Copycat Red Lobster Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Make restaurant-quality Garlic Shrimp Scampi at home with this copycat Red Lobster recipe. Easy, healthy, and bursting with garlic flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup dry white wine
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 pound pasta or 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced thin for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season generously with sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
- 2
Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 4
Place the seasoned shrimp in the skillet in a single layer and sear for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque, then transfer to a clean plate.
- 5
Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt into the garlic-infused oil.
- 6
Pour the dry white wine into the skillet and use a wooden spoon to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for about 1 minute.
- 7
Add the fresh lemon juice, red pepper flakes, fresh thyme, and low-sodium vegetable broth to the skillet and stir to combine.
- 8
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry, then slowly add it to the skillet while stirring to thicken the sauce lightly.
- 9
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- 10
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley and lemon zest, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- 11
Divide the cooked pasta or rice among serving plates and top generously with the shrimp and sauce.
- 12
Garnish each plate with thin sliced garlic, additional fresh parsley, and a light sprinkle of lemon zest before serving immediately.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons) | Additional extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon) | Reduces saturated fat and cholesterol while maintaining richness through quality olive oil with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats |
| Dry white wine (0.5 cup) | Dry white wine (0.25 cup) plus chicken or vegetable broth (0.25 cup) | Reduces alcohol content and added sugar while maintaining depth of flavor with savory broth |
| Regular all-purpose pasta | Whole wheat or chickpea pasta | Increases fiber content and provides complete protein, supporting better blood sugar control and gut health |
| Sea salt (1 teaspoon) | Sea salt (0.5 teaspoon) with herbs de Provence (0.5 teaspoon) | Reduces sodium intake while adding anti-inflammatory herbs like lavender and oregano for flavor complexity |
| Cornstarch thickener | Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch | Provides lighter thickening without refined carbohydrates, easier on digestive system |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 36g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
