If you’ve ever craved restaurant-style shrimp bursting with buttery garlic goodness, you’re in for a treat with this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe. It’s a dish that turns weeknights into special occasions and gives you all the vibrant flavors of a seafood restaurant right at your own table. Tender shrimp, rich butter, a hint of heat, and bright lemon come together faster than you’d believe—this is the kind of meal that will make you feel like a seafood chef in your own kitchen.

Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients shine brightest in this recipe, and each one is essential to recreating the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi just right. From the freshest shrimp to bursts of lemon and parsley, every component brings magic to the plate.

Shrimp (1 lb large, peeled and deveined): Go for quality shrimp, since they’re the star—choose large ones for juicy bites and a luxurious texture.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): The foundation of that luscious, golden sauce; use unsalted so you can season just right.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds smoothness to the butter and helps prevent burning while you sauté the garlic.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fragrant and flavorful, garlic brings warmth and depth to the sauce—don’t skimp here!
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For just a touch of heat; feel free to adjust to your spice preference or leave out.
Dry white wine (1/4 cup) or chicken broth: The acidity brightens up the sauce, deepens flavor, and helps deglaze the skillet; chicken broth keeps it family-friendly if needed.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings zing and balances the richness of the butter for that signature scampi sharpness.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Season the shrimp and sauce perfectly to boost all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds color and a fresh, herby note right at the end.
Lemon wedges, for serving: Extra lemon is always welcome—guests can squeeze over as much as they’d like for brightness.

How to Make Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As the butter melts and bubbles, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. For about a minute, let everything sizzle—your kitchen should already start to smell incredible. Keep a close eye so the garlic doesn’t burn; you want it fragrant and golden, not brown.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer for even cooking. Give them 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they’re pink and delightfully opaque. Avoid overcooking or they’ll turn rubbery—pull them out as soon as they change color and set them aside in a bowl so they don’t keep cooking from the pan’s heat.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce

Now pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer alcohol-free), scraping up every bit of golden garlic from the pan. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing slightly and picking up all those savory flavors left behind from the shrimp. This is where the sauce gets its depth.

Step 4: Add Butter, Lemon, and Seasonings

Turn the heat to low and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until fully melted and glossy. Drizzle in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with salt and black pepper to taste. The result should be a silky, fragrant sauce with the perfect balance of richness and brightness.

Step 5: Toss the Shrimp and Finish

Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss well so every piece is coated with sauce. Let it all heat together for another minute, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve straight away with plenty of lemon wedges for that signature Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi finish.

How to Serve Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Garnishes

Generously scatter chopped fresh parsley over top for a gorgeous pop of green and a crisp, herby freshness. Lemon wedges not only brighten up the plate but let each diner customize the zippiness of their scampi. You can also add a fresh grind of black pepper or even a pinch of extra red pepper flakes for beauty and a burst of aroma.

Side Dishes

This Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi practically begs to be paired with something that soaks up the buttery sauce. Think a tangle of angel hair pasta, a bowl of fluffy white rice, or slices of crusty bread perfect for mopping up every last drop. A simple green salad or quickly sautéed seasonal vegetables make lovely, fresh companions on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or just want to make dinner extra special, serve the scampi over a bed of creamy risotto, spoon it onto toasted crostini for party bites, or pile the shrimp atop zucchini noodles for a lighter twist. For a cozy, shareable meal, set the skillet right in the center of the table so everyone can help themselves to the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, although the texture is best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

While the sauce can be frozen, the shrimp themselves have a tendency to become a little tough after freezing and reheating. If you do freeze leftovers, use a freezer-safe container and aim to consume within a month for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it’s more likely to make the shrimp rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

You can use pre-cooked shrimp in a pinch, but for true Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi flavor and texture, raw shrimp are best. Pre-cooked shrimp may toughen and won’t absorb as much of that fabulous sauce.

What wine works best in this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay is perfect, adding delicate acidity without overpowering the shrimp. If you’re serving to kids or want to skip alcohol, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked properly?

Shrimp cook quickly—just 1 to 2 minutes per side. They’re done as soon as they turn pink and opaque; overcooking makes them tough. Watch carefully and remove them as soon as they’re ready.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

If you need a dairy-free version, swap in a good-quality vegan butter for the real thing. The dish will remain wonderfully rich and flavorful, and you won’t miss out on the Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi experience.

Is this dish spicy?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a hint of mild heat, but the dish stays mostly buttery and garlicky. If you want things fully mild, just omit the pepper flakes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe at home. Just a few pantry staples and a handful of shrimp will have you serving up a dish that’s every bit as crave-worthy as your favorite seafood restaurant. Happy cooking—and don’t forget the bread!