Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a classic dish known for its buttery, garlicky sauce and tender shrimp. This recipe captures the essence of the restaurant favorite, making it easy to enjoy a gourmet meal in the comfort of your own home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish, perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups white wine (Chardonnay recommended)
- Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Begin by ensuring your shrimp are properly cleaned and deveined. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
2. Cook the Garlic
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of pure olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the garlic evenly.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden brown. Be cautious to avoid burning the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
3. Sear the Shrimp
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the prepared shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. This ensures they are perfectly cooked and flavorful.
- Set Aside: Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. They will be added back later, so keep them warm.
4. Prepare the Sauce
- Deglaze with Wine: In the same skillet, pour in 1 1/2 cups of white wine. The wine helps deglaze the pan, loosening any caramelized bits of garlic or shrimp from the bottom of the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape these bits, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
- Simmer and Reduce: Bring the wine to a simmer and let it reduce by about half, which should take 3-4 minutes. This concentrates the wine’s flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
5. Finish the Sauce
- Incorporate the Butter: Reduce the heat to low and add 1/2 cup of softened butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. The butter adds richness and creates a silky, smooth texture.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This not only adds a cheesy depth to the sauce but also helps thicken it. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Combine Shrimp and Sauce
- Return Shrimp to Skillet: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet. Gently stir to coat the shrimp with the sauce and heat them through, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Parsley complements the rich flavors and adds a touch of brightness.
7. Serve
- Choose Your Base: Serve the shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti. You can also pair it with rice or grits for a hearty meal.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the sauce is creamy.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best results, use fresh or high-quality frozen shrimp. Ensure they are completely thawed before cooking to avoid excess water in the sauce.
- Adjust Wine Quantity: If you prefer a milder wine flavor, you can reduce the amount of white wine and replace it with chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Shrimp cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to avoid overcooking. They should be pink and opaque when done.
- Customize the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the garlic and Italian seasoning to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant heat if you enjoy a bit of spice.
- Serve with Bread: For a complete meal, consider serving the shrimp scampi with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers a rich and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. With its creamy sauce, tender shrimp, and savory Parmesan, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Enjoy this delightful dish with your favorite sides and savor the flavors of a classic seafood favorite!
