Description
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: Succulent shrimp cooked in garlic butter, white wine, and lemon sauce. A quick and crowd-pleasing seafood favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled and deveined with tails on
- 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- ¼ cup (60ml) dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 medium lemon)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Start with properly thawed shrimp if using frozen. Rinse them under cold water, then pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season shrimp evenly with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. This initial seasoning creates the first layer of flavor for your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi.
- Step 2: Create the Base Sauce In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for 30-45 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown. You’re creating the aromatic foundation that gives this dish its distinctive character.
- Step 3: Cook the Shrimp Increase the heat to medium-high and add the prepared shrimp to the pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary). Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes until they begin to turn pink and slightly golden on the bottom. Flip each shrimp and cook for an additional 1 minute. The shrimp should be just turning opaque but still slightly tender in the center.
- Step 4: Deglaze and Finish the Sauce Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, allowing the liquid to sizzle and reduce for about 2-3 minutes while scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing process concentrates the flavors and creates that signature Red Lobster scampi sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in small pieces, swirling the pan gently until the butter melts and creates a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- Step 5: Final Touches Remove the pan from heat completely and sprinkle in the fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if using. Gently toss the shrimp in the sauce to coat evenly. The residual heat will warm everything through without overcooking the delicate shrimp. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Your homemade Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is now ready to be served immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 375 calories per serving
- Sugar: 1 gram of sugar
- Sodium: 870 milligrams of sodium
- Fat: 27 grams of total fat
- Saturated Fat: 16 grams of saturated fat
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 grams of unsaturated fat
- Trans Fat: 0 grams of trans fat
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams of total carbs
- Fiber: 0.5 grams of fiber
- Protein: 30 grams of protein
- Cholesterol: 280 milligrams of cholesterol