Craving the succulent, garlic-infused flavors of Red Lobster’s iconic Garlic Shrimp Scampi? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide and easy-to-follow recipe will show you exactly how to recreate that beloved restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Prepare to delight your taste buds with juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced with delicate white wine and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese. Forget the wait and the bill; mastering this Red Lobster Copycat Garlic Shrimp Scampi is not only simple but incredibly rewarding, bringing gourmet seafood dining directly to your table.
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This post was originally published in 2018. It has since been updated with fresh insights and improved tips to ensure your scampi is absolutely perfect.
Ah, Red Lobster! A place synonymous with delicious seafood and, of course, those irresistible Cheddar Bay Biscuits. Even today, the mere mention of those warm, cheesy, garlic-infused morsels brings a smile to my face. Seriously, try as you might, you can’t convince me they’re anything less than pure perfection! While the biscuits often steal the show, another menu item held a special place in my heart during my Red Lobster dining days: their exquisite Garlic Shrimp Scampi. It was a staple, an automatic add-on to almost every meal I ordered. The combination of plump, tender shrimp and that unbelievably flavorful, buttery garlic sauce? Simply divine.
The beauty of shrimp scampi lies in its deceptive simplicity. With just a few key ingredients and a quick cooking process, you can achieve a depth of flavor that tastes like it took hours. Our Red Lobster copycat recipe captures that magic, allowing you to enjoy the comfort and indulgence of restaurant-style scampi without ever leaving your home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly easy yet incredibly impressive dish.
Table of Contents
What Type of Shrimp to Use for Perfect Scampi
Selecting the right shrimp is paramount for achieving that tender, flavorful scampi experience. When you’re at the grocery store, you’ll likely encounter several options: raw, pre-cooked, raw and frozen, deveined, tails on, or tails off. For any shrimp dish, and especially for a copycat Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi, my unwavering recommendation is to always opt for **raw shrimp**. Pre-cooked shrimp, while convenient, simply cannot deliver the same quality. It undergoes cooking, then freezing, and then you’re reheating it, often leading to an overcooked, rubbery texture and a significant loss of flavor. Raw shrimp, on the other hand, cooks in mere minutes, ensuring a perfectly tender bite every time.
When it comes to preparation, look for shrimp that are **deveined**. That dark line running along the back of the shrimp is indeed its digestive tract, and while not harmful, it can impart a gritty texture and an unappetizing appearance. Most grocery stores offer pre-deveined shrimp, which is a fantastic time-saver. If you purchase shrimp that hasn’t been deveined, it’s an easy fix: simply use a small, sharp paring knife to make a shallow slit along the back and gently lift out the vein with the tip of the knife. For a visual guide, you can find many helpful tutorials online such as “How to Peel and Devein Shrimp.”
Finally, consider the size. I strongly suggest using **large or jumbo shrimp** for scampi. Smaller shrimp can be challenging to cook evenly and tend to overcook very quickly. Larger shrimp offer a more substantial, satisfying bite and are much easier to manage in the skillet, contributing to that impressive presentation you’d expect from a restaurant-style dish. Aim for 21-25 count or larger for the best results.
How to Properly Thaw Frozen Shrimp for Best Results
Frozen shrimp is a convenient option, especially if fresh is not readily available. The good news is that thawing it is incredibly simple and quick, ensuring your shrimp maintains its texture and flavor. The most effective method is a quick cold water thaw. To do this, place your frozen shrimp in a large bowl, then fill the bowl with cold tap water. The shrimp will thaw rapidly, usually within 10-15 minutes, depending on the size and quantity. Avoid using hot water, as this can start to cook the shrimp unevenly and negatively impact its texture. Once thawed, drain the water, pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, and it will be perfectly ready for peeling and cooking. Patting dry is crucial to prevent excess water from diluting your scampi sauce or causing the shrimp to steam instead of sear.
The Essential Components of Shrimp Scampi Sauce
At its heart, a truly exceptional shrimp scampi sauce is a symphony of simple yet powerful flavors. The magic lies in the quality of your ingredients and how they come together. The fundamental building blocks that create that rich, aromatic, and utterly addictive sauce are:
- Butter: This is the soul of the sauce, providing a luxurious, creamy base and rich mouthfeel. Using good quality unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning.
- White Wine: The wine adds a crucial layer of acidity, complexity, and depth, deglazing the pan and contributing to the sauce’s signature tang. It’s what elevates scampi beyond a simple garlic butter dish.
- Garlic: No scampi is complete without an ample amount of freshly minced garlic. It infuses the entire dish with its pungent, warm aroma and distinct flavor, making it truly irresistible.
