Famous Red Lobster Shrimp Recipe: Make This Iconic Dish at Home
Are you a fan of seafood? If so, chances are you’ve heard of the legendary shrimp dish served at Red Lobster—a beloved American seafood chain known for its mouthwatering flavors. This shrimp recipe is rich, buttery, and garlicky with just the right kick of herbs and lemon. The best part? You can recreate this restaurant-style experience right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to make the famous Red Lobster shrimp at home—from choosing the right shrimp to mastering the buttery garlic-lemon sauce.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp (about 450 grams), peeled and deveined with tails on
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (about 1 stick or 100g)
- Juice of ½ fresh lemon
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water. Make sure they’re fully deveined and cleaned. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Keeping the tails on is optional, but it gives the dish a more elegant, restaurant-style look.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This garlic-butter mixture is the star of the dish—it infuses every bite of shrimp with bold, savory flavor.
Tip: Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mix.
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Add the cleaned shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated with the garlic butter marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes. This step allows the shrimp to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Option 1: Oven-Baked
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spread the marinated shrimp in a single layer and bake for 7–10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. For a slightly crispy top, broil them for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.
Option 2: Pan-Seared
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp along with the marinade. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Spoon the butter over the shrimp while cooking to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a serving platter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if using, and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges for a burst of color and brightness.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides such as:
- Steamed white rice
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Crusty bread for dipping in the sauce
- Light pasta with olive oil or Alfredo sauce
Cooking Tips for Perfect Shrimp
- Do not overcook the shrimp. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery. They’re done when they turn pink and curl slightly.
- Use high-quality butter. It makes a huge difference in the richness of the dish.
- Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich butter and garlic.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp
Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food rich in several nutrients:
- Contains Vitamin B12, iron, and selenium
- Low in fat and carbs
- Provides omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Now you can enjoy the famous Red Lobster shrimp right at home—no need to wait for a special occasion or dine out. This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week.
Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite seafood recipe. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy