Here is a spot-on copycat of Red Lobster’s famous Shrimp Scampi — buttery, garlicky, lemony, and perfect for dipping with crusty bread or tossing with pasta.
⭐ Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (Copycat)
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup white wine (Chardonnay or any dry white)
→ Substitute: ½ cup chicken broth + 1 tsp lemon juice - 1 tsp crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano + basil mix)
- ¼ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: 2 tbsp Parmesan (Red Lobster adds a hint)
Instructions
1. Sear the shrimp
- Heat 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high.
- Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add shrimp and cook 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and slightly golden.
- Remove shrimp and set aside (don’t overcook them!).
2. Make the scampi sauce
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
- Add garlic and cook 20–30 seconds (don’t brown it).
- Pour in white wine and let it simmer 2 minutes to reduce.
- Add:
- Remaining 2 tbsp butter
- Red pepper flakes
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Let it simmer another 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Return shrimp + finish
- Add shrimp back into the sauce.
- Toss to coat and cook 30–60 seconds.
- Turn off heat and add lemon juice + fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
Serve With
- Fresh linguine or angel hair
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Over sautéed zucchini or spaghetti squash
Tips to Make It Authentic
- Use butter + oil — Red Lobster’s scampi is not all butter.
- Keep the sauce light and lemon-wine based, not creamy.
- Don’t overcook the garlic or the shrimp.
- Italian seasoning + paprika gives the “restaurant” flavor.
- A small sprinkle of Parmesan at the end is actually close to the real dish.
If you want, I can also give you:
🍝 Red Lobster Scampi Pasta version
🔥 Spicy Cajun Scampi version
💲 Budget-friendly version
🧈 Extra-buttery deluxe version
