Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

I love seafood and often visit Red Lobster. Their Shrimp Scampi is a favorite. It’s made with shrimp, garlic butter, and white wine. Now, you can make it at home with this recipe.

Key Takeaways

• The recipe features uncooked peeled shrimp as the star ingredient.
• It calls for a blend of 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 ¼ cups of white cooking wine, and 4 teaspoons of minced garlic.
• The dish takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick and elegant weeknight meal.
• Parmesan cheese is recommended as a flavorful topping to complement the shrimp scampi.
• The recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences, with variations like using chicken or vegetable broth in place of white wine.

The History Behind Red Lobster’s Famous Shrimp Scampi

The story of Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi starts with Italian immigrants in America. They brought their cooking traditions with them. This led to the creation of shrimp scampi, now a favorite on Red Lobster’s menu.

Origins of the Classic Recipe

Shrimp scampi changed over time as chefs tried new things. They added lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and pasta. Some versions even included tomatoes or cream.

In Italy, shrimp scampi is served with polenta or risotto. It’s seasoned with parsley or basil for extra flavor.

Why This Dish Became a Restaurant Favorite

Shrimp scampi’s simple yet rich taste has made it a hit at Red Lobster. It’s made with fresh shrimp, real butter, white wine, and Italian seasoning. This mix is both tasty and easy to make.

Today, chefs are adding new twists to shrimp scampi. They use sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and different wines. Even health fans have made it lighter, using olive oil and zucchini noodles.

Red Lobster has faced tough times, including bankruptcy. But shrimp scampi remains a favorite. It shows the dish’s lasting appeal and Red Lobster’s culinary legacy.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

To make the famous shrimp scampi dish, you need the right seafood recipe components. At the center is fresh, top-quality shrimp – the main attraction. These shrimp are uncooked, peeled, and deveined, ready for the dish’s flavors.

The key ingredients for shrimp scampi include unsalted butter for a creamy texture and white cooking wine for a hint of acidity. Minced garlic adds a unique aroma and taste. Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, while Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese add the final touches.

Each shrimp scampi ingredient is vital for the dish’s restaurant-quality taste. From the juicy shrimp to the buttery sauce, every part works together for a memorable seafood dish.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To make perfect shrimp scampi at home, you’ll need some key kitchen tools and cookware. A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan is essential. It helps with even heat and searing the shrimp well.

Essential Cookware

• Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably with a non-stick surface)
• Wooden spoon for deglazing the pan and stirring the sauce
• Tongs for easily handling and turning the shrimp
• Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs
• Citrus juicer for extracting fresh lemon juice

These kitchen tools for seafood make preparing and cooking shrimp scampi easy. They help get the best texture and flavor.

Additional Helpful Tools

1. Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients
2. Cutting board for prepping the garlic, parsley, and lemon
3. Mixing bowl for combining the sauce ingredients
4. Ladle or small bowl for reserving pasta cooking water, if serving over pasta

With the right shrimp scampi cookware and tools, you can make a dish like a restaurant’s in your kitchen.

Preparing and Selecting the Right Shrimp

For the perfect shrimp scampi, the shrimp’s quality and prep matter a lot. Choose extra-large or jumbo shrimp for a great taste and look. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them fully and dry them before cooking. This ensures a nice sear and caramelized texture.

Peeled and deveined shrimp are best for this dish, saving prep time. But, leaving the tails on can make it look nicer. Make sure the shrimp are clean and dry before cooking to enhance flavor and texture.

Also, consider the size and count of the shrimp. U10 shrimp are great for grilling. For sautés and pasta, 16/20 and 21/25 sizes are best. Smaller 31/35 shrimp are good for salads and appetizers. Always choose fresh, clear shrimp with a clean smell. For frozen shrimp, avoid any with ice crystals or freezer burn.

To make your shrimp scampi perfect, clean and devein the shrimp well. Use deveining tools, kitchen shears, gloves, and sanitizer. This removes waste that can ruin the dish’s texture and taste.

Creating the Signature Garlic Wine Sauce

Making the perfect garlic wine sauce is crucial for a great shrimp scampi dish. This sauce is the heart of the classic Red Lobster recipe. It’s easy to make at home with the right wine and balanced flavors.

Wine Selection Tips

Choose a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are crisp and acidic. They add depth and complexity without overpowering the shrimp.

Perfecting the Sauce Consistency

To make the garlic wine sauce, mix white wine, lemon juice, minced garlic, and melted butter in a saucepan. Simmer until the flavors blend and the sauce thickens. If it’s too thick, add a bit more wine. Season with Old Bay for that Red Lobster taste.

