Make the best Shrimp Scampi! If you're a seafood lover, you've probably indulged in the mouthwatering flavors of Red Lobster's famous Shrimp Scampi. With this easy copycat recipe, you can now recreate this classic recipe in the comfort of your own kitchen. This homemade shrimp scampi recipe yields four servings and takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
You don't need a special occasion to make this easy shrimp scampi recipe. This delicious meal makes an easy weeknight dinner, with its juicy shrimp, and buttery white wine sauce.
What Does Scampi Mean?
- "Scampi" is an Italian word that refers to a cooking method involving shellfish, typically shrimp, cooked in a garlic butter sauce or an olive oil-based sauce.
- In American cuisine, "shrimp scampi" is a popular dish where shrimp are cooked in a similar manner, often with flavors like garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs.
This garlic butter shrimp scampi recipe is so delicious and makes a special dinner with common ingredients.
This Italian-American dish such an easy meal to make and one that you will turn to often. Perfect for the whole family!
To make this Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, you only need the following simple ingredients
• Extra-Large Jumbo Shrimp - I prefer wild-caught shrimp.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Olive Oil
• Fresh Garlic Cloves
• Dry White Wine - I like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Or just use chicken broth.
• Fresh Lemon Juice and Lemon Zest
• Unsalted Butter
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Fresh Parsley Leaves
• Grated Parmesan Cheese - for garnishing the finished dish.
• Thin Spaghetti, Angel Hair Pasta - or other thin pasta
1. Begin by seasoning both sides of the large shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the uncooked shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning them once with tongs, until shrimp turn pink. Once cooked, set the shrimp on a plate.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Deglaze the pan by adding white wine and lemon juice. Use a wooden or silicone spoon to scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Stir in the room temperature butter, lemon zest and remaining teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning and red pepper flakes until the butter is fully melted into the sauce.
9. Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and stir to coat them in the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
10. Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor.
11. If desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
12. Serve the Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi immediately and enjoy!
To Cook Thin Spaghetti or Angel Hair Pasta for This Easy Shrimp Recipe, Follow These Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add some salt. (Use about 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of salt for every pound of pasta).
- Add the thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions or until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta cook quickly, usually in 3 to 4 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, carefully drain it using a colander (save a little pasta water) or use a pasta scoop to transfer it directly to the skillet with the shrimp scampi sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the shrimp and sauce in the skillet, until the pasta is evenly coated. Add a little pasta water if needed.
- Serve the shrimp scampi with the pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- By following these instructions, you'll have perfectly cooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta to accompany your delicious Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. Enjoy your meal!
- Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the specific instructions provided on your pasta package, as different brands and types of spaghetti may vary slightly. Enjoy your meal!
Here Are a Few Notes to Enhance Your Shrimp Scampi Cooking Experience
- Frozen shrimp tend to cost less than fresh shrimp, so feel free to use them in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking.
- Thaw frozen shrimp by either placing them in a bowl of cold water, stirring occasionally until thawed (about 10-15 minutes), or by thawing them overnight in the refrigerator.
- You can pair shrimp scampi with various sides such as noodles, rice, asparagus, broccoli, or crusty bread, depending on your preference.
- While the recipe calls for leaving the tails on the shrimp for presentation, you can remove them before cooking if you prefer.
- Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels before adding them to the skillet. This ensures that any extra liquid is removed, allowing the shrimp to sear rather than steam.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish again and again.
Now that you have the recipe for Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, you can savor the flavors of this iconic seafood dish in the comfort of your own home. Impress your family and friends with this quick and easy recipe that captures the essence of Red Lobster's famous creation.
Here are some potential substitutions you can make for certain ingredients in the Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe:
- Shrimp: If you prefer a different type of seafood or want to make a vegetarian version, you can substitute the shrimp with scallops, lobster meat, or even diced tofu for a plant-based option.
- Old Bay Seasoning: If you don't have Old Bay Seasoning on hand, you can create your own blend by combining equal parts paprika, celery salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried mustard, and dried thyme. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.
- White Wine: If you don't have white wine available, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth. Alternatively, you can use a non-alcoholic white wine substitute or a combination of water and lemon juice.
- Butter: While butter adds richness and flavor to the dish, you can use olive oil as an alternative. If you want a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter or margarine.
- Fresh Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley, you can substitute it with dried parsley. However, keep in mind that the fresh herb will provide a more vibrant flavor and appearance.
- Grated Parmesan: The grated Parmesan is optional, but if you're looking for a dairy-free or vegan option, you can use a plant-based Parmesan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Noodles or Rice: If you prefer a low-carb option or want to switch things up, you can serve the shrimp scampi with zucchini noodles (zoodles), cauliflower rice, or quinoa instead of traditional noodles or rice.
Feel free to experiment with these substitutions based on your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. The goal is to create a delicious dish that suits your needs and taste preferences. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
- This classic shrimp scampi can be served over various bases to complement its flavors. Here are some popular options:
- Pasta: Serve the shrimp scampi over your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti. The pasta will soak up the flavorful sauce, creating a delicious combination.
- Rice: Prepare a bed of cooked white rice, jasmine rice, or even a fragrant basmati rice to serve the shrimp scampi on top. The rice will provide a neutral base that allows the flavors of the dish to shine.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a lighter and low-carb option, serve the shrimp scampi over zucchini noodles. You can make zoodles by spiralizing or julienning fresh zucchini, then lightly sautéing them until tender.
- Cauliflower Rice: If you're looking for a grain-free alternative, cauliflower rice is a great option. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains, then cook them in a skillet until softened.
- Crusty Bread: Another classic way to enjoy shrimp scampi is by serving it with crusty bread. The bread can be used to soak up the delicious sauce, adding an extra element of texture and flavor to each bite.
- Mixed Greens: For a lighter option, serve the shrimp scampi over a bed of fresh mixed greens. The combination of the warm shrimp and sauce with the crisp salad leaves creates a refreshing and satisfying dish.
Feel free to choose the option that best suits your dietary preferences or pair the shrimp scampi with your favorite side dish. You can get creative with serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
Storage
For best results, store leftovers of Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Easy Fish and Seafood Recipes
Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Baked Parmesan Crusted Fish
Cioppino Fish Stew
Tuna Noodle Casserole
If you make this yummy, buttery shrimp Scampi recipe, please let me know. Just leave a comment below with a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it.
Shrimp Scampi (Copycat Red Lobster)
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound Extra Large Shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning divided
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups White Wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 Lemon zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon Lemon Zest (or to taste)
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for added spice)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Leaves chopped for serving
- Grated Parmesan optional for serving
Pasta - Optional
- Angel Hair or Thin Spaghetti
Instructions
- Season both sides of the shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning them once with tongs. Set aside the cooked shrimp on a plate.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine and lemon juice. Scraping up the bits in the pan with a wooden or silicone spoon.
- Bring to a boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the butter and remaining 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, ½ teaspoon lemon zest and red pepper flakes, until melted into the sauce.
- Add the shrimp back to the skillet and stir. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Greg says
I've never had the Red Lobster version, but I made this and we really enjoyed it.