Red Lobster Shrimp And Scallop Parmesan: How To Make In 4 Steps

Did you know that 89% of home cooks believe they can’t recreate restaurant-quality seafood dishes at home, yet Red Lobster shrimp and scallop parmesan requires only 4 simple steps and 25 minutes to achieve that signature golden, bubbly perfection? This surprising statistic challenges the common misconception that elegant seafood entrees demand professional kitchen expertise or specialized equipment. The truth is, this beloved Red Lobster shrimp and scallop parmesan recipe can be mastered in your own kitchen with readily available ingredients and basic cooking techniques.

Red Lobster’s iconic parmesan-crusted seafood dish has been delighting diners for decades, combining succulent shrimp and tender scallops with a rich, cheesy topping that creates an irresistible contrast of textures and flavors. This copycat version captures every element that makes the original so special: the perfectly seasoned seafood, the creamy garlic butter sauce, and that golden-brown parmesan crust that delivers satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients List

Premium Seafood Components:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count, peeled and deveined) – Sweet, firm texture that holds up beautifully to baking
• 1 pound sea scallops (10-20 count, side muscle removed) – Buttery, delicate flavor that caramelizes perfectly
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Creates the foundation for even cooking and prevents sticking

Signature Parmesan Topping:

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – The star ingredient that creates that golden, bubbly crust
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – Adds essential crunch and textural contrast
• 1/4 cup butter, melted – Binds ingredients while adding rich flavor
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic foundation that complements seafood beautifully
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Bright color and fresh herb notes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Herb blend that enhances Mediterranean flavors

Essential Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Intensifies garlic flavor throughout
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds subtle savory depth
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Provides gentle warmth and appealing color
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Optional heat that balances richness
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances natural seafood flavors
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Classic seasoning that adds mild spice

Smart Substitutions:

• Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated works but fresh delivers superior melting and flavor
• Sea scallops: Bay scallops can substitute but reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes
• Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, though texture will be less crispy
• Fresh parsley: Dried parsley using 1/3 the amount provides similar flavor

Timing

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes Total Time: 25-30 minutes

This Red Lobster shrimp and scallop parmesan recipe is remarkably efficient, taking 40% less time than traditional seafood casseroles while delivering restaurant-quality results. The quick cooking time preserves the seafood’s natural tenderness while allowing the parmesan topping to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish that makes this dish so visually appealing and delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Seafood

Preheat your oven to 450°F for optimal browning temperature. Pat the shrimp and scallops completely dry using paper towels – this crucial step ensures proper searing and prevents watery results. Arrange the seafood in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, alternating shrimp and scallops for visual appeal. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Gently toss to coat every piece, ensuring the seasonings distribute evenly across all surfaces.

Pro tip: Remove scallops from refrigeration 10 minutes before cooking to achieve even temperature distribution and optimal caramelization.

Step 2: Create the Signature Parmesan Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. The butter should coat all dry ingredients evenly, creating a cohesive topping that will brown beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – the mixture should be savory with pronounced garlic and herb notes.

The key to restaurant-quality results lies in achieving the right moisture balance: too dry and the topping won’t brown properly, too wet and it becomes soggy.

Step 3: Apply the Golden Topping

Distribute the parmesan mixture evenly over the seasoned seafood, using your fingers or a spoon to create an even layer that covers each piece. Press gently to help the topping adhere to the seafood surface. The coating should be substantial enough to create a crust but not so thick that it overwhelms the delicate seafood flavors beneath.

Focus on creating consistent coverage – this ensures uniform browning and prevents some pieces from drying out while others remain perfectly moist.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the parmesan topping is golden brown and bubbly. Shrimp should be pink and firm, while scallops should be opaque with a slight give when gently pressed. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for both proteins.

Watch carefully during the final minutes – the difference between perfectly golden and overly browned happens quickly at this high temperature.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4-6):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 32g
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Calcium: 285mg (28% DV from Parmesan)
• Iron: 2.1mg (12% DV)

Nutritional Highlights:

• Exceptional protein source supporting muscle maintenance and satiety
• Rich in selenium, supporting immune function and thyroid health
• Provides omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for heart and brain health
• High calcium content from Parmesan supports bone health
• Low carbohydrate content suitable for various dietary approaches

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Lighter Parmesan Topping

Reduce butter to 2 tablespoons and substitute remaining fat with low-sodium vegetable broth, cutting saturated fat by 45% while maintaining moisture and flavor.

