Nothing beats the aroma of garlic mingling with the rich scent of grilled shrimp.
Red Lobster’s Garlic Shrimp combines these wonderful elements into a dish that can easily be recreated at home.
You can enjoy a burst of flavors with juicy shrimp, expertly seasoned with garlic and a touch of herbs that bring the ocean right to your kitchen.
To really make this dish shine, always give your shrimp a quick rinse before marinating to ensure they absorb the flavors well.
How to Make Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
- 1 Lemon (juiced)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
This only takes about a minute, so keep an eye on it.
Step 2:
Add the shrimp to the butter and garlic mixture.
Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
Remove them from the pan but leave the buttery mixture behind.
Step 3:
Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the buttery garlic sauce.
Stir everything together, letting the flavors blend for about 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Return the shrimp to the pan.
Toss them well to coat in the sauce and heat them through for another 2 minutes.
Ensure they are well-covered in the delicious mix.
Step 5:
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp before serving.
This adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choose the Right Shrimp
Use fresh or frozen shrimp that are peeled and deveined to save yourself some time.
Quality shrimp will ensure a better taste and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to leave them in the pan too long.
They should be firm to the touch and pink.
Variations on the Recipe
If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
This can give the shrimp a bit of a kick.
Herb Adjustments
Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or cilantro.
They can bring a different flavor profile to the dish.
Sauce Consistency
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two.
This allows it to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
What to Serve with Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp
Classic Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with serving garlic bread alongside your garlic shrimp.
The crusty, buttery bread makes for a perfect vehicle to soak up any delightful garlic sauce left behind on your plate!
The key is to bake it until it’s golden and crispy; you’re going to love it!
Arugula Salad
A fresh and peppery arugula salad can be a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp.
Add a few cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a light lemon vinaigrette to keep it simple.
This salad is always a hit with its fresh flavors and crisp texture!
Lemon Asparagus
Lemon asparagus is a great side dish that pairs well with nearly any seafood dish.
Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil, roast it until tender, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
It brings a touch of zesty brightness to the meal, which I truly appreciate.
Ginger Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice infused with a hint of ginger is a bit out of the ordinary but pairs perfectly with garlic shrimp.
The ginger adds a subtle warmth, blending beautifully with shrimp.
Serve it plain or top it with a sprinkle of chopped scallions for extra flair!
Roasted Cauliflower with Paprika
Roasted cauliflower with a dash of paprika can be a surprising and delightful addition.
It offers a slightly earthy taste that complements the garlicky goodness of the shrimp dish.
Roast it until it’s beautifully caramelized for that extra flavor boost.
Variations and Substitutions
Spice It Up
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to your shrimp scampi.
Just a teaspoon will give it that fiery kick without overwhelming the dish.
This spicy twist can transform the garlic shrimp into a bold, warm delight!
Cheese Lovers
For those who adore cheese, extra Parmesan cheese can be mixed into the sauce.
This creates a creamy and rich flavor that complements the garlic brilliantly.
More Parmesan can make the dish wonderfully cheesy and nourishing.
Vegetarian Delight
You can substitute the shrimp with chopped cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
This maintains the dish’s texture while offering a fresh, new twist.
Plant-based butter also works well as a substitute to keep it vegan-friendly.
Garlic Perfection
You have the option to experiment with different types of garlic.
Roasted garlic can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to raw garlic.
These variations can add depth and showcase different garlic notes!
How to Store Leftover Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp
First, let me talk about the containers you should use to store leftover shrimp in your fridge.
Airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags are best to keep that delicious flavor locked in!
You want to refrigerate them and aim to use these leftovers within three days to enjoy the best taste.
Be sure to check the shrimp for any off smells like ammonia, and if you notice anything unusual, it’s safest to discard them.
Maintaining Freshness
Keeping your shrimp fresh is key, and a little bit of lemon juice works wonders to preserve their taste.
Cut a lemon and squeeze a few drops over the shrimp before storing, which can enhance and maintain the flavors.
This simple trick adds a subtle citrus note to your shrimp that pairs wonderfully with their garlicky goodness.
Freezing Shrimp
While shrimp isn’t the perfect food to freeze, you can still do it if necessary.
To freeze them properly, first place the shrimp in a single layer on a tray, then pop the tray in the freezer for a couple of hours.
Afterward, transfer them to a freezer bag. Just remember, the texture might change a bit when defrosted.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Shrimp
You won’t want to overcook the shrimp, as they can turn rubbery.
The sweet spot for cooking shrimp is just until they are pink and opaque!
Watch them closely and remove them promptly from the skillet.
Forgetting to Preheat the Skillet
Don’t skip preheating the skillet before adding the shrimp.
A hot skillet ensures a quick sear without overcooking.
This step enhances the flavors and gives you a beautifully cooked dish.
Skimping on Garlic
Garlic is one of the stars in this dish, so be generous with it!
Undershooting the garlic can result in a bland result.
Make sure to use fresh garlic — it makes all the difference.

Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Recipe
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped
- 1 Lemon juiced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- This only takes about a minute, so keep an eye on it.
- Add the shrimp to the butter and garlic mixture.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque.
- Remove them from the pan but leave the buttery mixture behind.
- Add the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the buttery garlic sauce.
- Stir everything together, letting the flavors blend for about 2 minutes.
- Return the shrimp to the pan.
- Toss them well to coat in the sauce and heat them through for another 2 minutes.
- Ensure they are well-covered in the delicious mix.
- Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the shrimp before serving.
- This adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
- Bob Evans Biscuits and Gravy Recipe - February 11, 2025
- Denny’s Super Bird Recipe - February 11, 2025
- Denny’s Bourbon Chicken Skillet Recipe - February 11, 2025