Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe The Famous Original

Craving the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi? This dish has won over seafood fans for years. Imagine shrimp smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce, on top of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a seafood lover’s dream!

The mix of butter and garlic makes this recipe stand out. Each bite is full of flavor, taking you back to Red Lobster. Now, you can make it at home.

Ready to explore this beloved seafood pasta? We’ll guide you through making Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi. Your taste buds will thank you!

The History Behind Red Lobster’s Signature Shrimp Dish

Red Lobster started small but grew big, becoming a favorite in America. Their famous shrimp scampi tells the story of this journey.

Origins of the Restaurant Chain

In 1968, Bill Darden opened the first Red Lobster in Lakeland, Florida. He wanted to bring fresh seafood to inland areas. The restaurant quickly became popular, spreading across the country.

Evolution of the Scampi Recipe

As Red Lobster expanded, so did its menu. The shrimp sautéed in garlic butter became a hit. Chefs kept improving the recipe, aiming to please seafood fans everywhere.

Why This Dish Became a Customer Favorite

The shrimp scampi won over customers with its tasty flavors. The shrimp, garlic, and butter sauce were a perfect mix. People loved the big portions and consistent taste at every Red Lobster.

“Our shrimp scampi is more than just a meal. It’s a Red Lobster tradition,” says a longtime chef at the restaurant.

Today, the shrimp scampi is still a favorite at Red Lobster. Its lasting popularity shows its appeal and the restaurant’s dedication to seafood.

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi: Essential Ingredients

Red Lobster’s shrimp scampi is a favorite for its rich flavors. To make this butter garlic shrimp at home, you need key ingredients. Let’s explore what you’ll need for this creamy shrimp scampi.

Start with high-quality shrimp. Choose fresh or frozen large shrimp, peeled and deveined. The star of the dish deserves the best!

For the signature sauce, gather these essentials:

• Unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic cloves
• White wine (dry variety)
• Lemon juice
• Heavy cream

Herbs and seasonings are key to achieving that authentic taste:

• Fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper

Don’t forget the pasta! Linguine is the traditional choice, but angel hair works well too. For a finishing touch, grab some grated Parmesan cheese.

“Quality ingredients are the foundation of a great shrimp scampi. Fresh garlic and butter create that irresistible aroma we all love.”

With these ingredients, you’re ready to bring the Red Lobster experience to your kitchen. The mix of butter, garlic, and shrimp makes a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips

Cooking a tasty seafood pasta like shrimp linguine needs the right tools and techniques. Let’s explore the essentials for making this delicious dish at home.

Cookware and Tools

To make Red Lobster-style shrimp scampi, you’ll need these kitchen must-haves:

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot with strainer
• Sharp knife for mincing garlic
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Prep Guide

Proper preparation is key to achieving that restaurant-quality taste:

• Clean and devein shrimp thoroughly
• Mince garlic finely for even distribution
• Chop parsley just before cooking to maintain freshness
• Measure out wine and butter in advance

Temperature and Timing Tips

Perfect your shrimp linguine with these cooking pointers:

• Preheat pan over medium-high heat
• Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink
• Simmer sauce for 3-5 minutes to reduce
• Toss pasta with sauce immediately before serving

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to creating a seafood pasta dish that rivals any restaurant version. Remember, timing is crucial when cooking shrimp to avoid overcooking and ensure a tender, juicy result in your shrimp linguine.

Master the Garlic Butter Sauce

To get that classic butter garlic shrimp taste, start with the sauce. Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it smells great, about 30 seconds. Make sure not to let the garlic brown, as it can taste bitter.

For a creamy shrimp scampi, slowly whisk in heavy cream. This makes the sauce richer and helps it stick to the pasta. White wine adds acidity and depth. Pour it in and let it simmer until it’s slightly reduced.

Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Add fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and balance the richness. Adjust the seasonings as needed, remembering the sauce will coat the shrimp and pasta.

• Use room temperature butter for smoother melting
• Fresh garlic provides the best flavor
• Simmer the sauce gently to avoid separation

The sauce should be smooth and velvety, coating the back of a spoon. It’s perfect with tender shrimp and al dente pasta. Together, they create a delicious blend of flavors in every bite of your homemade butter garlic shrimp.

“The secret to an unforgettable shrimp scampi lies in the balance of its sauce – creamy, garlicky, with just the right touch of acidity.”

Recipe card

Want to make Red Lobster shrimp scampi at home? This recipe card has everything you need. You’ll get from equipment to ingredients and step-by-step instructions. You’ll be cooking like a pro in no time.

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound linguine or angel hair pasta
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
4. Pour in white wine and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Toss in cooked pasta and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

This recipe makes 4 servings of delicious Red Lobster shrimp scampi. Enjoy your homemade seafood pasta!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make a restaurant-quality shrimp scampi at home? Follow these simple steps. You’ll get the perfect mix of flavors and textures in your dish.

Preparing the Shrimp

Begin by cleaning and deveining the shrimp. Dry them with paper towels to get a crisp sauté. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.

Creating the Signature Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. This makes the base of your garlic butter sauce. Then, add white wine and lemon juice, letting it simmer and reduce slightly.

Perfect Pasta Pairing

While making the sauce, cook your linguine in salted water until it’s al dente. Before draining, save a cup of pasta water.

Final Assembly Tips

Add the shrimp to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and curl slightly. Then, toss in the cooked linguine, adding pasta water as needed for a silky sauce. Finish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Your homemade shrimp sautéed in garlic butter is now ready. This shrimp linguine dish has the perfect balance of flavors, just like a restaurant. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Wine Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Make your Red Lobster meal even better with the right pairings. The perfect wine and sides can elevate your shrimp scampi. Let’s find some great options to go with your dish.

Best Wine Selections

A crisp white wine is perfect for shrimp scampi. Try a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Their light, citrusy flavors complement the garlic butter sauce well. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir is a good choice.

Garnishing Ideas

Enhance your dish with these garnishes:

• Fresh parsley sprinkle
• Lemon wedges
• Red pepper flakes for heat
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Side Dish Recommendations

Complete your meal with these tasty sides:

1. Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
2. Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus pair nicely
3. Caesar salad: A classic choice
4. Rice pilaf: Great for soaking up flavors

For a true Red Lobster experience, serve your shrimp scampi with their famous Cheddar Bay Biscuits. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making cajun seasoned shrimp as an appetizer. The spicy kick contrasts beautifully with the creamy scampi sauce.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Enjoying leftover butter garlic shrimp is a treat, but proper storage is key. After your meal, refrigerate the creamy shrimp scampi within two hours. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to three days.

When you’re ready to savor your leftovers, follow these steps for the best results:

1. Take the shrimp scampi out of the fridge
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes
3. Warm a skillet over medium heat
4. Add the shrimp and sauce to the pan
5. Gently heat, stirring occasionally, until warm throughout

Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp rubbery. If you stored the pasta separately, reheat it in boiling water for 30 seconds before combining with the warmed shrimp.

Tip: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.

For the freshest butter garlic shrimp, buy seafood the day you plan to cook. Store raw shrimp in the coldest part of your fridge and use within two days. Keep garlic in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life and enhance your creamy shrimp scampi every time.

Conclusion

The famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi is loved by many across America. You can make this seafood pasta dish at home with our guide. It’s all about fresh shrimp, garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

We’ve covered the history, ingredients, and how to make this dish. You’ll learn to make the garlic butter sauce and choose the right wine. Now, you can impress your loved ones with your cooking.

Try making this Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe and see why it’s a classic. It’s perfect for any special occasion or a cozy night in. Remember, using quality ingredients and careful preparation are key. Happy cooking!