There’s something so satisfying about making your favorite restaurant dishes right in your own kitchen. And let me tell you, whipping up this grilled shrimp red lobster style recipe is a total game-changer! My family absolutely adores shrimp, and this version gets cheers every single time, especially from my husband.
It’s surprisingly easy, incredibly delicious, and brings that special Red Lobster seafood flavor we all crave. Plus, you get to control the ingredients, making it just the way you like it. Get ready to impress everyone with this simple, tasty meal!
Why This Homemade Grilled Shrimp Red Lobster Style Recipe is a Winner!
This copycat recipe is a true winner because it’s so straightforward. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, just simple pantry staples that come together to create an incredibly flavorful dish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight family dinner or for when you have guests over, much like how our family enjoys making Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks for special occasions.
Honestly, recreating a restaurant favorite at home, and maybe even making it a little healthier, is such a joy. This grilled shrimp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools for Your Grilled Shrimp Feast
Alright, friends, let’s get our ducks in a row before we start grilling up this amazing shrimp! Don’t worry, you’ll find most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen or super easy to grab at the grocery store. Gathering everything first makes cooking so much smoother.
For the Star of the Show: The Shrimp
- Shrimp: You’ll want about one pound of large or jumbo shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined. Tail-on or tail-off is up to you – my kids find tail-off easier to eat, but tail-on looks pretty! Fresh is great, but good quality frozen shrimp works wonderfully too; just thaw them properly.
- Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes. This keeps them from burning on the hot grill. Metal skewers work great too!
For That Irresistible Red Lobster Style Marinade & Seasoning
This is where the magic happens!
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: About 1/4 cup will be the base of our marinade.
- Garlic: Two to three cloves, freshly minced. Trust me, fresh garlic makes a huge difference!
- Lemon Juice: Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice adds a lovely brightness.
- Old Bay Seasoning: One tablespoon of this classic seafood seasoning is key for that Red Lobster taste. If you have another favorite seafood seasoning, that can work too.
- Paprika: One teaspoon for a touch of color and mild flavor.
- Dried Parsley: One teaspoon, or use fresh if you have it!
- Salt and Black Pepper: About 1/2 teaspoon of each, or to your taste.
- My son loves a little heat, so sometimes I add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper!
Essential Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need anything too fancy here:
- Mixing Bowls: One for the marinade and another for the shrimp.
- Whisk or Fork: To mix that delicious marinade together.
- Grill: An outdoor grill (gas or charcoal) is perfect. An indoor grill pan will also do the trick.
- Tongs: For easily flipping those shrimp.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For getting those ingredient amounts just right – a good cook always measures! Exploring different copycat recipes often inspires me to ensure I have all the right tools on hand.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Copycat Grilled Shrimp Red Lobster Style
Alright, let’s get grilling! This delicious grilled shrimp red lobster style recipe is so much easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time. I’ll walk you through it, just like I would with a friend in my kitchen!
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
First things first, let’s get our shrimp ready. If you’re using frozen shrimp, you’ll need to thaw them. My quick tip is to place them in a colander and run cold water over them until they’re no longer icy.
Once thawed, gently pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This little step is important because it helps the marinade stick better and gives you a nicer sear on the grill. And if you’re using wooden skewers, now’s the time to get them soaking in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t catch fire.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Flavorful Marinade
Now for the best part – creating that irresistible marinade that makes this shrimp taste just like it came from Red Lobster! In a medium-sized bowl, combine your olive oil (or melted butter), the freshly minced garlic (it makes such a difference!), lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Grab a whisk or a fork and mix everything together really well until it’s all nicely blended. I always give my marinades a little taste at this point. Cooking is all about adjusting to your family’s preference, so feel free to add a tiny bit more seasoning if you think it needs it!
Step 3: Marinate the Shrimp
Gently add your prepared shrimp to the bowl with that wonderful marinade. Use a spoon or your clean hands to toss the shrimp, making sure every single one is beautifully coated with all that yummy flavor.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the shrimp marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes. You don’t want to go much longer than an hour, especially with the lemon juice, as it can start to “cook” the shrimp and change the texture. “This little waiting time is when the magic happens,” I always tell my kids as they peek into the fridge!
Step 4: Skewer the Shrimp (Optional, but Recommended!)
Once your shrimp have had a chance to soak up all that delicious marinade, it’s time to skewer them if you’re using skewers. Carefully thread the shrimp onto your soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers. Try not to pack them on too tightly; leaving a little space between each one helps them cook more evenly.
If you decide not to use skewers, you can absolutely grill the shrimp individually. I find skewers make them much easier to flip all at once, though, especially with little helpers around!
Step 5: Get Your Grill Ready
Time to fire up the grill! You’ll want to preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat. That’s usually around 375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once it’s hot, make sure to clean the grill grates well, and then give them a light oiling. This prevents our precious shrimp from sticking. My husband usually takes over grill duty for this part, making sure it’s just right!
Step 6: Grill to Perfection!
Carefully place your shrimp skewers (or individual shrimp) onto the hot, oiled grill grates. Listen for that lovely sizzle! You’ll want to grill them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Shrimp cook incredibly fast, so keep a close eye on them. They’re done when they turn pink and opaque all the way through and curl up into a “C” shape. Try your best not to overcook them, as they can get a bit tough. Juicy, tender grilled shrimp red lobster style is what we’re aiming for!
Tips from My Kitchen & Tasty Twists for Your Grilled Shrimp
Over the years of making shrimp for my family, I’ve picked up a few little secrets and fun ways to change things up. Here are some of my best tips to make your grilled shrimp red lobster style adventure even more delicious!
