Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

If you’re a fan of Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe lets you recreate the restaurant’s signature dish right at home. With its rich, buttery garlic sauce, tender shrimp, and hint of fresh lemon, this dish is a seafood lover’s dream. Whether you serve it over pasta or with crusty bread, this quick and easy recipe will satisfy your cravings.

What Makes Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi So Special?

• Perfectly Cooked Shrimp: The shrimp are sautéed just until tender, ensuring they remain juicy and flavorful.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: A rich blend of butter, olive oil, and garlic creates the ultimate savory scampi sauce.
• Bright Lemon Flavor: A splash of lemon juice enhances the taste, adding a light citrusy balance to the dish.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Save money while enjoying a restaurant-style seafood dish in your kitchen.

The History Behind Shrimp Scampi

The origins of shrimp scampi can be traced back to Italian cuisine. Traditionally, scampi referred to small lobster-like crustaceans, but in the U.S., the term evolved to describe shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. Today, it’s one of the most beloved Italian-American seafood dishes. Learn more about shrimp scampi’s history.

Why This Copycat Recipe is a Must-Try

Recreating Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi at home has never been easier. This recipe takes less than 30 minutes and requires simple, everyday ingredients. Plus, you can customize it to your taste—add extra garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or swap out chicken broth for white wine to enhance the flavor.

If you love seafood, you might also enjoy trying other garlic butter seafood dishes like these delicious seafood recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This copycat Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe is not just about recreating a restaurant favorite—it’s about making a delicious, hassle-free meal right in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a quick yet impressive dish, this recipe has something for everyone.

Top Reasons to Try This Shrimp Scampi

• Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap pasta types, or make it creamy with a splash of heavy cream.
• Cost-Effective: Enjoy restaurant-quality shrimp scampi at home for a fraction of the price.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve over linguine, with crusty bread, or as a low-carb meal over zucchini noodles.

Restaurant-Quality Shrimp Scampi at Home

One of the biggest appeals of this dish is its rich garlic butter sauce, which coats each shrimp perfectly. The combination of olive oil, garlic, butter, and lemon juice creates a balance of flavors that’s both bold and refreshing. If you love cooking with olive oil, you can check out why olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.

Want to explore more copycat restaurant recipes? Take a look at these must-try dishes for inspiration.

Ingredients Breakdown and Substitutions

To make the perfect shrimp scampi, using the right ingredients is key. Each element of this dish plays a crucial role in achieving that restaurant-quality taste. Below, we break down the ingredients and suggest alternatives to help customize the dish to your preference.

Key Ingredients for the Best Shrimp Scampi

1. Shrimp

• Use large or jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined.
• Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works if properly thawed.
• If using frozen shrimp, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water for 10 minutes.
• Learn more about different shrimp varieties and which ones work best for cooking.

2. Olive Oil & Butter

• A mix of olive oil and butter provides the best flavor and texture.
• Olive oil prevents burning, while butter adds richness to the sauce.
• Substitute with avocado oil or ghee for a different flavor profile.

3. Garlic

• Freshly minced garlic is recommended for the strongest flavor.
• Pre-minced or garlic paste can be used, but fresh is best.
• For a roasted garlic twist, try slow-roasting garlic before adding it to the sauce.

4. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)

• Adds a slight spicy kick to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Adjust to taste or omit if you prefer a mild scampi.

5. Chicken Broth or White Wine

• Chicken broth keeps the dish simple and accessible.
• For a more authentic restaurant-style flavor, use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• If avoiding alcohol, low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth is the best substitute.

6. Lemon Juice

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the seafood flavors.
• Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it lacks the fresh citrusy taste.

7. Parmesan Cheese

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a savory umami flavor.
• Pre-packaged grated Parmesan can be used but won’t blend as smoothly.
• If you love Parmesan cheese, check out its origins and uses in Italian cuisine here.

8. Fresh Parsley

• Used for garnish, parsley adds freshness and color to the final dish.
• Fresh is best, but dried parsley can work in a pinch.

9. Salt & Black Pepper

• Season to taste—a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper can elevate the dish.

10. Pasta (Optional)

• Linguine, angel hair, or spaghetti are the best pasta choices.
• Low-carb options: Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Explore different pasta types and their best uses.

Looking for more shrimp scampi ideas? Check out these creative variations for inspiration.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to cook this delicious Red Lobster shrimp scampi. Follow these simple steps to achieve a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely by placing them under cold running water for a few minutes.
• Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this helps them cook evenly.
• Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery.
• Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
• Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
• Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

• Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth (or white wine for a more authentic flavor).
• Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. This helps concentrate the flavors and enhances the sauce.
• If you’re curious about the benefits of cooking with olive oil, you can read more here.

Step 5: Return the Shrimp to the Skillet

• Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet.
• Toss gently to coat the shrimp in the garlic butter sauce and let them heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Parsley

• Remove the skillet from heat and stir in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, and squeeze in 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

• Serve immediately over cooked linguine or angel hair pasta, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for added flavor.
• Pair with garlic bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
• Want more inspiration for Italian seafood dishes? Check out classic Italian pasta recipes.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Making shrimp scampi is simple, but a few expert tips can help you achieve the best results every time. Follow these pro chef secrets to ensure your dish is flavorful, perfectly cooked, and just like the Red Lobster classic.

1. Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp

• Shrimp cook quickly—usually within 1-2 minutes per side.
• Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and tough. Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
• If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer—shrimp should be cooked to an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C).

2. Get the Right Sauce Consistency

• If the garlic butter sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce and concentrate flavors.
• For a slightly thicker sauce, stir in ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of water.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up.

3. Enhance the Garlic Flavor

• Using freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor.
• For an extra garlicky kick, roast garlic before adding it to the sauce. Roasted garlic adds a sweet and mellow depth.
• If you’re interested in how garlic enhances dishes, read about the role of garlic in cooking.

4. Use White Wine for a More Authentic Taste

• Traditional shrimp scampi recipes often use white wine for a richer, more complex flavor.
• A dry wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay works best.
• If avoiding alcohol, low-sodium chicken broth is a great alternative.

5. Balance the Flavors with Lemon Juice

• Lemon juice enhances the seafood taste and prevents the dish from feeling too heavy.
• Fresh lemon juice is best—bottled lemon juice lacks freshness.
• Adjust the amount based on your taste—start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed.

6. Adjust the Spice Level

• Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that balances the richness of the butter.
• For a spicier dish, increase the amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Prefer a mild version? Simply omit the red pepper flakes.

7. Choose the Best Pasta Pairing

• Linguine, spaghetti, and angel hair pasta are the best choices for shrimp scampi.
• If you prefer a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Want to know more about pasta varieties? Read this guide on different pasta types.

8. Add a Creamy Twist (Optional)

• If you prefer a creamy shrimp scampi, add ¼ cup of heavy cream after deglazing the pan.
• Stir in cream cheese or a splash of half-and-half for extra richness.

9. Make it Dairy-Free

• Swap butter for vegan butter or extra olive oil.
• Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Looking for more ways to customize this dish? Check out these creative shrimp scampi variations.