Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with minimal effort. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a rich yet refreshing sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions, and it pairs beautifully with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp (peeled and deveined)
butter
olive oil
garlic
lemon juice
chicken broth
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)
parsley
parmesan cheese
Directions
Pat the shrimp dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to slightly reduce.
Sprinkle in red pepper flakes if using, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or warm bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 3 to 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 20 minutes
Variations
Add white wine instead of some of the broth for deeper flavor.
Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
Include sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture.
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus note.
Make it creamier by adding a splash of heavy cream.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to maintain the sauce consistency.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
What size shrimp works best?
Medium to large shrimp are ideal for this recipe.
Can I make it without butter?
Yes, but butter adds richness; you can substitute with more olive oil.
Is this dish spicy?
Only slightly if you add red pepper flakes; you can omit them for a milder version.
What can I serve with shrimp scampi?
Pasta, rice, or crusty bread are great options.
Can I add wine?
Yes, white wine enhances the flavor of the sauce.
How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
They turn pink and opaque and curl slightly when done.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
It’s better to use raw shrimp, but pre-cooked can be added briefly to warm through.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil.
How do I keep shrimp tender?
Avoid overcooking and cook just until they turn pink.
Conclusion
Red Lobster-style shrimp scampi is a quick and flavorful dish that brings a taste of restaurant dining into your home. With its rich garlic butter sauce and tender shrimp, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both simple and impressive.
PrintRed Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
A restaurant-style shrimp scampi made with tender shrimp in a buttery garlic and lemon sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to slightly reduce.
- Add red pepper flakes if using and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with parsley and parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or bread.
Notes
- Substitute white wine for part of the broth for deeper flavor.
- Serve over linguine or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for variation.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 220 mg