Beyond these core three, ingredients like fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, Italian seasoning adds an aromatic herb blend, and optional red pepper flakes introduce a subtle kick. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley are often stirred in at the end or used as a garnish, adding even more layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Choosing the Right Wine for Your Shrimp Scampi
The type of wine you choose for your Red Lobster Copycat Garlic Shrimp Scampi makes a significant difference in the final flavor profile of your sauce. For scampi, the goal is a wine that adds acidity and brightens the dish without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the shrimp. Therefore, I highly recommend using a **dry, crisp white wine**. Excellent choices include:
- Pinot Grigio: This is often my top pick. It’s light-bodied, very dry, and has a refreshing acidity that perfectly complements seafood.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Another fantastic option, known for its vibrant acidity and often subtle herbal or citrus notes that can enhance the scampi’s flavors.
- Unoaked Chardonnay: If you prefer Chardonnay, ensure it’s unoaked. Oaked Chardonnay can be too heavy and introduce buttery or vanilla notes that clash with the scampi’s clean profile.
Avoid sweet wines, as they will throw off the balance of the savory, garlic-butter sauce. The rule of thumb is: if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it! Choose a wine you genuinely enjoy, and it will contribute beautifully to your scampi.
Crafting the Perfect Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at Home
Making Red Lobster’s famous Garlic Shrimp Scampi is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly quick, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The process involves two main stages: perfectly cooking the shrimp and then building the rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. Detailed measurements and full step-by-step instructions can be found in the comprehensive recipe card located at the bottom of this post, but here’s an overview of the key steps:
- Sauté the Garlic: Begin by adding fresh minced garlic to a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil. Cook it just until fragrant, usually 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic turns bitter.
- Deglaze with Wine and Add Seasonings: Pour in the white wine, fresh lemon juice, Italian Seasoning, and a pinch of optional red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until it starts to bubble gently, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for building the base of your rich scampi sauce.
- Incorporate the Butter: Reduce the heat, then add softened butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt slowly, swirling it into the wine and garlic mixture. The butter will emulsify with the other liquids, creating that luscious, glossy scampi sauce everyone loves.
- Combine with Shrimp: The final step is to gently return your perfectly cooked shrimp to the sauce, allowing them to warm through and soak up all the incredible flavors for just a minute or two.
This method ensures that both your shrimp and your sauce are cooked to perfection, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious dish that tastes just like the Red Lobster original.
Wine Substitutes: Enjoying Scampi Without Alcohol
While white wine is a traditional and highly recommended ingredient for authentic shrimp scampi, providing a complex acidity and depth of flavor, it’s absolutely possible to make a delicious version without it. If you prefer to avoid alcohol or simply don’t have wine on hand, you can substitute it with equal parts of:
- Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth: This is the most common and effective substitute. Choose a good quality, low-sodium broth to maintain control over the saltiness of your dish. Broth will still add a savory liquid base, allowing the garlic and butter flavors to shine. While the flavor profile will be slightly different (lacking the subtle tang and complexity that wine provides), it will still yield a very enjoyable scampi.
- Clam Juice: For an even more intense seafood flavor, clam juice is an excellent non-alcoholic option. It adds a briny depth that complements the shrimp beautifully, creating a rich ocean-inspired taste.
- Non-Alcoholic White Wine: There are various non-alcoholic white wines available today. Be sure to select a dry, rather than sweet, option to best replicate the traditional scampi flavor.
No matter your choice, the key is to ensure your substitute contributes a similar liquid volume to the sauce, allowing the garlic and butter to properly emulsify and coat the shrimp. Don’t let the absence of wine deter you from making this incredible dish!
Tails On or Tails Off: The Scampi Dilemma
The decision of whether to keep the tails on or remove them from your shrimp is entirely a matter of personal preference, offering both aesthetic and practical considerations. There’s no right or wrong answer, so choose what works best for you and your diners.
- Tails On: Many chefs and home cooks choose to leave the tails on for presentation purposes. The curled tail adds an elegant touch to the finished dish, making it look more appealing and restaurant-like. It also serves as a convenient handle for picking up the shrimp, which some people enjoy. Some argue that the tail shell also contributes a bit more flavor to the sauce as it cooks, though this effect is often subtle.
- Tails Off: For sheer convenience and ease of eating, removing the tails is often preferred. This allows you and your guests to enjoy each bite of shrimp without having to fuss with peeling off the tail mid-meal. It’s especially practical if you’re serving the scampi with pasta or other ingredients that might make eating with tails on a bit messy.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider how you plan to serve the dish and the preferences of those you’re cooking for. Either way, your homemade Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi will be delicious!