My Top Tips for the Best Grilled Shrimp
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Especially with citrus like lemon juice, 30 minutes is usually plenty for the shrimp to soak up the flavor. Any longer, and the acid can start to make the shrimp a bit tough.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give those shrimp some space! If you put too many on at once, they’ll steam instead of grill, and you won’t get those nice grill marks. Cook in batches if you need to.
- Watch Closely: Shrimp are speedy little cookers! They can go from perfectly juicy to overcooked and rubbery in a flash. Stay by the grill and keep an eye on them.
- Butter Baste (Optional): For an extra touch of that Red Lobster richness, try brushing the shrimp with a little melted garlic butter right as they come off the grill. My family goes wild for this!
Fun Variations Your Family Might Love
One of the best things about cooking at home is making recipes your own!
- Spicy Kick: If your family likes a bit of heat, like my son does, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. Sometimes we even try to replicate bolder flavors like the one in our Copycat Wagamama Firecracker Chicken.
- Lemon Herb Boost: For a brighter, more herby flavor, try adding a little extra lemon zest to the marinade, along with some fresh chopped herbs like dill or oregano.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: We love garlic in our house! Feel free to double the garlic in the marinade if you do too. You can never have too much, right?
- No Grill? No Problem! If you don’t have a grill or the weather isn’t cooperating, you can easily pan-sear these shrimp in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side. Still so yummy!
Serving Suggestions – Making it a Meal!
These delicious grilled shrimp are fantastic on their own, but here are some ways we love to serve them for a complete meal:
- Always serve them hot, with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.
- For a classic Red Lobster experience, pair them with a fluffy baked potato and, of course, some homemade cheddar bay biscuits! (Psst, I have a great recipe for those too!) We also love a good side like our Copycat KFC Coleslaw.
- For lighter options, these shrimp are wonderful served over a fresh green salad, with grilled vegetables, or with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa. It makes for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels really special. When aiming for lighter meals, focusing on balanced macronutrients can be very helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
I often get asked a few common questions when I talk about making this grilled shrimp red lobster style dish, or about Red Lobster in general. So, I thought I’d answer some of them here for you!
How do Red Lobsters grill their shrimp?
From what I understand, Red Lobster usually marinates their shrimp in a really tasty, often buttery and garlicky, mix. They use those signature seafood seasonings, kind of like the Old Bay we use in this recipe. Then, they grill the shrimp quickly over pretty high heat. This gives them that lovely char on the outside while keeping them nice and juicy inside. My recipe here tries to get that same delicious flavor and texture, so you can enjoy it right at home!
What is the healthiest thing to order at Red Lobster?
That’s a great question! While our homemade grilled shrimp is pretty good, if you’re at Red Lobster and looking for some of the healthier choices, things like their Live Maine Lobster or Snow Crab Legs are often smart picks. Simply grilled fish, like salmon or tilapia, can also be good – just maybe ask for it prepared with less butter or sauce. It’s always a good idea to check their official nutritional information online for the latest details. Focusing on healthy eating basics can guide your choices when dining out.
Why was it a mistake for Red Lobster to offer all you can eat shrimp?
Ah, the famous “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” deal! Well, while it was super popular with everyone who loves shrimp (like my family!), it seems it wasn’t always the best for Red Lobster’s business. Imagine how much shrimp people can eat! The cost of giving away unlimited shrimp, especially when it was a special price, sometimes ended up being more than the money they made from it. It just shows that even a really popular idea can be tricky for a business if it costs too much!
Does Red Lobster have breaded shrimp?
Yes, they sure do! If you’re a fan of breaded shrimp, Red Lobster has you covered. They’re well-known for their hand-breaded Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, which are so yummy with that sweet dipping sauce. They also have classic Fried Shrimp on their menu. So, whether you like grilled, like our recipe today, or breaded, you can usually find a shrimp dish you’ll enjoy there.
Storing & Reheating Leftover Grilled Shrimp (If You Have Any!)
In our house, leftover grilled shrimp red lobster style is a pretty rare sight, as they usually disappear fast! But, just in case you find yourselves with a few extras, here’s how to keep them tasting great.
- Storage: Let the shrimp cool down completely first. Then, pop them into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should be good for about 2 to 3 days.
- Reheating: The key is to reheat them gently so they don’t get tough or rubbery. A quick warm-up in a skillet over low heat works wonderfully. You can also use the oven on a low temperature, or even the microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to overdo it. My favorite way is a quick toss in a pan with just a tiny bit of butter – brings them right back to life!
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes from My Kitchen
If this grilled shrimp red lobster style recipe was a hit with your family, I have a feeling you might enjoy some of our other shrimp favorites too! We’re big shrimp fans around here, and there are so many easy ways to prepare them. Perhaps you’d even like a comforting soup like our Copycat Chili’s Chicken Enchilada Soup for another family meal idea.
For a quick weeknight meal, my Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is always a winner with the kids. And if you’re really short on time, you can’t beat my quick 15-Minute Shrimp Scampi for a burst of flavor! Sometimes we even pair it with a sweet treat like our Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf.
Enjoy Your Homemade Red Lobster Style Feast!
I truly hope your family enjoys this grilled shrimp red lobster style recipe just as much as mine does! There’s something so special about bringing that delicious restaurant magic right into your own kitchen, especially when it’s this easy and tasty. It’s a wonderful way to make any meal feel a bit more festive.
Gather everyone around the table, share some smiles, and dig into these yummy shrimp. Happy grilling, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Enjoy every bite!