Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! I’ve always had a special place in my heart for a good shrimp scampi, and not just any shrimp scampi – I’m talking about the famed Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi. There’s just something about that buttery garlic goodness and succulent shrimp that makes my taste buds sing! It reminds me of my family’s beach vacations where we’d feast on seafood by the shore, the salty sea breeze in our hair and laughter all around.
Now, don’t get me wrong – I love a night out as much as the next person, but being able to whip up restaurant-quality shrimp scampi in my own kitchen? Now that’s a win-win. Plus, it’s super easy! So grab your apron, and let’s elevate your dinner game with this delicious recipe.
What’s in Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
Large Shrimp: We’re using 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp is always ideal, but frozen works just fine too! Just give them a quick thaw under cool water if that’s what you’ve got.
Butter: Four tablespoons of rich, creamy butter is where the magic really happens. The buttery goodness melds beautifully with the flavors of garlic and shrimp!
Olive Oil: Just two tablespoons of olive oil help prevent the butter from burning and add a lovely richness to the dish.
Garlic: A must-have! Four cloves of minced garlic provide that delectable aroma and flavor that make this dish so irresistible.
Red Pepper Flakes: Half a teaspoon is the perfect amount to add a bit of zing, but feel free to adjust it based on your spice tolerance.
White Wine: A half cup of a good white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, really elevates the flavors. Just remember, if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it!
Lemon Juice: The juice of one lemon (around 2-3 tablespoons) adds that bright acidity to balance the rich butter and shrimp.
Chicken Broth: A half cup of chicken broth enriches the dish and adds depth to the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for balancing flavors. Go easy – you can always add more!
Parsley: A quarter cup of chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
Linguine or Spaghetti: Optional, but if you want to serve it over pasta, 8 ounces is just right.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This is entirely optional, but who doesn’t love a sprinkle of cheese on top?
Is Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Good for You?
Well, let’s talk about the health wonder of shrimp!
Shrimp: These little guys are low in calories and packed with protein, making them a great choice for a healthy meal. Just keep in mind they are a source of cholesterol, so if you’re watching that, maybe indulge only occasionally.
Butter and Olive Oil: While butter adds richness, I like to be mindful of portion sizes. Olive oil, on the other hand, is a healthier fat and has heart-healthy properties – bonus!
Lemon Juice: Full of vitamin C, the lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also provides a nice dose of antioxidants.
Overall, this dish can be part of a balanced diet, especially if you pair it with a fresh salad or some veggies on the side to round it out.
Ingredients
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
– 1/2 cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
– 1 lemon, juiced (about 2-3 tablespoons)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
– 8 ounces linguine or spaghetti (optional, for serving)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
*Serves 4.*
How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi?
1. If you’re making it with pasta, cook the linguine or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Now, add in that minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about a minute until everything is fragrant and your kitchen smells divine.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high and toss in the shrimp. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start turning that beautiful pink color.
5. Pour in the white wine and chicken broth, then add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened a little.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley – your dish is coming together beautifully!
7. If you’re serving it over pasta, add that al dente linguine or spaghetti to the skillet now, so it gets nicely coated in that mouthwatering sauce. If not, just plate up the shrimp scampi on its own and drizzle that luscious sauce over the top.
8. Optional but recommended: sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Extra Tips for Enjoying Shrimp Scampi
If you’re looking to jazz things up even more, why not throw in some veggies? Asparagus or cherry tomatoes can be a colorful addition. Want a bit more zing? Some capers can add a delightful briny flavor!
And, if you’re feeling fancy, fresh herbs like basil or chives are fantastic garnishes too. Serving it with some crusty bread to soak up that decadent sauce is always a crowd-pleaser!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It really brings back those beachy memories while putting a big smile on your face. Make sure to share your thoughts and tweaks – I’d love to hear how your own kitchen adventure goes! Happy cooking!
