Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi Make It Better at Home | Copycat Recipe – In this video, we’re recreating Red Lobster’s famous …

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Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi: Make It Better at Home | Copycat Recipe

If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you’re likely familiar with their famous Shrimp Scampi—a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp, buttery garlic sauce, and a hint of lemon, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. The allure of this dish makes it a popular choice among seafood lovers. Fortunately, you don’t have to visit the restaurant to indulge in this beloved classic. With a little know-how, you can recreate this dish at home, and even elevate it to match your personal taste preferences. Here’s a simple guide to making a copycat version of Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi that is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp Scampi:

• 1 pound of large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 8 ounces of linguine or spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Heat the Oils: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until melted and bubbly.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add Wine & Lemon: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the alcohol evaporate slightly.
2. Incorporate Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat it in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Finish with Zest: Stir in the lemon zest for an additional burst of flavor, adjusting seasoning as necessary.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Plate your shrimp scampi in bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Enjoy: Serve immediately, pairing it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!

Tips for Elevating Your Shrimp Scampi

• Customize Your Spice: If you love a kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even throw in some diced fresh chili.
• Herb Infusion: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
• Extra Creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrients and flavor.

Conclusion

Recreating Red Lobster’s iconic Shrimp Scampi at home is not only possible but can be a fun and rewarding culinary adventure. With this copycat recipe, you can customize each ingredient to better fit your taste preferences while enjoying the same delightful flavors that make this dish a fan favorite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a delicious seafood feast that’s sure to impress family and friends! Bon appétit!