Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Indulge in the luxurious taste of the ocean with this iconic recipe for Red Lobster’s Famous Shrimp Scampi. This dish is a celebration of flavors, featuring succulent medium-sized shrimp, bathed in a rich and aromatic sauce. The heart of this recipe lies in its simple yet elegant ingredients: a pound of fresh shrimp, lovingly peeled and deveined, sizzled in pure olive oil. Finely chopped garlic adds depth, while the white wine, preferably a smooth chardonnay, introduces a refined acidity that elevates the dish. The fresh squeeze of lemon juice adds a zesty twist, perfectly complementing the Italian seasoning.

The magic unfolds as you blend these ingredients together. The process begins with cooking the shrimp to tender perfection in a cast iron skillet, followed by a symphony of garlic and wine that is carefully reduced to intensify its flavors. The addition of softened butter lends a velvety texture, which is gently combined with the shrimp, parsley, and a seasoning of salt and pepper to taste.

As a finishing touch, the dish is generously sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious layer of flavor that ties all the elements together. This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the allure of gourmet dining into your kitchen, promising a delightful journey for your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
• 1 1/2 cups white wine (preferably Chardonnay)
• 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   • Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure they are properly peeled and deveined.
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
   • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil.
   • Add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and are no longer translucent. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as they can become tough.
   • Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Making the Garlic Wine Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the chopped garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not brown as it can become bitter.
   • Pour in the white wine and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the skillet. Stir to combine.
   • Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This concentrates the flavor.
4. Adding Seasonings and Butter:
   • Once the wine is reduced, stir in the Italian seasoning.
   • Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened butter to the skillet, stirring gently until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Be cautious of the heat level; if the skillet is too hot, the butter might separate.
5. Finalizing the Dish:
   • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the shrimp in the sauce.
   • Add the chopped parsley and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Serving:
   • Serve the shrimp scampi immediately, preferably with a side of cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
   • Optionally, garnish with more parsley or lemon wedges for extra flavor and presentation.

Enjoy your homemade Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi! This dish is perfect for a special dinner and pairs wonderfully with a glass of Chardonnay or your favorite white wine.