Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat
DifficultyEasy
Total time30 minutes
Servings4
Dive into Delicious: Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Hey there, I’m so thrilled you’ve decided to join me on this flavorful adventure! Today, we’re diving into the world of one of the most cherished dishes from the iconic Red Lobster – their shrimp scampi. This dish has captured the hearts and taste buds of seafood lovers far and wide with its buttery sauce, juicy shrimp, and that oh-so-delicious hint of garlic and lemon juice. Imagine being able to whip up this crowd-pleaser right in your own kitchen! Well, guess what? You absolutely can. With a few simple ingredients like olive oil, parmesan cheese, and that famous Red Lobster touch of Italian seasoning, we’re going to recreate magic. And the best part? You get to bring this restaurant favorite to your table, impressing not just your family, but yourself with your culinary skills. Time to tie that apron and let’s make some shrimp scampi magic!
Key Takeaways:
- Bring the allure of Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi into your kitchen.
- Simple ingredients like olive oil, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning are key.
- Impress family and friends with your culinary skills.
Why a Copycat Recipe?
There's something downright magical about bringing your favorite restaurant recipes, like the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi, into your own kitchen. For starters, it’s a fantastic way to save those hard-earned dollars without skimping on taste or quality. Who knew you could create such a crowd-pleaser right from your home with a simple splash of white wine and a touch of garlic? Plus, when you’re the chef, you get to tweak things to perfection. A little more lemon juice here, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning there, and voilà, you’ve tailored it to hit all the right notes for your taste buds. And let’s not forget the pure bliss that comes with cooking—a joy that’s doubled when you serve up something as deliciously buttery and garlicky as this shrimp scampi recipe. Talk about a win-win-win!
Gather Your Ingredients
Alright, let me spill the beans—or should I say, the shrimp? To whip up this mouthwatering Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat recipe right in your own kitchen, you're going to need some core ingredients. I've got you covered, guiding you from your local grocery store to that final delicious dish, with a bit of laughter and learning along the way. Let's dive into our culinary adventure!
- Shrimp - 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. For those observing a pescatarian diet, rejoice, as this dish is already in your lane. If you find yourself with frozen shrimp, no worries! Just give them a quick thaw in a large bowl of cold water.
- Garlic and Olive Oil - The dynamic duo that starts off many a delicious sauce. We'll need about 3 cloves of minced garlic and a tablespoon of olive oil. Feel free to adjust the garlic if you're a fan of stronger flavors.
- Butter and Lemon Juice - They bring the zing and rich, creamy texture to our scampi sauce. You'll need ½ cup of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. For a low-carb adaptation, guess what? You're already there!
- White Wine - A splash of Pinot Grigio lends great flavor, but for a non-alcoholic version, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute.
- Seasonings - A teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. If you're daring, a touch of Old Bay seasoning can add that extra oomph!
- Final Touches - Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish. These are optional but highly recommended for that restaurant-quality presentation and a boost of flavor.
There you have it! Gather these ingredients, and we're set to create magic in the kitchen, couple stealth healthy tweaks included for good measure.
Preparation Steps
Alright, let’s get into it! Prepping shrimp might seem like a chore, but trust me, it’s pretty straightforward and utterly worth it. Here’s how you can get your shrimp ready for that fantastic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat recipe we're diving into.
- Thawing: If you're using frozen shrimp, begin by gently thawing them in a large bowl of cold water. This method ensures they remain tender and ready for the flavors we’re about to introduce.
- Peeling: Next up, peel the shrimp if they aren’t already. I like to leave the tail on for some visual flair—it make the dish look just so fancy!
- Deveining: Using a small knife, make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp to remove the vein. It's a tad tedious, but it’s a crucial step for ensuring your shrimp are ready to soak up that delicious scampi sauce.
- Rinsing: Give the shrimp a quick rinse under cold water to remove any remaining shell fragments or veins. Pat them dry with paper towels, and voilà, they’re prepped and ready to be transformed into a mouth-watering dish.
