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Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

This Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with tender shrimp bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a delicious seafood treat. The buttery garlic sauce paired with fresh lemon juice, white wine, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a well-balanced, indulgent dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp

  • 1 pound medium or large fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional for Serving

  • Pasta (linguine or angel hair) or crusty bread
  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they sear properly and absorb the sauce.
  2. Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, releasing a rich garlic aroma.
  3. Cook the Shrimp: Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and slightly opaque. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
  4. Deglaze with Wine and Lemon: Pour in the dry white wine and fresh lemon juice, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavors.
  5. Season and Finish: Add salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss in the chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, stir everything together, then remove from heat.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp for best texture; if using frozen, thaw fully and pat dry.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Use fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced for superior flavor.
  • Quality of butter and wine greatly impacts the sauce taste.
  • Simmer sauce just enough to thicken slightly without losing flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp scampi, copycat red lobster shrimp, garlic butter shrimp, easy seafood recipe, quick shrimp dinner, buttery garlic sauce, white wine shrimp