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Here is a fully unique, detailed article on Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, complete with step-by-step instructions and chef-style tips to help you recreate the iconic restaurant flavor at home.

Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi — A Restaurant Classic You Can Master at Home

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi has earned a devoted following for its perfect harmony of buttery garlic sauce, bright lemon, and tender shrimp. The dish is luxurious yet incredibly simple—built on fresh ingredients, gentle heat, and just the right balance of richness and acidity. With the right technique, you can easily recreate this signature entrée in your own kitchen.

Below is a complete guide on how to make authentic-tasting shrimp scampi from scratch, from prep to plating.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

Simple ingredients: butter, garlic, lemon, white wine, and shrimp.
Fast cooking: the entire dish takes about 10 minutes.
Bright and rich: lemon and wine cut through the buttery garlic sauce.
Versatile: serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For 4 servings:

For the Shrimp

1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Scampi Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
½ cup white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works well)
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Red Lobster-Style Shrimp Scampi

Follow these clear and easy steps for consistent, restaurant-quality results.

Step 1 — Prepare and Season the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear instead of steaming.
Mix the salt, pepper, and paprika, then lightly season the shrimp on both sides.
The paprika adds subtle warmth and gives the shrimp their signature golden color.

Step 2 — Sear the Shrimp

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
When the oil is shimmering, add the shrimp in a single layer.

Cook for:

1–2 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly curled.

Do not overcook—the shrimp will finish cooking in the sauce later.
Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3 — Build the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce heat to medium.
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt slowly.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds—just until fragrant.
Garlic burns quickly, so avoid high heat here.

Step 4 — Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in the white wine while scraping the pan with a wooden spoon.
This releases all the flavorful browned bits from the shrimp—a major part of the scampi taste.

Let the wine simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly.