What is Shrimp Rangoon at Red Lobster? A Deep Dive into This Iconic Seafood Appetizer

Shrimp rangoon is one of the most beloved appetizers at Red Lobster and a highlight of their “Create Your Own Ultimate Feast” menu. But what exactly is this crispy, creamy and delicious appetizer? Let’s take a deep dive into the origins, ingredients and prep that goes into making this restaurant favorite.

A Brief History of Shrimp Rangoon

While shrimp rangoon may seem like a classic American appetizer its roots can actually be traced back to Chinese dumplings and Japanese fried wontons. The dish likely originated from crab rangoon which substituted crab meat for the shrimp filling.

Red Lobster first introduced their version of shrimp rangoon back in the 1970s when the chain debuted. It quickly became one of their most popular sharing appetizers and has remained a staple on their menu for over 40 years. While you can find shrimp rangoon at other restaurants nowadays, Red Lobster’s recipe remains iconic.

The Quintessential Ingredients

So what exactly goes into making Red Lobster’s famous shrimp rangoon? The filling contains just a handful of simple ingredients

• Shrimp – The star ingredient! Chopped and cooked baby shrimp provide rich, savory flavor.

• Cream cheese – Adds a delicious creamy, velvety texture.

• Green onions – Provides fresh, aromatic flavor.

• Garlic – Extra punch of flavor and aroma.

• Soy sauce – For salty, savory umami notes.

• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth, sweetness and that distinctive shrimp rangoon tang.

The crispy wrappers are made from wonton wrappers, flour-based thin skins that puff up perfectly when fried.

The cooking process

Cooking shrimp rangoon takes a bit of time and some handy skills, which is why these are best left to the Red Lobster chefs! Here is a quick rundown of how shrimp rangoon is prepped in the kitchen:

• Shrimp are cleaned, chopped and cooked until just pink.
• Cream cheese is whipped until smooth and blended with seasonings and shrimp.
• Wonton wrappers are filled with a spoonful of the shrimp and cream cheese mixture.
• Rangoons are folded into neat purses and sealed tightly.
• Filled rangoons are fried in oil at high heat until golden brown.
• The rangoon puff up into crispy pockets bursting with creamy filling.
• Fried rangoons are served immediately while hot and crispy.

Why We Love Shrimp Rangoon

There are so many reasons shrimp rangoon has remained a Red Lobster classic decade after decade. Here are just a few of the highlights:

• That irresistible crispy, creamy combo – The crispy, flaky wonton shells pair perfectly with the rich and savory seafood filling.

• Addictive flavors – With every bite you get a burst of sweet shrimp, tangy cream cheese, bright green onions and a hint of garlic. So many mouthwatering flavors in one bite!

• Fun to share – Shrimp rangoon always brings people together. The act of dipping the crispy pockets in sweet chili sauce and popping them in your mouth is just plain fun.

• Value and variety – You get a lot of rangoons for your money, making this a great sharing appetizer. And they pair well with so many other menu items.

• Nostalgia factor – For many people, shrimp rangoon brings back fond memories of special meals at Red Lobster over the years. Comfort food at its finest!

So there you have it, a comprehensive look at the origins, ingredients, prep and enduring popularity of Red Lobster’s shrimp rangoon. This iconic appetizer has certainly earned its place in the restaurant’s history books as a forever favorite. The next time you’re at Red Lobster, be sure to order shrimp rangoon as the perfect starter for your seafood feast!