Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Chic: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that rivals fine dining restaurants, perfect for a cozy dinner or special celebration.
- Ready in a Flash: This shrimp scampi comes together in just 30 minutes, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the lengthy prep time.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve it over pasta, crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables for a customized dining experience.
- Perfect for Seafood Lovers: The star of the dish, shrimp, is enveloped in a garlicky, buttery sauce that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Directions
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Sauté the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Place shrimp in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking shrimp! They cook quickly and can turn rubbery if left too long.
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Sauté the Garlic: Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Note: The kitchen will be filled with the incredible aroma of garlic and butter!
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Create the Sauce: Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by half and concentrate the flavors.
Tip: The secret to bold flavor is letting the wine or broth reduce!
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Finish the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in butter. Add Italian seasoning, stirring gently.
Insight: The butter creates a silky-smooth sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully!
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Reunite the Shrimp with the Sauce: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the luscious sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
- Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes.
Variations
- Wine Substitution: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with chicken broth for a similar depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté for a subtle heat.
- Herb Alternatives: Fresh basil or oregano can be used in place of Italian seasoning for a different herbal note.
- Cheese Options: While Parmesan is traditional, Pecorino Romano offers a sharper taste that complements the dish well.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain the tenderness of the shrimp. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the shrimp and alter the sauce's texture.
FAQs
What type of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Medium-sized shrimp (31-40 per pound), peeled and deveined, are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth is an excellent non-alcoholic substitute that provides a rich flavor similar to white wine.
How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly. Adding a bit of olive oil can also help prevent burning.
What pasta pairs well with shrimp scampi?
Linguine, angel hair, or spaghetti are traditional choices that hold the sauce well.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions. Sauté them after the garlic step before adding the liquid.
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?
Cooked shrimp turn pink and opaque. They also curl into a 'C' shape when done.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with a dairy-free alternative like margarine or olive oil.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good alternatives. For a non-dairy option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce further, or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water, stirring until the desired thickness is achieved.
Conclusion
Creating the famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home is both simple and rewarding. With fresh ingredients and a straightforward process, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish anytime. Whether for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy seafood lovers.
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Indulge in the delightful experience of savoring Red Lobster’s iconic shrimp scampi right in the comfort of your own kitchen! Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese elevate this simple yet elegant dish, featuring tender, juicy shrimp bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for garnish
