Easy Red Lobster Copycat Garlic Shrimp Scampi

This Easy Red Lobster Copycat Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a quick and easy recipe that provides step-by-step instructions on how to make restaurant-quality garlic butter sauce with succulent shrimp, white wine, and parmesan cheese.

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This post was originally published in 2018. It has since been updated.

I used to love dining out at Red Lobster. Today, I STILL love those cheddar bay biscuits. You seriously can’t shame me into disliking those!

Another favorite of mine from those days was their Garlic Shrimp Scampi. I always seemed to pair it with every dish I ordered. It’s prepared with juicy shrimp and a garlicy sauce. YES, please!

What Type of Shrimp to Use

Shrimp can be found at the grocery store in a few different ways. There is raw, pre-cooked, raw and frozen, deveined, tails on, tails off, etc.

I never use pre-cooked shrimp. There is an obvious difference in taste due to the lack of quality. The shrimp is cooked and then frozen and you have to cook it/warm it up again. This usually overcooks the shrimp. Raw shrimp only takes minutes to make, just buy it raw.

Always look for deveined, that’s my preference. The black vein that runs along the back of the shrimp is the digestive intestinal tract. Is this shrimp poop, yes.

You can buy it with the vein and remove it using a sharp paring knife to make a slit along the back and lift out the vein with the tip of the knife.

Check out tips on How to Peel and Devein Shrimp here.

Buy large shrimp. No one likes those baby shrimp and they are harder to cook with.

How to Thaw Frozen Shrimp

Place the frozen shrimp in a large bowl of cold water. The shrimp will thaw within minutes and will be ready to peel.

What’s in Shrimp Scampi Sauce?

The key components to a shrimp scampi sauce are

• Butter
• White Wine
• Garlic

What Type of Wine to Use

I recommend dry, white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

How to Make Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Add garlic to a skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add white wine, fresh lemon juice, Italian Seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes. The wine sauce will start to bubble.
3. Add the butter to the skillet. Allow it melt.

How to Substitute Wine and Make the Dish Without Wine

Yes, instead of using wine you can use equal parts of chicken or vegetable broth.

Do You Keep the Tails on the Shrimp?

This is completely up to you and is a matter of preference. Often the tails are left on for presentation purposes only. The shrimp simply looks nicer and will have a nice curve to it when the tails are left on.

Leaving the tail on is often inconvenient when it comes to devouring the meal! It’s your call.

Calories in the Dish

Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi has 240 calories, 18 grams of fat, 4 net carbs, and 17 grams of protein. The macros are very comparable to the macros within this recipe.

What to Pair with Scampi

• Zucchini Noodles
• Roasted Ranch Potatoes
• Ranch Mashed Potatoes
• Cauliflower Mash
• Southern Fried Cabbage
• Okra and Tomatoes
• Panda Express Kung Pao Chicken

More Shrimp Recipes

Keto Shrimp Alfredo
Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
Seafood Lasagna
Shrimp Egg Rollls
Seafood and Shrimp Chili
Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Jerk Shrimp Recipe
Shrimp and Crab Quiche
Shrimp Parmesan (Parmigiana)

More Copycat Recipes

Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap
Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich
Red Lobster CopyCat Shrimp Scampi
Instant Pot Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana Soup
Keto Low Carb Zuppa Toscana Soup
Panera Autumn Squash Soup
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Big Mac Casserole