Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi (30-Minute Recipe Copycat)

This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe is a copycat version of the restaurant’s, and I think this scampi tastes better than theirs!! Perfectly seared shrimp is coated in an intoxicating white wine and lemon butter sauce, then seasoned with garlic and Old Bay. In just 30 minutes, you can have a 5 star dish that’s even quicker and easier to make than it is to order it off the menu!

It’s no secret that Red Lobster has their shrimp scampi dish down to a science – it’s one of my favorite dishes on their menu. The last time I enjoyed that tender shrimp, I knew that it was something that I could make at home.

I headed to the grocery store and gathered all the simple ingredients. The result? A good 30-minute meal that seafood lovers and Red Lobster fans are going to flip over!

Not only does this dish have great flavor, but a lot of people actually think that I got take out from Red Lobster when I serve this! 

The good news is that you can make this easy recipe the next time that the craving strikes!

The simple steps to make the famous Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe are listed below – and it’s an excellent way to get lots of toasty flavor in your belly fast! 

Forget spending big bucks at a famous seafood restaurant – bring that Red Lobster dining experience right into your own home.

With minimal prep time and wonderful flavors, this easy shrimp recipe will be a delight for your taste buds! 

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe

The garlic shrimp scampi from Red Lobster™ and warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits are all-time favorites of mine!

If you love seafood, you’re gonna flip for this copycat version of Red Lobster shrimp scampi. Thankfully, it’s easy to make at home!

No need to go to the restaurant for this seafood spectacular! The whole meal comes together in a single skillet and in only 30 minutes! 

Juicy and decadent, this Red Lobster shrimp scampi recipe makes an extravagant meal that’s incredibly simple to prepare! You’re about to find out why it’s my favorite recipe! 

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Extra Large Shrimp – And I do mean extra large! If you use a smaller size, keep in mind that the cooking time will vary. 
  
  Personally, I keep the tails on for a better presentation. But you can remove them before preparing homemade Red Lobster shrimp scampi.
  
• Old Bay Seasoning – A Maryland favorite! Spicy in a uniquely earthy way, it pairs tremendously well with seafood of all shapes and sizes. 
  
  In a pinch, you can combine paprika and celery salt for a somewhat similar flavor – but it almost can’t be replaced!
  
• Minced Garlic – This is one time when I’m going to say you shouldn’t use garlic powder as a substitute. 
  
  You can’t get the fresh flavor and intensity needed for this shrimp scampi Red Lobster copycat from the dried stuff.
  
• White Wine – If you’d rather not cook with wine, you can substitute with white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or chicken broth.
  
• Butter and Lemon Juice – These two simple ingredients come together to make the most incredible shrimp scampi sauce!
  
  Unsalted real butter is best. If you need to use salted butter, don’t add the salt that’s called for in the recipe below. 
  
  And use freshly squeezed lemon juice — it really makes a difference! You can pair this with any type of pasta, or enjoy the succulent shrimp just like they are.
  
  I also like to pair the juicy shrimp with crusty bread! 

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

You can make this garlic shrimp scampi Red Lobster copycat recipe with frozen shrimp. In fact, it’s easier and less expensive than using fresh seafood!

If you’re thawing just before you cook the dish, place the frozen seafood in a large bowl of cold water. 

Use a spoon to break the shrimps apart, and they’ll be good to go in just 15 minutes.

Another option is to put the frozen shrimps in the fridge the night before, letting them thaw on their own. 

Either way you do it, be sure to pat them dry before adding them to the skillet.

Tips for Making Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi at Home

• Get that pan nice and hot!

Heat the oil until it’s shimmering a bit, so the shellfish starts to sear as soon as it hits the pan.

Otherwise, you’ll end up overcooking everything and causing it to be rubbery. Yuck!

• Don’t forget to scrape up the browned bits.

That’s where all the flavor is! Adding white wine and lemon sauce will help release the seasoning that’s stuck to the pan — this process is called deglazing. 

You’ll still need to help it along some, though. A wooden spoon is the best tool for the job.

• Add a garnish.

Freshly grated parmesan and chopped fresh parsley really bring the whole dish together.

Of course, this step is optional — but I highly recommend it! Especially if preparing Red Lobster garlic shrimp scampi for dinner guests.

Storing and Reheating Shrimp Scampi from Red Lobster

Keep any leftover seafood in an airtight container in the fridge. Shrimp doesn’t last very long at all, so you’ll need to enjoy this dish within 3 days.

It’s best to reheat shrimp scampi from Red Lobster in a skillet on the stovetop, along with the sauce and seasonings. 

You can also like to sprinkle on just a bit more parmesan cheese after reheating the dish.

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Originally published September 2022, updated and republished November 2024

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