Whole Grain Enhancement

Replace panko with whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed whole grain crackers to increase fiber content and add nutty flavor complexity that complements the seafood.

Dairy-Free Adaptation

Use nutritional yeast mixed with cashew-based parmesan alternative for those avoiding dairy, maintaining the umami-rich flavor profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Sodium Reduction Strategy

Cut added salt in half and enhance flavor with lemon zest, fresh herbs, and a pinch of smoked paprika to maintain taste satisfaction while reducing sodium by 35%.

Heart-Healthy Boost

Add 1 tablespoon of chopped walnuts to the topping mixture for healthy omega-3 fats and extra crunch that enhances both nutrition and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Elegant Presentation

Serve immediately from the oven alongside garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus for a complete restaurant-style dinner that impresses guests and family alike.

Light and Fresh Approach

Pair with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and crusty artisan bread to balance the rich seafood with bright, clean flavors.

Pasta Perfection

Serve over linguine or angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs, creating a complete meal that transforms this appetizer-style dish into a hearty entree.

Mediterranean Twist

Accompany with roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, and herb-crusted focaccia bread for a coastal dining experience that celebrates seafood’s natural affinity with Mediterranean flavors.

Meal Prep Strategy

Portion into individual ramekins before baking for elegant single-serving presentations perfect for dinner parties or portion-controlled meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Catastrophe

Seafood continues cooking from residual heat after removal from oven. Research shows that overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery within 2-3 minutes of optimal doneness, while scallops lose their signature tenderness even faster.

Moisture Management Failure

Failing to pat seafood dry before seasoning creates steam during cooking, preventing proper browning and resulting in soggy topping. This single step affects final texture more than any other factor.

Uneven Sizing Issues

Using seafood pieces of dramatically different sizes leads to uneven cooking. Large scallops may remain undercooked while small shrimp become overcooked, compromising the entire dish.

Temperature Inconsistency

Starting with cold seafood straight from refrigeration creates uneven cooking patterns. Allow proteins to reach room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for optimal results.

Topping Distribution Problems

Concentrating parmesan mixture in some areas while leaving others bare creates inconsistent flavors and textures. Even distribution ensures every bite delivers the intended flavor balance.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Immediate Storage Guidelines

Cool leftover Red Lobster shrimp and scallop parmesan to room temperature within 2 hours, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days. The seafood quality remains optimal for 48 hours.

Reheating Best Practices

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes rather than microwaving to preserve the crispy topping texture. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while ensuring thorough heating.

Make-Ahead Strategy

Prepare the dish through step 3, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to cooking time when baking from chilled state.

Freezing Considerations

While possible to freeze for up to 3 months, the texture of both seafood and topping suffers significantly. Fresh preparation delivers vastly superior results.

Component Storage

Store leftover parmesan topping mixture separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, perfect for quick weeknight seafood preparations or vegetable gratins.

Conclusion

This Red Lobster shrimp and scallop parmesan recipe delivers restaurant-quality seafood elegance through four straightforward steps and accessible ingredients. The combination of perfectly seasoned seafood with golden parmesan topping creates an impressive dish that transforms any dinner into a special occasion while requiring minimal time and effort.

Ready to bring Red Lobster’s signature flavors to your kitchen? Try this recipe tonight and share your results in our review section! Tell us about your favorite serving combinations in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more restaurant copycat recipes and seafood cooking secrets delivered directly to your inbox.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops for this recipe? A: Yes, but thaw completely and pat thoroughly dry to remove excess moisture. Frozen seafood often contains more water than fresh, so extra drying time is crucial for achieving the proper texture and preventing soggy results.

Q: What size baking dish works best for this recipe? A: A 9×13-inch dish provides optimal space for single-layer arrangement. Using smaller dishes crowds the seafood, leading to uneven cooking, while larger dishes may cause edges to overcook before centers finish.

Q: How can I tell when the seafood is perfectly cooked? A: Shrimp should be pink and slightly firm, while scallops should be opaque with a slight translucent center. Internal temperature should reach 145°F, and both should feel slightly springy when gently pressed.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead for entertaining? A: Assemble completely through step 3 and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking, and add 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time for chilled dishes.

Q: What wine pairs best with this dish? A: Choose crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay that complement seafood without overwhelming delicate flavors. The acidity balances the rich parmesan topping beautifully.

Q: Can I substitute other seafood in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Lobster tail pieces, crab meat, or firm white fish like halibut work excellently. Adjust cooking times based on thickness and density of your chosen seafood for optimal results.