Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Recreate the delicious Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home with this easy recipe. Enjoy succulent shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce, perfect for seafood lovers and a great addition to any dinner.

Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi brings the restaurant’s signature dish right into your kitchen with a simple and delicious recipe.

Succulent shrimp are cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, enhanced with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley.

This easy-to-make dish is perfect for seafood lovers and can be served over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. With its vibrant flavors and comforting ingredients, this homemade version of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi is a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow, making it perfect for even novice cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Delicious Garlic Butter Sauce: The rich, buttery garlic sauce is packed with flavor and makes every bite irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or a special celebration, this dish is sure to impress.
• Customizable: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
• Succulent Shrimp: Tender, perfectly cooked shrimp are the star of this dish, offering a juicy, flavorful bite in every forkful.

Ingredients Needed

• Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined, provides a tender and succulent bite.
• Butter: Adds richness and depth to the sauce, making it velvety and flavorful.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with an aromatic, savory kick.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish, balancing the richness with a touch of tanginess.
• Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the final dish.
• White Wine: Enhances the flavor of the sauce, giving it a subtle depth and complexity.
• Olive Oil: Adding a touch of healthy fat to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Brings balance and enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and sauce.

How To Make Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step One: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if using fresh. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.

Step Two: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.

Step Three: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors together. Stir in freshly chopped parsley, then serve the shrimp scampi over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh, large shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed and patted dry to avoid excess water in the sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
• Quality Butter and Olive Oil: For a rich and flavorful sauce, use high-quality butter and extra virgin olive oil. This enhances the dish’s overall taste.
• Use Dry White Wine: Dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, works best for the sauce as it adds depth without sweetness. If you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute with chicken broth and a bit of lemon juice.
• Adjust the Lemon: If you like more citrus flavor, feel free to add extra lemon juice or even a bit of lemon zest at the end for a fresh, zesty finish.
• Pasta Pairing: Serve the shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that enhances the dish, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or thyme for a different twist.
• Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick.

Storing

• Storing: To store leftover shrimp scampi, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: While freezing shrimp scampi is not ideal due to the delicate nature of the shrimp, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Store the shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container and reheat gently to prevent overcooking.
• Reheating: Reheat shrimp scampi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of butter or olive oil to restore the sauce’s consistency.

What To Serve With Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich, garlicky flavor. For a classic touch, serve it alongside buttery garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce. A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the shrimp, while steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, add color and nutrition to the meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it with pasta or rice to absorb the flavorful scampi sauce, making for a well-rounded and satisfying dinner.

Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess water from affecting the sauce.

Can I make this recipe without white wine? Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free. The broth will still provide a rich depth of flavor.

What type of shrimp is best for this recipe? Large, raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp work best for this recipe, as they cook quickly and provide a satisfying texture. Look for shrimp labeled “U/15” or “16/20” for the ideal size.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time? While it’s best to make the sauce fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Reheat it gently before adding the shrimp.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes, to make the dish gluten-free, simply ensure that the pasta or any bread served with the shrimp is gluten-free. The shrimp and sauce are naturally gluten-free.

More Copycat Recipes