Restaurant-Worthy at Home: Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Calling all seafood lovers! This Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant straight to your kitchen. It's an easy-to-make yet impressive dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Restaurant-Quality Results: This recipe captures the essence of Red Lobster's classic Shrimp Scampi, delivering a vibrant and flavorful dish that rivals the restaurant version.
- Simple and Speedy: Despite its impressive restaurant-worthy taste, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep work and straightforward steps.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you're celebrating a date night, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this elegant and flavorful shrimp scampi is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- For the Plump and Perfect Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- For the Garlicky Broth:
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
- 2 tablespoons garlic, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups dry white wine (chardonnay is recommended)
- Juice of ½ fresh lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- For the Creamy and Rich Finish:
- ½ cup softened butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Heating Up for Flavor: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Searing the Shrimp: Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. The key is to cook them just until tender to ensure they remain juicy and avoid becoming rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
- Garlic Magic: Reduce the heat slightly and add the chopped garlic to the pan. Saute the garlic for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant. Be mindful not to let the garlic brown, as it will turn bitter.
- Building the Flavorful Broth: Pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the liquid reduces by half, concentrating the flavors. Once reduced, stir in the Italian seasoning.
- Buttery Bliss: Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the softened butter. Ensure the pan is not too hot to prevent the butter from separating.
- The Grand Finale: Add the cooked shrimp back to the pan along with the chopped parsley. Toss everything gently to coat the shrimp in the flavorful sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Parmesan Perfection: Sprinkle the Shrimp Scampi with grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly and add a rich, nutty finish.
- Serve and Savor: Serve the Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi immediately, spooned over a bed of rice, pasta, or enjoyed with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious and flavorful broth.
Tips:
- For an extra kick of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while it's sauteing.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it may not deliver the same level of brightness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Comments
Post a Comment