Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

 Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (Copycat Recipe)

Irresistibly Buttery, Garlicky, and Perfectly Savory

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Why This Shrimp Scampi Recipe Is Absolutely Irresistible

If you've ever dined at Red Lobster, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their Shrimp Scampi—a silky, garlicky, lemon-butter shrimp dish that hits every savory note with finesse. This copycat recipe brings all the magic of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen, delivering that same rich, buttery sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp in just 30 minutes or less.

With its restaurant-quality flavor, luxurious sauce, and simple ingredients, this dish is a go-to for weeknight dinners or elegant weekend meals. And the best part? You’ll never believe how easy it is to make.

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Ingredients & Their Purpose

Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role in creating the layers of bold, mouthwatering flavor that define classic shrimp scampi.

1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)

The star of the dish—juicy, tender, and sweet, shrimp absorb the garlicky butter sauce beautifully.

3 tbsp unsalted butter

Creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce and adds that unmistakable Red Lobster flavor.

1 tbsp olive oil

Balances the butter and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy while helping sauté the garlic evenly.

5 garlic cloves, minced

Bold, aromatic, and essential—garlic is the backbone of shrimp scampi’s savory character.

½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

Deglazes the pan and adds depth and acidity to balance the richness. Chicken broth is a great non-alcoholic alternative.

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Adds a subtle heat that enhances flavor without overpowering. Skip if you prefer a milder dish.

Juice of ½ lemon

Brightens the dish with acidity, balancing the buttery sauce and lifting the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Adds freshness and color, enhancing both taste and presentation.

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Essential for seasoning and drawing out every flavor.

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Adds umami depth and a touch of creaminess when sprinkled over the final dish.

Cooked angel hair or linguine (optional)

Perfect for soaking up every drop of the luscious sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a great sear. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly and absorbing the garlic flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook—shrimp become rubbery if left on the heat too long.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and fresh lemon juice. Swirl to emulsify into a luscious, glossy sauce. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and, if using, grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately over a bed of pasta or with crusty bread.

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Why This Recipe Is So Loved

This dish is loved for its rich but balanced flavor, quick prep time, and restaurant-quality results. The combination of buttery garlic sauce, zesty lemon, and succulent shrimp is a flavor explosion that feels both comforting and luxurious. It’s also endlessly customizable—serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies, and it never disappoints.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Scampi

Use fresh shrimp if possible for the best texture and flavor.

Dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking to get a proper sear.

Don’t skip the lemon juice—it balances the richness beautifully.

Add pasta water to loosen the sauce if serving with noodles.

Make it ahead by prepping ingredients in advance—then cook it all in under 10 minutes.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi with:

Garlic bread or a crusty French baguette to soak up the sauce

Steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli for a bright, green side

A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to match the citrusy notes

For a full meal, serve over angel hair pasta or linguine, and finish with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or vanilla panna cotta.

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In Conclusion: Simple, Luxurious, and Unforgettable

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi copycat recipe proves that indulgent, restaurant-worthy meals don’t require fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. With its rich garlic butter sauce, fresh herbs, and tender shrimp, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or an easy weeknight indulgence, this is one recipe you’ll turn to again and again. It’s simple, bold, and unforgettable—and it just might become your new signature dish.

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Try it tonight and bring the Red Lobster experience home—one

 irresistible bite at a time. Want more recipes like this? Let me know and I’ll create a full collection of seafood favorites!