Cooking with Confidence
Hey there! Let's turn up the heat and get those juicy shrimp sizzling in your cast iron skillet. I want you to feel like a chef in your own kitchen, effortlessly mastering this famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi copycat recipe. First things first, grab your large skillet and swirl in that olive oil over medium-high heat. We're shooting for that perfect golden sear, so wait until it's shimmering with anticipation.
Now, gently lay your shrimp in the hot skillet, letting them flirt with the heat. Remember, it's all about timing—2-3 minutes is your sweet spot before they turn that perfect shade of pink. And here's a secret for that delicious sauce that brings the whole dish together: after removing the shrimp, toss in minced garlic, watching it dance and turn fragrant. Then, splash in your white wine and let it simmer to greatness. This scampi sauce, my friends, is what dreams are made of. Every step is a step towards those wonderful flavors that'll have your taste buds singing. You’ve got this!
The Secret to Perfect Scampi Sauce
Let's dive into the heart of what makes our Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat recipe first-rate - the sauce. In the labyrinth of shrimp recipes and copycat versions, what truly elevates this dish above the rest is an unwavering devotion to quality ingredients and impeccable timing. Imagine the melding flavors of fresh lemon juice, aromatic olive oil, and nutty Parmesan cheese, harmonized just right. It's about ensuring that each spoonful of buttery sauce, enriched with Italian seasoning and a splash of white wine, is nothing short of a taste bud fiesta. So, embracing patience for that perfect simmer is not just recommended, it's essential. This is what sets our scampi sauce apart - a tribute to the very essence of culinary perfection.
Serving Suggestions
Bringing this beloved Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi right to your table is just the beginning. Imagine pairing the juicy shrimp, drenched in that famous garlic butter sauce, with a crisp, fresh green salad, or maybe even a side of low carb Italian recipes. But don't forget the crusty bread, perfect for dipping into that delicious sauce, soaking up all the wonderful flavors. And for a touch of elegance, why not garnish your dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a splash of white wine in the sauce? Presentation really is everything, turning this dish into not just a meal, but a feast for the eyes too.
Storing Leftovers
After savoring the rich flavors of our Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat, you'll likely have some of that delicious sauce and juicy shrimp left. Trust me, it tastes almost better the next day! To ensure you get to enjoy this delightful dish again, here's a simple yet effective way to store it. Take any leftovers and gently place them in an airtight container. This container will preserve the wonderful flavors and prevent your fridge from absorbing the garlic butter scent. Pop it in the fridge, and you can look forward to revisiting this scrumptious meal for up to two days. When you're ready for round two, a quick warm-up is all it takes to dive back into that delicious flavor. Happy cooking (and eating), everyone!
As you present this beautiful creation, your loved ones will be drawn in by the irresistible flavors and eye-catching presentation.
Krystel’s Cooking
A Delicious Endeavor Worth Repeating
I’ve always believed that the heart of cooking lies in experimentation and personalization. That’s why I encourage you to play around with this Easy Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Copycat Recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit your palate perfectly. Whether it’s stirring in a bit more garlic powder for that extra punch, a sprinkle of old bay seasoning for a touch of zest, or even choosing between fresh or frozen shrimp based on what’s available at your local grocery store - make it your own. And don’t stop here! There’s a whole world of famous dishes waiting for you to recreate them in your own kitchen. From juicy shrimp scampi to buttery sauces and beyond, your taste buds deserve to embark on this delicious endeavor. Who knows? Your next creation might just become a top icon in your family’s recipe book.
Looking for other great shrimp recipes? Check out my Cajun Shrimp in Garlic Butter!
Ingredients
- 1 lb extra large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups cooking white wine
- 1 lemon juiced
- ½ cup butter room temperature
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Season both sides of the shrimp generously with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque, flipping them once using tongs.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate and keep them warm. Into the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the skillet by adding white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using 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 another teaspoon of Old Bay Seasoning until the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the shrimp and finish with a garnish of grated parmesan cheese before serving hot.
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