Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster Recipe – How to Make This Delicious Dish at Home

If you’re a seafood lover, you’ve probably tasted Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster style at least once in your life. The rich, buttery sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and bold garlic flavor make this dish one of the most beloved items on the Red Lobster menu. But why go out when you can make this Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster dish right at home? In this post, I’ll guide you through the process of making a Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster copycat recipe that will impress your friends and family with its restaurant-quality taste!

What is Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster?

At its core, Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster is a simple, yet decadent dish. It features succulent shrimp cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, usually served with pasta, rice, or even on its own with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, but when prepared well—like the version served at Red Lobster—it becomes a feast for the senses.

While the name “scampi” originally referred to a small lobster-like crustacean, in the U.S., it has come to refer to shrimp cooked in garlic butter sauce. Red Lobster’s Garlic Shrimp Scampi is one of their most popular dishes, and for good reason—it’s deliciously buttery, garlicky, and perfectly seasoned.

Why Red Lobster’s Garlic Shrimp Scampi is So Popular

If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you know their Garlic Shrimp Scampi is nothing short of amazing. The secret lies in the combination of tender shrimp, rich butter, and garlic that’s sautéed just right. Plus, the dish often includes a hint of lemon and fresh herbs to brighten up the flavor.

Many people love this dish because it’s flavorful without being overwhelming. It’s comforting, yet refined enough for a special occasion. What sets Red Lobster’s Garlic Shrimp Scampi apart from other seafood dishes is how it perfectly balances richness and freshness in every bite.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster Style

To recreate the iconic Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster dish at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These elements come together to create the rich, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked shrimp that make this dish so special.

Shrimp: The Star of the Dish

The shrimp is the highlight of Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster, so using the best possible shrimp is essential. Large or extra-large shrimp is ideal, as they provide a meaty texture that stands up well to the buttery sauce. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp—just make sure to properly thaw frozen shrimp before cooking. Peeling and deveining the shrimp is also important for presentation and to remove any grit.

The Role of Garlic in the Scampi Sauce

The garlic in Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster is what makes the dish irresistible. Fresh garlic cloves, finely minced, add a deep, aromatic flavor to the butter sauce. The garlic is sautéed until golden and fragrant, creating the base of the sauce that coats the shrimp beautifully. Pre-minced garlic won’t give you the same bold flavor, so it’s best to use fresh garlic.

Butter, Olive Oil, and Seasonings: Building the Flavor

Butter is key to achieving that rich, creamy texture that defines the sauce in Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster. The butter adds the necessary richness, while olive oil is used to balance the flavors and prevent the butter from burning. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice helps cut through the richness, adding a bit of brightness to the dish.

In addition to butter, you’ll also need salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (for a slight kick). Fresh parsley is essential for garnish, adding both flavor and a touch of color to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster Style

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process to recreate Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster in your own kitchen. Don’t worry, it’s simpler than you might think!

Preparing the Shrimp

If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water. Once thawed, peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on for a nice presentation. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them sear better when cooked.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

After the garlic is ready, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and stir until it melts and combines with the garlic. This is the base of your Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster sauce. Let the butter gently bubble, but be sure the heat is not too high to avoid burning the butter.

Cooking the Shrimp to Perfection

Now, it’s time to cook the shrimp. Add the prepared shrimp to the pan in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded. This allows them to cook evenly and develop a nice sear. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, until they turn pink and opaque. Flip the shrimp over and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.

Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery if left in the pan too long. Once the shrimp are cooked, remove them from the heat.

Assembling and Serving the Dish

To finish your Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster, squeeze half a lemon over the shrimp and season with salt and black pepper to taste. For some added heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes (optional). Stir everything together to ensure the shrimp is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce.

For the classic Red Lobster experience, serve your scampi over a bed of linguine pasta. You can also enjoy it with rice, or even just a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Best Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster Style

While the recipe itself is straightforward, these tips will help you make the best Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster possible.

How to Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp

Shrimp cooks quickly, so it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking shrimp will make them tough and rubbery, so be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked through.

Secret Ingredient to Enhance Flavor

To really elevate your Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster dish, try deglazing the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking the shrimp. This will create a more complex sauce and help lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Pairing Suggestions for the Perfect Meal

Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster is a rich, indulgent dish that pairs well with lighter sides. Consider serving it with a fresh Caesar salad or arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. If you’re having it over pasta, you can add some roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to balance the meal.

For a drink, a light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the flavors of the dish beautifully.

Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

While Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster is an indulgent dish, shrimp is a lean source of protein, low in fat and calories. The garlic offers antioxidant properties and can support your immune system, while the butter and olive oil provide healthy fats in moderation.

Is Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster Healthy?

If you’re looking to make a lighter version of Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster, you can reduce the amount of butter or use olive oil in place of some of the butter. For a low-carb option, try serving the shrimp without pasta and instead enjoy it with steamed vegetables or zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure you thaw it properly by running it under cold water or placing it in the refrigerator overnight.

How Can I Make Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster Spicier?

If you like your Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster with a little extra heat, you can add more red pepper flakes or incorporate a chopped jalapeño for some added spice.

Can I Substitute the Pasta?

Yes, you can definitely serve Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster with something other than pasta. Try rice, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or even a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Homemade Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster

Now that you know how to make Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster right at home, you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish anytime you crave a rich, garlicky seafood treat. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its buttery sauce, perfectly cooked shrimp, and irresistible garlic flavor.

The best part is that you don’t need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy the flavors you love from Red Lobster’s Garlic Shrimp Scampi. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of attention to detail, you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen and savor the delightful taste of shrimp scampi whenever the mood strikes.

Don’t forget to pair your Garlic Shrimp Scampi Red Lobster with your favorite sides, whether it’s pasta, rice, or garlic bread, and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Happy cooking!