Introduction
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a beloved dish known for its irresistible combination of succulent shrimp, garlic, butter, and a touch of lemon. The dish is often served with a side of pasta or freshly baked bread, allowing you to soak up the flavorful sauce. It has become a signature entrée at Red Lobster and is a favorite of seafood lovers everywhere. With its rich, buttery texture and zesty, garlicky flavor, this shrimp scampi is the epitome of comfort food, making it an ideal choice for any special occasion or casual dinner at home.
The History of Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
The history of shrimp scampi dates back to Italy, where “scampi” refers to a type of sweet, tender shrimp that’s also known as langoustine. In Italian cuisine, scampi is often cooked with garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs, creating a simple yet flavorful dish. Over time, this Italian classic made its way to America, where it was adapted with local ingredients and made more widely available. Red Lobster popularized this dish by offering it as part of their extensive seafood menu, where it quickly became a fan favorite. While many restaurants serve shrimp scampi, the version at Red Lobster remains iconic, offering a rich, buttery sauce paired with perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a dish that highlights the best of fresh seafood with a timeless, satisfying combination of flavors.
Ingredients Breakdown
The ingredients for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi are simple but packed with flavor. The star of the dish is, of course, the shrimp—large, plump, and deveined for an easy, delicious bite. A generous amount of butter is essential for creating that rich, smooth sauce that defines the dish. Garlic adds an aromatic depth, while fresh lemon juice provides a zesty contrast to the richness of the butter. White wine adds complexity, though it’s optional depending on personal preference. Fresh parsley is sprinkled on top for a touch of color and freshness, and seasoning like salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes elevate the overall flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can be added to finish the dish, providing a touch of umami and creaminess. This dish is often served with linguine or alongside bread for dipping.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp, leaving the tails on for a nice presentation. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the white wine (if using), scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Lemon and Seasoning: Stir in the lemon juice and season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Let them cook together for another 1-2 minutes so the shrimp soak up the flavors of the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the shrimp scampi over linguine or alongside a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Tips for the Perfect Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Be sure to peel and devein them before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, and overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they’re pink and opaque for the perfect texture.
- Balance the Butter and Garlic: While butter is a key ingredient, be sure not to overpower the garlic. A good balance of both creates a rich yet aromatic sauce.
- Add a Splash of White Wine: While optional, white wine adds a layer of acidity that balances the richness of the butter. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.
- Serve with Bread or Pasta: This dish is best served with a side of linguine or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are a few ways you can customize it.
- Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and color.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Other Seafood: If shrimp isn’t your thing, you can substitute with scallops, lobster, or even a mix of different seafood.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce as it simmers.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the shrimp scampi for a cheesy, savory finish.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a rich and flavorful dish, but it is also high in calories due to the butter and oil used in the sauce. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider using a lighter butter alternative or reducing the amount of butter in the recipe. Shrimp is a great source of protein and low in fat, but it can be high in cholesterol, so it’s important to consume it in moderation. To make this dish a little healthier, serve it with whole wheat pasta or opt for a vegetable-based side to balance out the richness of the shrimp scampi.
FAQ
- Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time?
While shrimp scampi is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked shrimp. - Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to avoid excess water in the sauce. - Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while linguine is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. - How do I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. - What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Shrimp scampi pairs wonderfully with pasta, steamed vegetables, or a side of garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra-large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups white wine
- 1 lemon juiced
- ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves chopped, for serving
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Season both sides of the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping them once with tongs. Once cooked, set the shrimp aside on a plate.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pan with the white wine and lemon juice, scraping up the bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden or silicone spoon.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the butter and the remaining 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning until fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.