Indulge in the rich, buttery goodness of Red Lobster’s famous shrimp scampi from the comfort of your own kitchen. This beloved dish combines succulent shrimp with a tantalizing garlic and white wine sauce, finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly delectable meal. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to impress seafood lovers with its authentic taste and elegant presentation.
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)
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook until they are tender and no longer translucent. Reduce the heat, remove the shrimp from the skillet, and set them aside.
- Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this will make it bitter.
- Add Wine and Lemon Juice: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Cook until the wine is reduced by half, then add the Italian seasoning.
- Incorporate the Butter: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened butter. Stir continuously to ensure the butter melts evenly without separating.
- Combine and Season: Add the shrimp back into the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat well. Add the parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the shrimp and sauce. Allow it to melt slightly before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: Serve the shrimp scampi in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the succulent shrimp and rich sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon for a burst of color and freshness.
- Accompaniments: Pair the shrimp scampi with al dente pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, to soak up the delicious sauce. Alternatively, serve it with crusty garlic bread or over a bed of rice.
- Side Dishes: Complement the shrimp scampi with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or steamed vegetables such as asparagus or green beans.
- Wine Pairing: Serve this dish with a glass of the same white wine used in the recipe, such as Chardonnay. The wine’s acidity and flavor profile will enhance the dish’s overall taste.
- Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed hot. Serve immediately after cooking to ensure the shrimp are tender and the sauce is at its peak flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
- Freezing: While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. Place the cooled shrimp and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the shrimp scampi gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of white wine or broth if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Avoid overheating to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.
- Microwave Reheating: For individual servings, reheat in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plate to retain moisture.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be mindful not to overcook the shrimp. Heat just until warmed through to preserve the shrimp’s tender texture.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the exquisite flavors of Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi both fresh and as leftovers, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the first!
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add a kick to your shrimp scampi by incorporating 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili pepper while cooking the garlic. This will give the dish a spicy twist that complements the buttery sauce.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi: Enhance the lemony flavor by adding the zest of one lemon along with the juice. Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for an aromatic and flavorful variation.
- Garlic Lovers Shrimp Scampi: If you’re a garlic enthusiast, double the amount of garlic in the recipe. The extra garlic will intensify the savory notes and create a richer sauce.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: For a creamier version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream after reducing the wine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken before adding the shrimp back in. This variation offers a luscious, creamy texture.
- Bacon Shrimp Scampi: Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the sauce before serving. The smoky, savory flavor of the bacon pairs wonderfully with the shrimp and adds a delightful crunch.
- Vegetable Shrimp Scampi: Incorporate sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, spinach, or zucchini into the dish. This adds color, texture, and extra nutrients to the meal.
- Shrimp and Scallop Scampi: Mix it up by adding sea scallops to the shrimp. Cook the scallops similarly to the shrimp, ensuring they are tender and cooked through. This combination offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
- Shrimp Scampi with Mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy, umami-rich variation. The mushrooms add depth and a hearty element to the dish.
- Herbed Butter Shrimp Scampi: Use a combination of different herbs like tarragon, dill, and chives mixed into the butter. This variation brings a complex herbal flavor to the traditional recipe.
- Pesto Shrimp Scampi: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of basil pesto just before adding the shrimp back into the skillet. The pesto adds a vibrant green color and a burst of basil flavor, giving the dish a fresh and unique twist.
These variations allow you to customize the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe to suit your tastes and preferences, making it a versatile and exciting dish to prepare and enjoy.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- What type of white wine should I use?
- Chardonnay is recommended for its rich flavor, but any dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will work well in this recipe.
- Can I substitute the white wine with something else?
- Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
- How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
- Cook the garlic over medium-low heat and stir constantly. Garlic can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it and reduce the heat if necessary.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Shrimp scampi is best served fresh. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the shrimp just before serving.
- How do I know when the shrimp are done?
- Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
- Can I add other seafood to this dish?
- Yes, you can add scallops, mussels, or clams for a seafood medley. Cook them similarly to the shrimp, adjusting cooking times as needed.
- What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
- Shrimp scampi pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the shrimp.
- Can I freeze shrimp scampi?
- Yes, you can freeze shrimp scampi. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
These FAQs provide additional insights and tips to help you make the most of your Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi experience.
Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi is a timeless dish that captures the essence of coastal dining with its rich flavors and luxurious texture. By following this recipe, you can recreate this iconic seafood favorite at home, delighting your taste buds and impressing your guests. Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or as a standalone appetizer, this shrimp scampi promises to deliver a restaurant-quality experience that’s sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the savory, buttery goodness of this classic dish anytime you crave a taste of the sea.