Description
Seafood dreams come alive with Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi, a classic dish that whispers coastal comfort and zesty Mediterranean flavors. Succulent shrimp bathe in garlic butter sauce, promising restaurant-quality magic you can recreate with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup (115 g) softened butter
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan-style cheese (non-animal rennet, divided)
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1/2 fresh lemon, juice only
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Base:
- 1 tablespoon pure olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare shrimp by thoroughly cleaning, removing shells and veins. Rinse under cold water and carefully dry with paper towels to ensure optimal sauce adherence.
- Select a cast iron skillet and warm over medium heat. Pour olive oil and allow it to reach a gentle shimmer before introducing shrimp in a single, uncrowded layer.
- Cook shrimp approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a delicate pink color and appear translucent. Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate to prevent overcooking.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low. Introduce minced garlic, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until aromatic but not browned, which could create an unpleasant bitter undertone.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning into the skillet, mixing thoroughly with garlic to release complex flavors.
- Lower heat and gradually incorporate softened butter, one portion at a time. Maintain gentle temperature to preserve sauce’s smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Reintroduce cooked shrimp into the skillet, gently coating each piece with the rich, herb-infused butter sauce.
- Incorporate fresh chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- Generously dust half the Parmesan cheese over the shrimp while still in the skillet, reserving remaining cheese for final garnish.
- Serve immediately over preferred accompaniment like pasta or rice, ensuring each plate receives an abundant drizzle of the decadent sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced.
- Pat shrimp completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming.
- Control heat carefully to prevent rubbery shrimp and maintain delicate, tender meat.
- Opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning.
- Replace wheat pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil and skip Parmesan cheese.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when cooking garlic for deeper Mediterranean flavor.
- Peel and devein shrimp in advance and store in sealed container for faster cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg