Seafood Copycat Recipes from Famous Restaurants

Introduction

We all have our go-to seafood dishes from beloved restaurants. But did you know you can replicate these culinary delights at home? Bill Darden, the founder of Red Lobster, opened his first restaurant, The Green Frog, at just 19 years old. The first Red Lobster opened its doors in Lakeland, Florida, in 1968, focusing on quality and service. By the 1970s, Red Lobster had expanded across the United States. In 1995, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Bahama Breeze became part of Darden Restaurants. Home cooks and chefs have spent countless hours perfecting these recipes, allowing you to enjoy your favorite dishes without leaving your home. Try making Red Lobster's Shrimp Scampi and Dungeness Crab Bisque and see if you can taste the difference.

Red Lobster Copycat Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients

• 1 cup White Wine
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
• 3 tablespoons Minced Garlic
• 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt & Pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pan, combine the butter, wine, garlic, and shrimp.
3. Bake for about 7 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink. Be careful not to overcook.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.

Serves: 2-4

Recipe provided by: America's Secret Recipes

Red Lobster Copycat Dungeness Crab Bisque

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Minced Onion
• 2 tablespoons Butter or Margarine
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 2 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 cups Half-and-Half
• 1 pound Alaska Dungeness Crab Meat
• Salt, to taste
• Chopped Parsley

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion in butter until soft. Add flour and cook while stirring for 1 minute.
2. Slowly stir in chicken broth and half-and-half; cook for 5 minutes while stirring.
3. Break the crab into chunks and add to the broth.
4. Heat thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley.

Serves: 4

Source: "America's Most Wanted Recipes Volume 2"

Tips for Cooking Seafood

Purchasing and Storing

1. Fresh or Frozen: Always buy seafood fresh or frozen. Clams and mussels should be alive in their shells when purchased. For lobster and crab, live is best, but frozen is a good alternative.
2. Timely Cooking: Cook fresh seafood within 24 hours of purchase.
3. Thawing: Thaw frozen seafood in the refrigerator immediately before cooking.

Cooking Techniques

1. Boiling Lobster: No special preparation is needed. Place the lobster head-first into boiling water.
2. Steaming Crabs: Cook until the shells turn bright red.
3. Steaming Mussels: Cook for only 2-3 minutes in a covered pan.
4. Sautéing: Shrimp, scallops, and clams can be sautéed in wine sauce, garlic butter, or oil. Remove when cooked to the desired taste.
5. Mixed-Seafood Dishes: Use steamed shrimp, scallops, and clams.
6. Marinating: Always marinate seafood in the refrigerator.
7. Baking Fish: Bake fish for 10 minutes per inch of thickness at 400-450°F. Turn halfway through cooking. The fish is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily.
8. Broiling: For fish one inch thick or less, place 2-4 inches from the heat. For thicker pieces, place 5-6 inches from the heat.
9. Frying:
   • Sautéing: Use approximately 1/8 inch of cooking oil. Cook for 3-6 minutes per side.
   • Deep Frying: Ensure the oil covers the entire fish. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Boiling:
    • Shrimp: Boil in 4 cups of water per pound of shrimp. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
    • Scallops: Boil for 3-5 minutes.

Health Considerations

Be aware of the health risks associated with consuming raw seafood. Always ensure seafood is cooked to the appropriate temperature to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Conclusion

Recreating your favorite seafood dishes at home can be a rewarding and delicious experience. With these copycat recipes, you can enjoy the flavors of famous restaurants without the cost or hassle of dining out. Happy cooking!

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links.

Interesting Stats

• Seafood Consumption: The average American consumes about 16 pounds of seafood per year (Source: NOAA).
• Shrimp Popularity: Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the U.S., with Americans eating about 4.6 pounds per person annually (Source: Seafood Health Facts).
• Home Cooking Trend: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 54% of Americans reported cooking more at home (Source: Hunter PR).

By following these recipes and tips, you can bring the restaurant experience to your home kitchen, saving both time and money while enjoying delicious seafood dishes.