Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe You Can Try

If you’ve ever visited Red Lobster and enjoyed their signature shrimp scampi, you know just how delicious and comforting this dish can be. The rich, buttery sauce, infused with garlic and tangy lemon, combined with tender shrimp – it’s a seafood lover’s dream. But did you know you can recreate this mouthwatering dish right at home?

In this article, you’ll discover how to make a homemade Red Lobster-style shrimp scampi that’s just as good (if not better) than the restaurant version. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy the same savory, satisfying dish without leaving the comfort of your own kitchen.

Let’s dive into this shrimp scampi recipe, breaking it down step by step, so you can make this flavorful dish in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

You might wonder why you should even attempt to make shrimp scampi at home when you can easily order it from Red Lobster. The truth is, homemade versions allow you to customize the flavors to your liking and create the perfect dish for any occasion. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

1. Rich and Flavorful Sauce

The heart of any shrimp scampi recipe is the sauce, and this one does not disappoint. The combination of butter, garlic, white wine (or broth), and fresh lemon creates a smooth, tangy sauce that perfectly coats the shrimp. With a subtle kick from red pepper flakes and the aromatic flavor of parsley, this sauce is what makes the dish irresistible.

2. Tender Shrimp Every Time

When cooked correctly, shrimp are delicate and tender, not rubbery or overcooked. The shrimp in this recipe cook quickly and evenly in the butter-garlic sauce, ensuring they retain their natural sweetness and flavor.

3. Quick and Easy

Making shrimp scampi at home doesn’t require hours of prep or complex cooking techniques. In just 20 minutes or less, you can have a dish that rivals anything you’d get at a seafood restaurant.

4. A Meal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, hosting a dinner party, or looking to impress your guests, shrimp scampi is versatile enough to suit any occasion. It’s light, yet filling, and pairs well with everything from pasta to crusty bread.

Now that you know why you’ll love this recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make it at home.

Ingredients for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

The ingredients in this recipe are simple yet packed with flavor. You probably already have a few of them in your pantry, and the rest are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to create your shrimp scampi masterpiece:

Shrimp

Choose large shrimp for this recipe, as they hold up well in the cooking process and have a tender, juicy texture. Be sure to peel and devein the shrimp if they’re not prepped already. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe—just be sure to thaw the shrimp if they’re frozen.

Garlic and Butter

Garlic is a key ingredient in any shrimp scampi recipe, giving it that signature flavor. Pair it with unsalted butter for the rich, creamy base that forms the sauce. If you love garlic, feel free to add a bit more to enhance the taste.

White Wine and Lemon Juice

White wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce, but if you prefer to skip the alcohol, you can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth. Lemon juice brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the butter.

Fresh Parsley and Red Pepper Flakes

Fresh parsley gives the dish a burst of color and freshness, while red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. These ingredients elevate the flavor and give the dish a restaurant-quality finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make your homemade Red Lobster shrimp scampi.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Before you begin cooking, make sure your shrimp are prepped and ready to go. Peel and devein the shrimp if needed, and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the shrimp cook evenly and prevents the dish from becoming too watery.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Be sure to stir the garlic so it doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the white wine (or broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any bits of shrimp that have stuck to the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return the shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat the shrimp through and let the flavors combine. If the sauce seems too thin, you can add a little more butter or a splash of pasta water to thicken it.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the shrimp scampi with freshly chopped parsley, and if you like, a little grated Parmesan cheese. For an added touch of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Serve the shrimp scampi with pasta, crusty bread, or your favorite side dish.

Serving Suggestions for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to take your meal to the next level:

Pasta

Serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of pasta, such as linguine, spaghetti, or angel hair. The sauce will coat the pasta, making it even more flavorful. You can also add some pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.

Garlic Bread

For a classic combination, serve the shrimp scampi with garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread complements the sauce perfectly, and it’s great for dipping!

Salad

Pair the dish with a fresh salad to balance the richness of the shrimp scampi. A light Caesar salad or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette works well.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers make a great side dish. They add color to the plate and a healthy, crunchy contrast to the tender shrimp.

Nutritional Information for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

If you’re curious about the nutritional profile of shrimp scampi, here’s a general breakdown of the key nutrients. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on portion size and any modifications you make to the recipe.

Is Shrimp Scampi Healthy?

Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, and the butter and olive oil provide healthy fats. However, the dish can be high in calories due to the butter. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can reduce the butter or use a healthier substitute, like avocado oil.

FAQs About Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about making shrimp scampi at home.

What type of shrimp is best for shrimp scampi?

For the best texture and flavor, use large shrimp. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking.

Can I make shrimp scampi without wine?

Yes! If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a splash of lemon juice for added acidity.

Can I freeze shrimp scampi?

While it’s possible to freeze shrimp scampi, the texture of the shrimp may change when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, store the shrimp separately from the sauce, and reheat it gently on the stovetop.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Here are 5 easy ways to thicken your Shrimp Scampi sauce for a richer, creamier texture (without sacrificing flavor!):

1. Simmer & Reduce

Let the sauce (butter, wine, and lemon juice) simmer uncovered for 3–5 extra minutes to evaporate excess liquid. This concentrates flavors and thickens naturally.

2. Add a Cornstarch Slurry

Mix 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce. Cook for 1–2 minutes until glossy. Perfect for gluten-free diets!

3. Use a Roux

Before adding liquids, cook 1 tbsp flour + 1 tbsp butter for 1 minute to make a roux. Whisk in the wine/lemon juice slowly.

4. Finish with Cold Butter

Off the heat, stir in 1–2 tbsp cold butter until melted. This “mounts” the sauce, adding thickness and a velvety sheen.

5. Add Parmesan or Heavy Cream

Stir in 2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan or a splash of heavy cream/half-and-half for extra richness and body.