimp to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Sauté the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side , flipping halfway through, until they turn pink and are cooked through.
   • Tip : Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

1. Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Allow the liquid to simmer for 2–3 minutes , reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Stir in the lemon juice and return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and toss again to combine.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
2. Serve hot, ideally with a side of pasta, crusty bread, or over rice.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley elevate the dish significantly compared to dried or bottled alternatives.
2. Don’t Overcook the Shrimp : Shrimp cook quickly, so remove them from the skillet as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
3. Add Veggies : Sauté spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini along with the garlic for added nutrition and color.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
5. Double the Sauce : If you love extra sauce for dipping bread or tossing with pasta, double the butter, wine, and lemon juice.

Perfect Pairings

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta : Serve over linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair pasta for a classic pairing.
• Crusty Bread : A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.
• Rice : Serve over steamed white rice or creamy risotto for a comforting twist.
• Roasted Vegetables : Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for added nutrition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~320 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~5g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a simple yet impressive dish that delivers bold flavors in every bite. The combination of succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and bright lemon makes it a standout meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your shrimp, zest that lemon, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.