Description
Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients:
1 lb shrimp
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp garlic
1/2 cup white wine
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup parsley
Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Sauté shrimp in olive oil, remove.
Cook garlic and red pepper flakes till fragrant.
Deglaze pan with wine, stir in butter and lemon juice.
Toss shrimp in the sauce and garnish with parsley.
Serve with a side salad or pasta.
Description:
A spicy twist on the classic shrimp scampi! This dish combines bold garlic flavors with a touch of heat to create a meal that’s as exciting as it is comforting. Share your take on this recipe in the comments!
#SpicyScampiVibes
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for a good sear.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, just until pink and opaque. Immediately remove them to a plate to prevent overcooking.
3. Build the Sauce Base: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp of minced garlic and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Deglaze and Emulsify: Pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Reduce heat to low and whisk in 4 tbsp of butter, one tablespoon at a time, until melted and the sauce looks creamy.
5. Finish the Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp and any accumulated juices to the pan. Toss gently to coat in the sauce and heat through for about 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful scampi is best served immediately. For a classic presentation, spoon it over a bed of angel hair pasta or linguine. To soak up every bit of the delicious sauce, crusty garlic bread is a must. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or with steamed asparagus or broccoli.
How-to Summary
Sear shrimp and set aside. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Deglaze the pan with white wine, then whisk in butter and lemon juice to create a creamy, emulsified sauce. Return shrimp to the pan, toss to coat, finish with parsley, and serve immediately over pasta or with bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes. Thaw frozen shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight, then pat them very dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
What can I substitute for white wine? Use an equal amount of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth, adding a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or extra lemon juice at the end for acidity.
How can I make this dish less spicy? Simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely or reduce the amount to a small pinch.
Can I make shrimp scampi ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. However, you can prep ingredients in advance (chop garlic, parsley, measure wine/lemon) for quick assembly.
What type of butter is best? Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the salt level of the overall dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they will become rubbery. Cook just until pink and remove them from the pan. Do not burn the garlic, as it will make the sauce bitter—cook it only until fragrant. Ensure your pan is not too hot when adding the butter, or the sauce may separate instead of becoming creamy and emulsified.
Conclusion
This spicy twist on Red Lobster’s iconic shrimp scampi delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The key lies in the simple technique of building a rich, emulsified butter sauce infused with garlic, wine, and a kick of heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive date night, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget the pasta or crusty bread to complete the experience!
