I remember the first time I had Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. It was a warm summer evening. I was at Red Lobster with friends, excited for the meal.
The smell of garlic shrimp filled the air. Each shrimp was covered in a buttery, garlic sauce. Taking my first bite made me smile.
It was more than just food. It was a celebration of flavor. It made our gathering unforgettable.
Now, I make shrimp scampi at home. My recipe brings back that special dinner. It’s a way to share joy with family and friends.
Let’s learn how to make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi at home. It’s easy and delicious!
Introduction to Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Dining at Red Lobster was a memorable experience. I tried Shrimp Scampi for the first time on a date. The dish was full of flavor and simple.
The shrimp and garlic butter sauce were amazing. Red Lobster uses only the best shrimp. They are wild-caught.
Shrimp Scampi is cooked quickly at Red Lobster. This makes the shrimp tender and sweet. They cook for two minutes on each side until they’re pink.
This makes me want to make it at home. I can see why it’s a favorite.
Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi can be made even better. Adding chili garlic sauce gives it a bold flavor. This shows how you can change up seafood dishes.
Shrimp Scampi is a top choice at Red Lobster. It shows why the restaurant is loved by seafood fans. It’s perfect for special nights or when you just want great seafood.
What Makes Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi So Special?
The famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi is special because of its top-notch ingredients. Fresh, uncooked shrimp are the main attraction. They’re mixed with real butter and white cooking wine for a rich taste.
Lemon juice adds a zesty touch that makes the flavors pop. This mix of ingredients creates a dish that seafood fans love.
Making this dish is quick, taking under 20 minutes. The whole cooking time is less than 30 minutes. This speed lets home cooks enjoy a fine dining taste at home.
It’s great for both everyday meals and special events. The easy recipe makes it accessible to many who want to cook like restaurants.
The shrimp scampi recipe is not just fast; it’s also low in carbs. A serving has only 6 grams of carbs. Sides like broccoli and salads add very few carbs too.
This makes the dish a good choice for those watching their carb intake. Its tasty flavors and health benefits make it a favorite among seafood lovers.
Ingredients Needed for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
To make the best shrimp scampi at home, pick your ingredients carefully. Choose fresh seafood for the best taste and texture.
Shrimp Selection
For great shrimp scampi, use 1 pound of large, uncooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp. The quality of your shrimp matters a lot. Fresh shrimp tastes better and holds onto flavors well.
Try to get shrimp caught locally. It makes your dish taste even better.
Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Ingredients other than seafood are also key. I use:
- 4 minced garlic cloves for a nice aroma.
- 1 chopped shallot for more flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of pure olive oil for the sauce base.
- ½ cup of white wine, like pinot grigio, for flavor; chicken broth works too.
- A dash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- A ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
These ingredients mix well, making the shrimp scampi unforgettable. If you want, add ¼ cup of Romano or Parmesan cheese for creaminess. These choices make the dish a hit every time.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Making shrimp scampi is fun and brings together great tastes. It’s a seafood dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for impressing your guests at dinner.
Preparation Steps
Start by getting all your ingredients ready. You’ll need these for 4 people:
- 1 pound extra large shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 stick (approximately 113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups white wine
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Dried basil and oregano for seasoning
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Thaw the shrimp in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Or, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, peel and devein the shrimp. Set them aside for cooking.
Cooking Techniques for Perfect Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and look opaque. Take the shrimp out of the skillet so they don’t get tough.
Melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic for flavor. After a minute, add white wine and lemon juice. This makes the sauce rich. Let it simmer until it thickens a bit.
Put the shrimp back in the skillet. Coat them in the sauce. Cook for a few minutes. This makes the shrimp taste amazing with pasta.
| Nutritional Component | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 401 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Total Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 204 mg |
| Sodium | 942 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0.3 g |
| Calcium | 96 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Follow these steps for a great shrimp scampi recipe. It’s a delicious shrimp pasta dish that everyone will love!
Flavor Profile of Shrimp Scampi
Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi has a mix of flavors that excites your taste buds. It has buttery and garlic notes that blend well. Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty touch.
White cooking wine adds sweetness to the dish. Italian seasoning brings herbal flavors that deepen the taste. This makes it a favorite dish for many.
Adding fresh herbs and vermouth can make the dish even better. This mix of ingredients makes shrimp scampi a classic favorite.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined) | 1 lb |
| Kosher Salt | ½ tsp |
| Fresh-Cracked Black Pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Old Bay Seasoning | 2 tsp (separated) |
| Premium Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic Cloves (minced) | 4 |
| Preferred White Wine | 1½ cups |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | Juice from 1 lemon |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup |
| Chopped Parsley Leaves (for garnish) | To taste |
| Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving) | To taste |
| Total Cooking Time | Approx. 10 minutes |
| Calories per serving | 455 kcal |
Pairing Suggestions for Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
To make your meal better, pick the right wines and side dishes. They bring out the shrimp scampi’s tasty flavors.
