Red Lobster’s garlic shrimp scampi is one of my favorites to recreate for my family and gatherings!
This dish brings together succulent shrimp sautéed with garlic, white wine, and butter, producing rich, savory flavors that are hard to resist.
To achieve a restaurant-quality taste, I recommend using fresh lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra zing.
One key is not to overcook the shrimp; they only need a few minutes until they turn pink and creamy.
How to Make Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup White Wine or Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the shrimp to the skillet.
Step 2:
Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque.
Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4:
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with lemon juice.
Let the mixture simmer and reduce by half.
Step 5:
Add the shrimp back to the skillet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose Fresh Shrimp
Using fresh shrimp really enhances the dish’s flavor, giving it a sweet and delicate taste that’s absolutely perfect.
Don’t Skip the Wine
White wine adds a depth of flavor that complements the garlic and shrimp beautifully, so make sure you don’t forget it.
Be Thorough with the Garlic
Minced garlic allows the flavors to spread throughout the dish, making your shrimp scampi taste even more delicious and aromatic.
Adjust the Seasoning
Feel free to adjust salt and pepper to your taste, especially if you’re using a broth that might already be seasoned.
Use Parsley for More Flavor
Adding fresh parsley at the end gives the dish a pop of color and enhances the fresh flavors of the shrimp and sauce.
What to Serve with Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Classic Garlic Bread
There’s nothing that pairs better with shrimp scampi than garlic bread.
You can use a store-bought loaf or make your own for a warm, buttery complement to your meal.
The crispy crust and soft center of garlic-infused bread enhance the flavors of the shrimp and sauce beautifully.
Steamed Asparagus
Asparagus is a delightful vegetable to serve with shrimp scampi.
The tender, vibrant stalks add color and a subtle earthiness to the plate.
A touch of lemon juice drizzled over the asparagus will blend nicely with the scampi sauce.
Lemon Risotto
If you’re looking for something creamy and a little different, consider making lemon risotto.
The citrus elements in the risotto mirror those in the shrimp scampi, creating a harmonious mix of flavors.
The creamy texture will also provide a nice contrast to the shrimp.
Arugula Salad
An arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan is a refreshing and light side.
The peppery taste of arugula cuts through the richness of the scampi, adding a fresh perspective.
Dress it with a simple vinaigrette to keep the flavors bright and complementary.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
For something unexpected yet delicious, serve roasted sweet potatoes alongside your shrimp scampi.
They offer a subtle sweetness and a slightly crispy texture that will contrast the dish nicely.
A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of paprika on the potatoes can add further depth to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Ingredient Alternatives
You can swap the white wine in the recipe with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that’s just as tasty!
If you’re out of olive oil, try using butter or a mix of both for a richer flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Dietary Adjustments
For a gluten-free version, serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles or rice instead of traditional pasta.
If you’re vegan, consider using plant-based butter and substitute shrimp with chopped cauliflower for a unique twist.
Extra Flavor Boosts
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a spicy kick that livens up the dish!
Try tossing in some freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish that brightens the plate.
How to Store Leftover Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi
When storing leftover shrimp scampi, freshness is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact!
Allow the dish to cool completely before moving it to the fridge to avoid any mushy textures later on.
Use Airtight Containers
Transfer your leftover shrimp scampi into an airtight container to lock in flavor and keep out any unwanted moisture.
A good seal helps ensure the shrimp stays tasty for up to three to four days.
Proper storage also minimizes any fridge odors that might affect the dish.
Refrigerate Promptly
Always place the shrimp in the fridge within two hours after cooking to avoid the growth of bacteria.
This step is important for both taste and health reasons, keeping everything nice and fresh.
Don’t leave it sitting out any longer than necessary.
Separate Components
Consider storing the shrimp and sauce separately to keep the shrimp from becoming too soggy.
This method means you can combine them again just before serving.
This little trick can make all the difference for a tasty leftover meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
Cooking shrimp too long can make it rubbery and tough!
You’ll want to cook each side for only 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp is just opaque.
Always remove the shrimp as soon as they turn pink to keep that tender texture.
Skipping the Fresh Garlic
Using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic can result in a less flavorful scampi.
Minced fresh garlic adds a vibrant kick and aroma that powdered garlic just can’t match.
If you love garlic as much as I do, you might even want to add an extra clove!
Using Too Much Salt
Adding too much salt can overwhelm the flavors of the dish and make it overly salty.
Since you may be using salted butter, remember to adjust the additional salt accordingly.
Taste the sauce before adding more salt to get it just right.
Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/2 cup White Wine or Chicken Broth
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet.
- Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they are pink and opaque.
- Remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine or chicken broth along with lemon juice.
- Let the mixture simmer and reduce by half.
- Add the shrimp back to the skillet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
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