If there’s one dish that whisks me away to pure seafood bliss every single time, it’s this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. With plump, juicy shrimp bathed in a garlicky, buttery wine sauce and kissed with zesty lime, this restaurant favorite is a cinch to whip up at home. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner that needs a little sparkle or an at-home celebration with friends, this recipe never fails to stun. Let’s dive into why this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a must-try for any seafood lover!

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to create such unforgettable flavor. Every element has a role to play, whether it’s adding brightness, depth, or a silky, savory finish to the dish.

Shrimp: Use large fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp, peeled and deveined, for sweetness and delicate texture that’s quick to cook.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps you sear the shrimp to perfection and builds the first layer of flavor.
Garlic cloves: Finely minced for punchy aroma and deep, classic savory notes that really shine in the sauce.
Dry white wine: A crisp, dry variety adds a gentle acidity and complexity that balances out the richness of the butter.
Lime juice: Squeezed fresh, this brings a citrusy brightness that really wakes up the whole dish.
Italian seasoning: Essential for that herbaceous backbone—think robust oregano, basil, and thyme in each bite.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat to the scampi, giving it a subtle fiery kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Butter: Six tablespoons might seem like a lot, but trust me, you’ll want every last bit for that luscious, glossy sauce!
Fresh parsley: Finely chopped, this bright green garnish finishes each plate with color and freshness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that melts beautifully into the sauce at the very end.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste—these key basics fine-tune all the other flavors.

How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Shrimp

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your shrimp in a single layer and cook them for about two minutes on each side or just until they’re pink and opaque. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps get that slight golden edge. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and cover loosely to keep them warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

With those savory shrimp bits left behind in the skillet, add the finely minced garlic. Sauté for only 30 seconds to a minute, just enough for the fragrance to bloom. Add a bit more oil if the pan seems dry, but take care not to let the garlic burn!

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine and Lime

Pour in the dry white wine and lime juice, stirring and scraping the bottom to loosen up all the flavorful browned bits from the shrimp. Let the liquid simmer and reduce by about half; this is where your sauce starts to get that signature tangy depth.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Heat

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Give it a stir and let the flavors develop for a couple of minutes. The combination brings warmth, color, and a whisper of spice to your scampi sauce.

Step 5: Butter Magic

Reduce the heat to low and let the pan cool for a minute—the goal here is to stop the wine from bubbling before you add the butter. Stir in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s fully melted and the sauce looks glossy and thickened. This is what gives your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe that silken finish that’s pure luxury on a plate.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Return the shrimp (along with any collected juices) to the skillet. Scatter in the fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over everything. Toss gently just until the shrimp are heated through and the cheese is luscious and melty. Serve immediately, while the aroma is at its absolute peak!

How to Serve Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or a little extra grated Parmesan atop each plate adds color and a final punch of flavor. For a bright finish, try a few fresh lime wedges on the side—you’ll love the zesty pop it brings!

Side Dishes

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe pairs beautifully with classic garlic bread to mop up extra sauce, a tangle of linguine, or even over rice for something comforting. Don’t forget a simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette; it balances every luxurious bite!

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your shrimp scampi into little lettuce cups for a fun twist, or spooning it over roasted spaghetti squash for a lighter approach. For dinner parties, serve in individual ramekins with grilled sourdough—your guests will swoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover scampi (sauce and shrimp together) in a tightly covered container in your fridge for up to two days. The flavors will deepen overnight, but the shrimp are best enjoyed sooner rather than later for ideal texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t your best bet for this recipe—shrimp can become rubbery and the buttery sauce tends to separate after thawing. If you do have extra, freeze only the sauce (without shrimp), then add fresh shrimp when reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or extra butter if the sauce looks too thick. Stir until warmed through—just avoid boiling, so your shrimp stay tender and juicy!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking, which helps you get a nice quick sear without excess moisture in the pan.

What type of white wine works best?

Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Stay away from sweeter wines, as they’ll throw off the tangy balance that makes this dish sing.

Is there a substitute for wine if I’m cooking alcohol-free?

No worries—you can replace the wine with low-sodium chicken broth and an extra splash of lime juice for acid. You’ll still get delicious depth and brightness!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and either skip the Parmesan or swap it for a dairy-free cheese. The scampi will still be dreamy and satisfying.

What pasta goes best with this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe?

Linguine or thin spaghetti are classics. Their shape lets them soak up every last drop of that garlicky, buttery sauce for a truly restaurant-worthy experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving restaurant-style shrimp with all the comfort of home, you’re going to adore this Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday but impressive enough for a party. Put your apron on and give this one a try—trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!

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Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe