Red Lobster Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Red Lobster’s garlic butter shrimp is a restaurant favorite that now be one your at-home faves!

The key is using good quality shrimp and not overcooking them to keep them juicy and succulent.

A splash of white wine adds depth to the sauce, but you can substitute chicken broth if you prefer.

Serve the shrimp over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that irresistible garlic butter sauce.

How to Make Red Lobster Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Large Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1/4 cup Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup White Wine
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Black Pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 3:

Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.

Step 4:

Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5:

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Step 6:

Cook garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add white wine, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

Step 7:

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 8:

Return shrimp to the skillet, toss in the garlic butter sauce, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp

Keep a close eye on the shrimp as they cook quickly.

Use Fresh Garlic

Fresh minced garlic will give you the best flavor in this dish.

Wine Substitution

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken broth or seafood stock.

Customize the Heat

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.

Serving Suggestion

Serve this dish over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

What to Serve with Red Lobster Garlic Butter Shrimp

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans pair wonderfully with garlic butter shrimp.

These fresh, crisp veggies provide a light contrast to the rich, buttery shrimp.

You can drizzle some of the excess garlic butter sauce over the vegetables for added flavor.

Lemon Rice Pilaf

A zesty lemon rice pilaf complements the garlicky shrimp perfectly.

The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the butter sauce.

You can easily prepare this side dish while the shrimp is cooking.

Crusty Bread

A loaf of crusty French bread or garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the delicious butter sauce.

You won’t want to waste a drop of that flavorful garlic butter!

Toasting the bread gives it a nice crunch that contrasts with the tender shrimp.

Grilled Pineapple

For an unexpected twist, try serving grilled pineapple alongside your garlic butter shrimp.

The sweet and tangy fruit provides a refreshing counterpoint to the savory shrimp.

You can grill pineapple rings or chunks on the stovetop or outdoor grill for a few minutes per side.

Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

Crispy roasted sweet potato wedges offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs surprisingly well with the garlic butter sauce.

You can season the wedges with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika before roasting them in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this Red Lobster-inspired dish? You’ve got plenty of options!

Try swapping the shrimp for scallops or chunks of white fish for a different seafood experience.

Not a fan of white wine? Use chicken broth or vegetable stock instead for a equally delicious sauce.

Herb Alternatives

I love experimenting with different herbs in this recipe. Thyme, basil, or even a bit of tarragon can add exciting new flavors!

Spice it up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat.

For a richer sauce, try mixing in a tablespoon of heavy cream at the end of cooking.

Dietary Adjustments

Going low-carb? Serve your shrimp over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

For a dairy-free version, use olive oil in place of butter and add a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

How to Store Leftover Red Lobster Garlic Butter Shrimp

Refrigeration

Let your garlic butter shrimp cool completely before storing.

Place the shrimp in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days for best quality and flavor.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze your leftover garlic butter shrimp.

Arrange the cooled shrimp on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.

Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.

Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Storing the Sauce

If you have extra garlic butter sauce, store it separately from the shrimp.

Pour the sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

You can also freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Shrimp

You’ll want to keep a close eye on those shrimp as they cook!

Overcooking can quickly turn them rubbery and tough, which is a real disappointment.

I’ve found that 2-3 minutes per side is usually perfect for achieving that juicy, tender texture we’re after.

Skimping on Garlic

Don’t be shy with the garlic – it’s a key player in this dish!

I always use at least 4-5 cloves for that rich, aromatic flavor that makes Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi so irresistible.

Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s in the pan.

Neglecting the Wine

The white wine adds a lovely depth to the sauce, so don’t skip it!

If you’re not a fan of alcohol, you can substitute with chicken broth, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

I promise, the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a delicious complexity that really makes the dish shine.