Mastering the garlic wine sauce will help you make a shrimp scampi dish as good as Red Lobster. The secret is balancing the wine, garlic, and butter. This creates a rich sauce that goes well with the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making how to make shrimp scampi or cooking shrimp scampi at home is easy and tasty. Follow these simple steps to make the classic Red Lobster-style shrimp scampi in your kitchen:

1. Begin by sautéing the shrimp in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Then, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in ¼ cup of dry white wine, such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, and ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice. Let it simmer and reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and the cooked shrimp. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp evenly in the garlic-wine sauce.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp scampi. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Serve the shrimp scampi hot, over a bed of angel hair pasta or spaghetti, for a complete meal. Enjoy the perfect balance of flavors from the garlic, wine, lemon, and Parmesan cheese in this classic seafood dish.

This shrimp scampi recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook. It serves 4 people and is great for any occasion.

Shrimp Scampi Serving Suggestions

There are many ways to enjoy Red Lobster shrimp scampi. The best pairing is a starch to soak up the garlic-wine sauce. Try it over tender pasta like angel hair, spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. These noodles are light and perfect for the sauce.

For a low-carb option, serve it atop a bed of fragrant white rice or with crusty garlic bread. Enjoy dipping the bread in the sauce. A warm baguette or dinner rolls are great for mopping up the sauce too.

Complementary Side Dishes

Pair shrimp scampi with light side dishes. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes are great. They balance the rich flavors of the shrimp scampi.

Plating Presentation Tips

For a fancy look, arrange shrimp in a circle on the plate. Drizzle sauce over and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and looks good too.

Whether over pasta, rice, or bread, let the garlic, wine, and butter flavors shine. Add light sides to enhance the dish. With some care in plating, your shrimp scampi will look and taste amazing.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoying Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi is a treat. But knowing how to store and reheat leftovers is key. This ensures your seafood stays fresh and tasty.

Storing Shrimp Scampi

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps your shrimp scampi good for 3-4 days. Don’t let it sit at room temperature too long, as bacteria can grow.

Reheating Shrimp Scampi

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This method keeps the shrimp tender. If the sauce thickens, add a bit of white wine or chicken broth.

Avoid microwaving seafood to prevent tough shrimp. Slow heating on the stovetop is best.

“The key to perfectly reheated shrimp scampi is low and slow heating to preserve the delicate texture.”

Follow these tips for great storage and reheating. Enjoy Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi again and again. With a little care, every bite is a delight.

Recipe Variations and Customization Options

Exploring shrimp scampi variations and customizing seafood recipes can make your cooking more exciting. You can change the spice level or make it fit your diet. This classic dish offers endless possibilities.

Spice Level Adjustments

Want a spicier dish? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic-wine sauce. This adds a nice warmth that goes well with the shrimp. For a milder taste, just cut down or leave out the spicy parts.

Dietary Modifications

For a shrimp scampi without alcohol, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of white wine. This keeps the flavor but avoids alcohol. You can also try different herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh taste.

For those who can’t have dairy, use olive oil instead of butter. This makes the dish good for those with lactose intolerance and adds a Mediterranean touch. You can also use zucchini noodles instead of pasta to cut down on carbs.

Try out different shrimp scampi variations and customizing seafood recipes to make the dish your own. By trying new ingredients and methods, you can make a shrimp scampi that meets your taste and dietary needs.

Conclusion

This homemade shrimp scampi recipe lets you enjoy Red Lobster’s famous dish at home. It’s quick to make, with just 20 minutes needed. This Red Lobster copycat recipe shows that you can make gourmet seafood at home.

It’s perfect for any occasion, from special dinners to weeknight meals. This shrimp scampi will make you feel like you’re at Red Lobster. It’s a seafood treat that will satisfy your cravings.

Follow the simple steps and use the right kitchen tools to make it just like the restaurant. The dish is loved by all, thanks to its tasty shrimp, garlic-wine sauce, and many ways to serve it. Enjoy the rich, buttery flavors of this shrimp scampi, right in your own kitchen.

Make your cooking better with this amazing homemade shrimp scampi recipe. It’s a Red Lobster classic you can now make at home. Impress your guests, treat your family, or just enjoy a great seafood meal anytime with this Red Lobster copycat recipe.

FAQ

What is the key to making authentic Red Lobster-style shrimp scampi at home?

To make it like Red Lobster, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This includes uncooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp, real butter, and white cooking wine. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning for the best flavor.

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?

Choose extra-large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best taste. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them and pat dry before cooking. This helps get a perfect sear.

What kind of white wine should I use for the sauce?

Use Pinot Grigio or another dry white wine for the sauce. It adds depth and acidity, balancing the butter’s richness.

How can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer. For a thinner sauce, add more wine. This lets you customize the texture and flavor to your liking.

What are some good side dishes to serve with shrimp scampi?

Serve shrimp scampi with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a light salad also pair well.

How long will leftover shrimp scampi last, and how should I reheat it?

Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of white wine or broth to refresh the sauce. Don’t microwave it, as it can make the shrimp rubbery.

Can I customize this recipe to fit my dietary needs?

Yes, you can adjust it for different diets. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter. Serve it over zucchini noodles to reduce carbs.