Walt's Favorite Shrimp from Red Lobster features crispy popcorn shrimp, tender garlic shrimp scampi, and creamy Walt's savory shrimp, all served golden brown with a zesty, buttery garlic sauce for a delightful blend of crunchy, buttery, and garlicky flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Saucepan
- Plate or platter for serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When preparing Walt's Favorite Shrimp, ensure your shrimp are properly peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor. Use panko breadcrumbs for the crispy popcorn shrimp to achieve that signature crunch. Fresh minced garlic combined with unsalted butter forms the base of the zesty, buttery garlic sauce, enhancing the dish's savory profile. Maintain proper oil temperature if frying to avoid greasy or soggy shrimp. Your homemade version will closely replicate Walt's Favorite Shrimp from Red Lobster, delivering a delightful blend of crunchy, buttery, and garlicky flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fill with vegetable oil.
- In a bowl, beat eggs with milk.
- Prepare a dredging station with separate bowls for flour, egg-milk mixture, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat shrimp first in flour, then egg-milk, then panko mixture.
- Fry breaded shrimp in batches until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- For shrimp scampi: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1/4 cup butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Toss 1/3 of the shrimp in skillet, sauté 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with dried parsley and squeeze lemon over.
- For creamy savory shrimp: In a saucepan, melt remaining butter.
- Stir in a splash of milk, more minced garlic if desired, salt, and pepper; cook until thickened slightly.
- Toss 1/3 of the shrimp in creamy butter sauce.
- On a plate or platter, arrange fried shrimp, garlic shrimp scampi, and creamy savory shrimp.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Walt's Favorite Shrimp from Red Lobster copycat menu combines crispy popcorn shrimp, tender garlic shrimp scampi, and creamy Walt's savory shrimp in a zesty, buttery garlic sauce. If you don't have a deep fryer, you can pan-fry the shrimp in a skillet using vegetable oil as a substitute to achieve a similar crispy texture. In case fresh shrimp are unavailable, frozen shrimp can be used; just be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure proper frying. For the garlic butter sauce, substituting olive oil for butter reduces richness but maintains flavor, suitable for those watching their fat intake. Your choice of panko breadcrumbs can be swapped with crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs if needed, though the texture will be less crunchy.
Tips
Maintain the deep fryer temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) to ensure shrimp cook evenly and become perfectly crispy without absorbing excess oil. When breading shrimp, coat each one fully with flour, egg mixture, and seasoned panko to achieve a uniform, crunchy texture. Use paper towels to drain fried shrimp immediately to prevent sogginess and preserve crispiness. Your timing is crucial when sauteing garlic shrimp scampi; cook just until garlic is fragrant to avoid bitterness and maintain a bright, fresh flavor.
Nutritions
Walt's Favorite Shrimp provides a rich source of protein from the shrimp, essential for muscle repair and growth. The dish contains a moderate amount of fat from unsalted butter, olive oil, and vegetable oil used in frying and sauces, contributing to its buttery and crispy texture. Panko breadcrumbs and all-purpose flour add carbohydrates, while garlic supplies antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. To balance the indulgence, your meal benefits from fresh lemon wedges that add vitamin C and enhance flavor without extra calories.
Storage
Store any leftover Walt's Favorite Shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume refrigerated shrimp within 2 to 3 days to enjoy optimal taste and texture. Reheat using an oven or skillet to preserve the crispy coating without sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs to add a different texture and flavor to the crispy shrimp. Instead of deep-frying, try baking the shrimp on a greased baking sheet at 400degF (200degC) for 12-15 minutes to create a lighter version with less oil. For the creamy savory shrimp, replace milk with heavy cream or coconut cream for a richer sauce that complements the garlic butter beautifully. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the garlic shrimp scampi to introduce a subtle, smoky heat.
Allergies
Walt's Favorite Shrimp contains shellfish, which is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes eggs, milk, and wheat-based ingredients like flour and panko breadcrumbs, all of which are potential allergens. You should avoid this meal if you have allergies to any of these ingredients.
Why this recipe?
Walt's Favorite Shrimp from Red Lobster features perfectly seasoned, crispy shrimp paired with a tangy dipping sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile that appeals to seafood lovers. The dish combines texture and taste, with crunchy breading and tender shrimp inside, making every bite satisfying. You can recreate this crave-worthy meal at home to enjoy the same great flavors without the restaurant price or wait time. Mastering this copycat recipe enhances your cooking skills and brings a classic seafood experience directly to your table.