Understanding the Calories in Red Lobster Copycat Shrimp Scampi
When you prepare Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi at home, you have greater control over the ingredients, which can be beneficial for managing its nutritional profile. A typical serving of Red Lobster’s Garlic Shrimp Scampi is reported to have around 240 calories, 18 grams of fat, 4 net carbs, and 17 grams of protein. Our copycat recipe aims to closely match that delicious flavor while offering comparable, and often slightly improved, macronutrient figures. Shrimp itself is a lean source of protein, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice. The calories in scampi primarily come from the butter and olive oil used in the sauce. By making it yourself, you can adjust these amounts to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. This recipe is designed to deliver a rich taste with a mindful approach to nutrition, offering a satisfying and relatively light seafood meal.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi
Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for something light, comforting, or low-carb, there’s an ideal accompaniment to elevate your scampi experience:
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): A fantastic low-carb option, zucchini noodles provide a light and refreshing base that soaks up the garlic butter sauce without adding heavy starches. They’re quick to prepare and offer a healthy contrast.
- Roasted Ranch Potatoes: For a more comforting and hearty side, crispy roasted potatoes tossed with ranch seasoning offer a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the tender shrimp and rich sauce.
- Ranch Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, flavorful mashed potatoes, especially with a hint of ranch, are perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible scampi sauce. Pure comfort food!
- Cauliflower Mash: If you’re seeking a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, cauliflower mash provides a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the scampi without added carbs.
- Southern Fried Cabbage: This simple yet flavorful side offers a delicious savory and slightly sweet element that pairs surprisingly well with the garlic and butter notes of the scampi.
- Okra and Tomatoes: A vibrant, tangy, and fresh side that brings a lovely Southern flair to the meal, balancing the richness of the scampi.
- Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken: While an unconventional pairing, if you enjoy a mixed menu, the spicy and savory notes of Kung Pao chicken can create an exciting fusion meal alongside the buttery scampi.
Don’t forget a crusty loaf of bread or Red Lobster’s famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits to mop up any leftover sauce – it’s too good to waste!
Discover More Delicious Shrimp Recipes
If you’re a fan of shrimp, there’s a world of culinary delights waiting for you. Shrimp is incredibly versatile, quick-cooking, and packed with flavor, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide. Explore these other fantastic shrimp recipes that are sure to become new favorites:
- Keto Shrimp Alfredo
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
- Seafood Lasagna
- Shrimp Egg Rolls
- Seafood and Shrimp Chili
- Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Jerk Shrimp Recipe
- Shrimp and Crab Quiche
- Shrimp Parmesan (Parmigiana)
Explore More Restaurant Copycat Recipes
Love recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home? It’s a fantastic way to enjoy gourmet meals, save money, and often eat healthier by controlling ingredients. Dive into our collection of other popular copycat recipes that bring the magic of dining out right into your home kitchen:
- Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap
- Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich
- Red Lobster Copycat Shrimp Scampi
- Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Keto Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Panera Autumn Squash Soup
- Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- Big Mac Casserole
Easy Red Lobster Copycat Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Brandi Crawford
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Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Stainless Steel Frying Pan
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp Peeled and deveined, large or jumbo preferred
- 1 teaspoon Seafood Seasoning See notes for homemade option.
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc (see notes for substitutes)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- finely chopped fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Pat the peeled and deveined shrimp dry with paper towels. Season generously with the seafood seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook the shrimp for 1.5-2 minutes per side, for a total of 3-4 minutes, until they turn bright pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet (no need to clean it), add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until fragrant, but do not allow it to brown or burn.
- Pour in the white wine, fresh lemon juice, Italian Seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld, creating the aromatic base of your scampi sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened butter to the skillet, stirring until it completely melts and is incorporated into the sauce. This creates a rich, glossy finish.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Allow the dish to cook for just 1-2 minutes more, ensuring the shrimp is fully warmed through and infused with the sauce.
- Immediately remove from heat. Serve your Easy Red Lobster Copycat Garlic Shrimp Scampi hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Softening Butter: To quickly soften butter, place it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to melt it completely.
Wine vs. Broth: The dry white wine plays a key role in the depth of flavor of this dish. While you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth for an alcohol-free version, note that the taste will not be exactly the same. The wine adds a unique acidity and complexity that broth cannot fully replicate.
The Sauce is Key: The garlic butter sauce is truly the heart and soul of this Red Lobster Copycat Shrimp Scampi. For maximum flavor with every bite, ensure you dip each piece of shrimp and any accompanying sides into the rich, aromatic sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.