*Introduction*
If you’ve ever dined at *Red Lobster*, then you know how irresistible their *Shrimp Scampi* is. The dish is a perfect balance of *succulent shrimp*, *garlic*, *butter*, and *lemon*, all served with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a fan favorite for good reason, and now you can recreate this *classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi* at home!
This recipe will guide you through making a *restaurant-quality shrimp scampi* that’s just as delicious as the one you enjoy at Red Lobster. You’ll be able to indulge in perfectly cooked shrimp in a *buttery garlic sauce* with a hint of *lemon* and a touch of *white wine*—all served over *pasta*. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or hosting a dinner party, this *shrimp scampi recipe* is sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll not only walk you through the step-by-step instructions for making *Shrimp Scampi* but also share tips for perfecting the dish and customizing it to your preferences.
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*What is Shrimp Scampi?*
*Shrimp scampi* is a classic Italian-American dish made with shrimp, garlic, butter, and a variety of seasonings. Traditionally, *scampi* refers to a type of small lobster, also known as *langoustine*, but in the U.S., the name has become synonymous with a garlicky shrimp dish. Shrimp scampi is often served over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
At *Red Lobster*, their version of shrimp scampi is famous for its rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp. It’s a dish that feels luxurious yet is relatively simple to prepare. The beauty of shrimp scampi lies in the *simplicity* of its ingredients, which come together to create a deliciously satisfying meal.
*Why You’ll Love Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi*
1. *Deliciously Buttery and Garlicky
– The key to a great *shrimp scampi recipe* is the sauce, and this one delivers. The combination of *butter*, *garlic*, and a splash of *white wine* creates a rich, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp. The sauce is indulgent yet balanced, with a slight acidity from the lemon that cuts through the richness.
2. *Perfectly Cooked Shrimp*
– One of the best parts of this dish is the shrimp. When prepared correctly, the shrimp are *tender* and *juicy*, soaking up the flavors of the sauce while maintaining their natural sweetness. The shrimp in this recipe are cooked just until they turn pink and opaque, ensuring they’re perfectly tender.
3. *Quick and Easy to Make*
– While shrimp scampi may seem like a restaurant dish that requires a lot of effort, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients and *under 30 minutes*, you can have a *restaurant-quality shrimp scampi* on the table, making it an ideal recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
4. *Versatile and Customizable*
– This recipe is highly versatile. While it’s traditionally served over *pasta*, you can serve it with rice, cauliflower rice, or even over a bed of sautéed vegetables. You can also adjust the amount of garlic, lemon, or white wine to suit your taste.
5. *Impressive Yet Simple*
– Whether you’re cooking for a *date night*, a *family dinner*, or a gathering of friends, this *shrimp scampi* recipe is sure to impress. It’s a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but in reality, it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Cook the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the Shrimp: Place the shrimp in the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Add Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.
Serve: Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish, garnish with lemon wedges, and serve immediately. Enjoy!