Best Wines to Accompany Shrimp Scampi
Choosing the right wine can make shrimp scampi even better. A crisp Chardonnay goes well with the garlic butter sauce. It cuts through the richness, balancing the taste.
A Pinot Grigio is also great. It’s light and crisp, perfect for seafood. It makes the scampi’s sweetness shine.
Side Dishes that Complement the Dish
Side dishes can make your meal even better. Garlic bread is perfect for dipping in the sauce. It’s a tasty choice.
A fresh garden salad adds a nice contrast. It’s refreshing and light. Steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli are also good. They add color and nutrition.
Exploring the Red Lobster Menu
The Red Lobster menu is full of seafood delights. It has 545 locations across the country. You can find lobster, crab, and fish dishes that show off the restaurant’s variety.
Red Lobster recently added seven new menu items. They brought back favorites like Popcorn Shrimp and Hush Puppies. And, of course, there are the unlimited Cheddar Bay Biscuits that everyone loves.
The Create Your Own Ultimate Feast is a fun option. You can pick two premium dishes and two classics. This lets you try things like Maine Lobster Tail and Snow Crab Legs with Walt’s Favorite Shrimp.
Seasonal drinks are also a highlight. You can try Snowglobe Sangria, Ruby Mule, and Mocha Espresso. These drinks add to the seafood feast.
The new menu is 20% smaller but keeps the favorites. The Ultimate Endless Shrimp promotion is gone, but Lobsterfest is coming. It’s going to be bigger and better than before.
Enhancing Your Shrimp Scampi Experience
To enjoy shrimp scampi more, I like to make it my own. This makes the dish special and shows off my taste. For example, I might use broth instead of white wine for a drink-free version.
Using Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan is another fun twist. A bit of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick for those who like spice.
Personalizing the Recipe
There are many ways to make my shrimp dish special. Here are some ideas I try:
- Using vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Adding sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Mixing in capers for a salty kick.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a nice smell.
Adding Extra Ingredients for Variety
Shrimp is so versatile, I love trying new things. Here are some favorites:
- Cherry tomatoes for color and taste.
- Whole wheat noodles for more fiber.
- Mushrooms for a rich flavor.
Nutritional Information of Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Seafood lovers should know about Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi’s nutrition. It’s tasty and has fewer calories. With 220 calories per serving, it’s great for those watching their diet.
Here’s a detailed nutritional breakdown that highlights the key components:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 | N/A |
| Total Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 1g | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 100g | 33% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugars | 1g | N/A |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Vitamin D | 0% Daily Value | N/A |
| Calcium | 0% Daily Value | N/A |
| Iron | 12% Daily Value | N/A |
Looking at the ingredients, like shrimp and butter, helps manage diet. Knowing what’s in this dish lets seafood fans enjoy it guilt-free. It’s a great pick for those who want tasty food and good nutrition.
Recreating the Restaurant Experience at Home
Bringing Red Lobster’s vibe to my kitchen is special. It lets me share tasty shrimp moments with loved ones. It’s not just cooking; it’s about the whole experience.
I set the table with fancy plates and utensils. Soft music and candles make it cozy. It makes every meal feel like a special event.
When I serve shrimp scampi, I add fresh biscuits. It’s like a hug in a plate. I top it with parsley and Parmesan for color and taste.
Want a cozy vibe at home? Try these tips:
- Use cloth napkins for a fancy feel.
- Make a simple, pretty dessert.
- Choose drinks that go well with seafood.
- Keep it quiet to enjoy the meal.
Creating a restaurant feel at home is fun. It turns dinner into a special night. I enjoy making memories with tasty shrimp, all in my own space.
| Aspect | Tips |
|---|---|
| Table Setting | Use elegant dinnerware and utensils |
| Atmosphere | Play soft music and light candles |
| Food Pairing | Serve with freshly baked biscuits |
| Garnishing | Add parsley and Parmesan for a fresh look |
| Additional Touches | Include a dessert and drink options |
Why Seafood Lovers Adore Shrimp Scampi
Seafood fans love Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi. It’s a mix of rich flavors and fancy taste. The dish has fresh shrimp and a creamy garlic butter sauce.
This combo is simple yet fancy. It’s perfect for anyone who loves good food. It’s great for a quick dinner or a big celebration.
Shrimp Scampi is easy to make. It takes about 25 minutes to cook. This makes it a special treat at home, without spending a lot.
Its great taste, low cost, and quick cooking make it a favorite. It brings the ocean’s flavor to my table. Every meal feels like a party.
