What’s good, fam? Today, we’re making one of the most iconic seafood dishes right to your kitchen—Shrimp Scampi, Red Lobster-style! If you’ve ever been to Red Lobster and fallen in love with their buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi, then you’re going to want to save this recipe. We’re taking that classic restaurant dish and making it even better at home. With this copycat recipe, you get all the delicious flavors of Red Lobster without having to leave the house—and honestly, it might even taste better than the real deal!
This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress, this shrimp scampi is sure to hit the spot. So let’s get to it!
There’s nothing quite like the garlic-butter shrimp scampi at Red Lobster—it’s rich, savory, and full of flavor. But here’s the thing: you can easily make that magic at home! This copycat recipe gives you all the goodness of the restaurant version but with the added bonus of being able to tweak the flavors just how you like them.
Making shrimp scampi at home also gives you the flexibility to use the freshest ingredients, control the portion sizes, and even experiment with some fun variations. Plus, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re craving restaurant-quality food without the price tag (or waiting for a table). From the garlic to the wine to the succulent shrimp, everything in this dish comes together to create a perfect balance of flavors.
And did I mention how quick this dish is? You’ll have dinner on the table in under 25 minutes. So if you love Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi, this homemade version is going to be your new favorite go-to recipe.
Ingredients for Red Lobster Copycat Shrimp Scampi:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this restaurant-style dish at home. All the ingredients are simple, but when combined, they create that irresistible garlic butter sauce we all know and love.
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups white cooking wine (or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option)
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Red Lobster Copycat Shrimp Scampi:
Now, let’s get cooking! Shrimp scampi is a quick and easy dish, so follow these simple steps and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
Step 1: Sauté the Shrimp
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook fast! Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely before stirring in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the white cooking wine (or chicken broth if you’re going alcohol-free). As soon as the liquid hits the pan, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s where all the flavor is! Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 4-5 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pan, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine all those rich flavors. Your kitchen should be smelling like heaven right about now!
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Let everything cook together for about 1-2 minutes, just to let the shrimp soak up all that buttery goodness.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the shrimp are coated in the sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for garnish, and your shrimp scampi is ready to serve!
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Use fresh shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh, wild-caught shrimp if possible. Frozen shrimp works too—just make sure they’re fully thawed and drained before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp only need about 2-3 minutes per side to cook. Keep an eye on them to avoid that rubbery texture.
- Wine or broth: While white wine gives you that classic scampi flavor, chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic option that still brings plenty of richness to the sauce.
- Butter quality: Since butter is a key player in this recipe, using high-quality unsalted butter will give you the best results.
- Make it spicy: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. It adds a nice heat that pairs perfectly with the buttery sauce.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best when served fresh and hot. If it sits too long, the shrimp can become overcooked as they continue to soak in the heat.
15 Shrimp Scampi Variations:
You can’t go wrong with the classic shrimp scampi, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are 15 ways to switch things up:
- Shrimp Scampi with Linguine: Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a traditional pasta pairing.
- Zoodle Shrimp Scampi: Swap out pasta for zucchini noodles to keep it light and low-carb.
- Lemon Herb Shrimp Scampi: Add extra lemon zest and fresh herbs like basil or thyme to brighten up the dish.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a rich, creamy version.
- Cajun Shrimp Scampi: Add Cajun seasoning to give it a Southern kick.
- Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Scampi: Wrap the shrimp in bacon before cooking for an extra indulgent twist.
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy, fiery version.
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Scampi: Mix in extra Parmesan cheese for a super cheesy sauce.
- Shrimp Scampi over Rice: Serve the shrimp and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice.
- Pesto Shrimp Scampi: Add a spoonful of fresh pesto to the sauce for a herbaceous twist.
- Vegetable Shrimp Scampi: Toss in some spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for added veggies.
- Shrimp Scampi with Orzo: Serve with orzo pasta for a fun, rice-like texture.
- Lobster and Shrimp Scampi: Mix in some lobster meat for a more luxurious dish.
- Shrimp Scampi with Polenta: Serve over creamy polenta for a hearty, comforting meal.
- Grilled Shrimp Scampi: Grill the shrimp before tossing them in the scampi sauce for a smoky flavor.
What to Serve with Shrimp Scampi: 15 Side Options
Shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from pastas to veggies. Here are 15 ideas to round out your meal:
- Linguine or Spaghetti: The most classic pairing with shrimp scampi.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of that buttery sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Fresh and crunchy, with a zesty dressing to balance the richness of the scampi.
- Steamed Asparagus: Light and healthy, asparagus is a great side to balance out the meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for scooping up that delicious scampi sauce.
- Rice Pilaf: Serve with a fluffy, buttery rice pilaf for a satisfying meal.
- Sautéed Spinach: A simple side that complements the shrimp and garlic butter sauce.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add texture and a slight bitterness to balance the rich scampi.
- Buttery Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Roasted Garlic Potatoes: The perfect starchy side to round out the meal.
- Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed side to pair with shrimp scampi.
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant add a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Pasta Primavera: Serve with a veggie-packed pasta primavera for a colorful meal.
- Crusty Sourdough Bread: Thick, crusty bread is perfect for dipping in the sauce.
- Fettuccine Alfredo: If you’re feeling indulgent, serve the shrimp scampi alongside creamy fettuccine Alfredo.
Storage Tips for Red Lobster Copycat Shrimp Scampi:
If you’ve got leftovers (though I doubt there will be much!), here’s how to store them:
- Fridge: Store leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
- Freezer: While shrimp scampi is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if necessary. Freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How Much Shrimp Scampi Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
When you’re serving shrimp scampi at a family gathering, plan for about ½ pound of shrimp per person if it’s the main dish. For a party of 8, you’d need around 4 pounds of shrimp. If it’s part of a bigger spread with other main dishes, ¼ pound per person should be enough.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Shrimp Scampi?
Shrimp scampi is best made fresh, but you can prep ahead to save time. You can peel and devein the shrimp the day before and store them in the fridge. You can also prepare the sauce up to a day in advance—just reheat it gently on the stove before adding the shrimp.
Shrimp Scampi: Red Lobster Copycat Recipe That’s Better Than the Restaurant
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the peeled and deveined shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—shrimp cook fast! Once done, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Let it melt completely before stirring in the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
- Pour in the white cooking wine (or chicken broth if you’re going alcohol-free). As soon as the liquid hits the pan, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—that’s where all the flavor is! Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 4-5 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
- Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the pan, then add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine all those rich flavors. Your kitchen should be smelling like heaven right about now!
- Add the cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss them in the sauce. Let everything cook together for about 1-2 minutes, just to let the shrimp soak up all that buttery goodness.
- Once the shrimp are coated in the sauce, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for garnish, and your shrimp scampi is ready to serve!
