Bring the flavor of the sea home with this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe. Juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich, buttery garlic-lemon wine sauce with a hint of spice—just like the iconic dish served at Red Lobster. Ready in just 20 minutes, this crowd-favorite shrimp scampi is perfect for weeknight dinners or a romantic date night at home.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon wedges and grated Parmesan for garnish
- Optional: cooked pasta or crusty bread for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
- Heat butter and oil:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. - Sauté garlic and red pepper:
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—do not brown the garlic. - Cook the shrimp:
Add shrimp in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until shrimp turn pink and opaque. - Deglaze and finish:
Add white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring to scrape up any browned bits and coat the shrimp in sauce. - Garnish and serve:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges or Parmesan, if desired.
💡 Tips
- Use raw, tail-on shrimp for the best texture and presentation.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—remove from heat as soon as they’re opaque and pink.
- Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are ideal for this recipe.
- Let the wine reduce slightly to intensify flavor.
🔁 Variations & Substitutions
- Use chicken broth instead of wine for an alcohol-free version.
- Add angel hair or linguine pasta to turn it into a full entrée.
- Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a creamy shrimp scampi twist.
- Toss in cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus for added freshness.
❓ FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid extra liquid in the pan.
What’s the best wine to use?
Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (unoaked), or Pinot Grigio.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version.
Can I make it ahead?
This dish is best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook everything just before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve over linguine, angel hair, or spaghetti for a full pasta dinner.
- Pair with garlic bread or crusty sourdough to soak up that buttery sauce.
- Add a side of Caesar salad or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
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