This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is all about juicy shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, served over tasty pasta. It’s quick and oh-so-satisfying!
I love the way the garlic and butter make the kitchen smell amazing! Plus, who can say no to shrimp? It’s a perfect dish for a cozy night in, or to impress guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp are perfect for this dish. If you’re in a pinch, frozen shrimp work well too, just remember to thaw them first. You can also use smaller shrimp or even substitute with scallops for a twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I prefer to keep the flavor balanced. Feel free to use salted butter, but skip adding additional salt until after tasting. You can also use a plant-based butter if you want to make this dish dairy-free.
White Wine: The wine enhances the sauce’s flavor. If you want to skip it, chicken broth is a great alternative. If you prefer no alcohol, use vegetable broth or just add a bit more lemon juice for brightness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for its aromatic flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can substitute (a teaspoon or so), but fresh has a much better taste!
How Do I Perfectly Cook Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with a few simple steps, you’ll get it just right! The goal is to achieve tender and juicy shrimp without overcooking them, which makes them rubbery. Here’s how:
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough to quickly sear the shrimp. This usually means medium to medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp in a single layer to avoid steaming; allow them to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until they start turning pink.
- Flip them over and add the remaining ingredients. Cook for just another 2-3 minutes until fully pink and opaque. Remember, shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it takes a couple of tries to get the timing just right!
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooked pasta (linguine or angel hair), for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious shrimp scampi takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 5-7 minutes to cook. In just around 15-20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter along with the olive oil. The combination of butter and oil helps create a rich flavor while ensuring the butter doesn’t burn.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it brown, or it may taste bitter.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, gently add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Season them with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until they start turning pink on one side.
4. Add Flavor:
Carefully flip the shrimp over to cook on the other side. Now add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, the white wine (or chicken broth), and the fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and have turned a nice pink color.
5. Final Touches:
Once cooked through, stir in the finely chopped parsley and remove the skillet from heat. This adds freshness and enhances the overall flavor!
6. Serve:
Now, it’s time to serve! Place your cooked pasta on plates or in bowls, and generously spoon the buttery garlic shrimp and sauce over the top. Enjoy your delightful dish!
This recipe really captures that delicious garlicky, buttery essence known from Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi, and it pairs beautifully with the pasta for a cozy, satisfying meal at home!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or for a quicker method, place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No worries! You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or vegetable broth. For an extra citrusy kick, you can also add a bit more lemon juice instead of wine.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Without Pasta?
Definitely! This shrimp scampi is delicious on its own. Alternatively, you can serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or alongside a fresh salad.
