Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

Seafood lovers, get ready because today we’re diving into the irresistible Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe. If you’ve ever dined at Red Lobster, you already know their shrimp dishes are legendary. Juicy, golden, and packed with flavor, this recipe brings restaurant-quality shrimp right into your own kitchen.

What makes this dish so popular is the perfect balance of crispy shrimp tossed in a garlicky, buttery sauce. It’s one of those recipes that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare. With a handful of ingredients and under 30 minutes, you can whip up this shrimp recipe at home.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend appetizer spread, this crispy dragon shrimp is sure to impress. Let’s bring that Red Lobster magic straight to your table.

My Personal Experience With This Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

I first tried the Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp on a family outing, and it instantly became one of my favorite seafood dishes. The shrimp had that perfect crunch, yet stayed juicy inside all coated in a buttery garlic sauce that left me wanting more.

When I recreated this recipe at home, I was amazed at how simple it was. Just a bit of seasoning, a hot skillet, and fresh garlic made my kitchen smell like a seafood restaurant. The best part? It took less than half an hour from prep to plate.

Now, this has become my go-to dish whenever I want something quick but special. Every bite reminds me of dining out, only now I get to enjoy it right at home.

Ingredients Required for Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp (tails on, cleaned and deveined)
• 4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 2–3 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp lemon pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp dry parsley

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Mixing bowl
2. Skillet or frying pan
3. Tongs
4. Knife & cutting board
5. Measuring spoons

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Copycat Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp in a delicious way.

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Place 1 pound of cleaned, deveined shrimp (with tails on) into a mixing bowl. Drizzle lightly with oil and season generously with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Toss well so the shrimp is evenly coated.

2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 2–3 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

3. Cook the Shrimp: Sear the shrimp for about 1 minute per side. The shrimp should turn golden brown, with tails turning pink. Remove them from the skillet once cooked, and set aside. Cook remaining shrimp in batches if necessary.

4. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 1 stick of unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

5. Season the Sauce: Stir in dry parsley (or fresh parsley if available). This adds a fresh herby flavor and balances the richness of the butter.

6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss until each piece is coated with the buttery garlic sauce. Turn off the heat, transfer to a serving plate, and enjoy immediately while hot and flavorful.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp deliciously

1. Over Garlic Butter Rice
One of my favorite pairings is serving the shrimp over fluffy white rice tossed with a little garlic butter. The sauce soaks right into the rice, and every bite is pure comfort.

2. With Crispy French Fries
Honestly, shrimp and fries are a match made in heaven. The crispy textures together make it feel like the ultimate seafood basket.

3. Shrimp Tacos
I’ve stuffed these crispy shrimp into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. It’s restaurant-quality tacos at home!

4. Alongside Pasta
Toss the shrimp with buttery linguine or creamy Alfredo pasta. I tried this once for a quick dinner, and it instantly became a family favorite.

5. On a Fresh Salad
For a lighter option, I love topping a bed of mixed greens or Caesar Salad with these shrimp, some avocado slices, and a zesty vinaigrette.

6. With Garlic Bread
Every time I make this dish, I try to serve garlic bread on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up all that buttery sauce.

7. As an Appetizer Platter
When friends come over, I plate these shrimp with lemon wedges and a sweet chili dip. They disappear in minutes!

8. Shrimp Wraps
A warm tortilla, fresh veggies, and these shrimp rolled together make an easy, handheld lunch that’s both filling and tasty.

9. With Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Red Lobster Mashed Potatoes with garlicky shrimp on top feels like ultimate comfort food. I’ve done this on cold nights, and it always hits the spot.

10. On Quinoa or Couscous
For something a little healthier, I sometimes serve these shrimp over quinoa or couscous with a squeeze of lemon. It’s light, fresh, and still so satisfying.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Use fresh shrimp
Fresh shrimp taste better. If you use frozen, let them thaw first.

2. Keep the tails on
The tails make the shrimp look nice and are easier to flip in the pan.

3. Dry the shrimp first
Pat the shrimp with a paper towel. This helps them get more crispy.

4. Don’t skip the oil
A little oil keeps the shrimp from sticking to the pan.

5. Hot pan is key
Make sure the pan is hot before you add the shrimp. They cook fast!

6. One minute each side
Shrimp cook very quickly. Flip them after one minute so they stay juicy.

7. Don’t crowd the pan
If you put too many shrimp in at once, they will steam, not fry. Cook in small batches.

8. Fresh garlic is best
Real garlic makes the sauce taste strong and yummy. Garlic powder is okay, but not the same.

9. Add parsley at the end
Parsley makes the shrimp look pretty and adds a fresh taste.

10. Eat right away
Shrimp taste the best when hot. Serve them fast for the most flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a touch of butter to maintain crispiness and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery.

FAQs on this Copycat Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe

When you give this Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can! I’ve used frozen shrimp many times. Just make sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before cooking, so they still get that nice golden crust.

2. Do I need to keep the tails on?

Not really. I usually keep them on because it looks pretty and makes flipping easier, but if you prefer no tails, go ahead and remove them.

3. What oil works best for frying the shrimp?

I love using avocado oil because it handles high heat well. Olive oil also works, but it can smoke a little faster, so just keep the heat in check.

4. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! I’ve added a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix before, and it gave the shrimp a really nice kick.

5. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

From my experience, shrimp cook super fast. Once they turn pink and curl slightly, they’re done. Overcooking will make them rubbery.

6. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, I’ve tried baking them at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes. They don’t get as crispy as the skillet version, but they still taste delicious.

7. What can I use instead of parsley?

If I don’t have parsley, I usually grab cilantro or even a little chopped green onion. Both give a fresh pop of flavor.

8. Can I use salted butter?

You can, but I prefer unsalted so I can control the seasoning better. If you use salted, just cut back a little on the added salt.

9. How long does this dish stay good in the fridge?

From my experience, it’s best eaten fresh. But if you have leftovers, they keep fine in the fridge for up to 2 days.

10. How should I reheat the shrimp?

I like to reheat them in a hot skillet with a tiny bit of butter. It keeps them juicy and brings back that buttery garlic flavor. Avoid the microwave it makes them rubbery.

This Red Lobster Crispy Dragon Shrimp Recipe is proof that restaurant-style seafood can be made effortlessly at home. With simple seasonings and a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s the kind of dish that never fails to impress. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family. Craving more seafood inspiration? Stay tuned for more quick and easy recipes coming your way!

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