Red Lobster is one of the most well-known chain restaurants in the United States. It has locations in strip malls and along highways all over the country. It’s known as a “seafood haven” because it sells seafood at low prices to people all over the United States. Its menu is full of specials and well-known favorites, like the Lobsterfest, which is a great name for the event, and the chain’s famous Cheddar Bay biscuits. Perhaps none of Red Lobsters deals have quite as much sway as its Ultimate Endless Shrimp.
There are many all-you-can-eat deals at chain restaurants, but Red Lobster’s Ultimate Endless Shrimp is the only one of its kind. It began as a promotion to get more people to come in, but it was so popular that Red Lobster made it a permanent part of their menu in the summer of 2023. The chain lost $11 million in the same quarter that Ultimate Endless Shrimp became a permanent menu item, according to CNN. It turned out to be too popular at its original price.
Even though Red Lobster has since changed its prices to reflect how popular Ultimate Endless Shrimps are, I knew that when I had the chance, I had to try this luxurious seafood treat for myself.
Red Lobster is one of the most popular casual dining seafood restaurant chains in America. With over 700 locations across the country, they are well-known for their endless shrimp deals, signature biscuits, and of course – shrimp dishes.
Shrimp is definitely one of Red Lobster’s specialties. They offer shrimp prepared in a variety of different ways – fried, scampi, broiled, grilled and more. But does Red Lobster actually serve grilled shrimp? Let’s take a closer look at their menu.
An Overview of Shrimp at Red Lobster
Shrimp is featured heavily on Red Lobster’s menu. Here are some of the most popular shrimp dishes they offer:
- Shrimp Linguini Alfredo – shrimp sautéed in garlic butter and served over linguini
- Walt’s Favorite Shrimp – hand-breaded fried shrimp
- Parmesan Shrimp Scampi – shrimp sautéed in a garlic butter sauce
- Wood-Grilled Shrimp Skewers – shrimp grilled on skewers
- Shrimp Linguini in a Spicy Sriracha Sauce
- Coconut Shrimp – coconut-crusted fried shrimp
- Shrimp Tacos – fried or grilled shrimp in tortillas
- Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo – shrimp and fettuccine in an alfredo sauce
As you can see, shrimp is prepared in many different ways on Red Lobster’s extensive seafood menu. But is grilled shrimp one of them?
Does Red Lobster Actually Serve Grilled Shrimp?
After looking closely at their menu offerings the answer is yes – Red Lobster does serve grilled shrimp!
Some of the dishes on their menu featuring grilled shrimp include
-
Wood-Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Jumbo shrimp grilled with Red Lobster’s signature seasoning and basted in garlic herb butter This dish lets the natural flavor of the fresh shrimp shine through
-
Grilled Shrimp Tacos – Marinated grilled shrimp layered with pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese and citrus rice in warm tortillas. You can taste the smoky grill flavors in the shrimp.
-
Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Their lunch menu offers grilled shrimp skewers basted in garlic herb butter. A lighter shrimp option for lunchtime.
-
Grilled Shrimp Platter – Grilled shrimp served with rice pilaf and broccoli. A simple preparation highlighted by the char-grilled shrimp.
-
Grilled Shrimp Linguini Alfredo – Their grilled shrimp flavor takes center stage in this classic pasta dish.
-
Grilled Shrimp & Salmon – Grilled shrimp and salmon filet served with rice pilaf and broccoli. Showcases both the salmon and shrimp.
So not only does Red Lobster serve grilled shrimp, but they offer various dishes and combos to cater to different tastes and preferences. The wood-grilled flavor adds so much depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the plump shrimp.
Grilled Shrimp Signature Feasts
Red Lobster also incorporates grilled shrimp into some of their multi-course Signature Feasts:
-
Grilled Lobster, Shrimp & Salmon – This feast includes a grilled Maine lobster tail, grilled shrimp, and grilled Atlantic salmon. It really shows off Red Lobster’s grilling technique across multiple seafood items.
-
Grilled Fish, Shrimp & Chicken – This dish features grilled shrimp along with lightly seasoned grilled chicken breast and grilled whitefish. It’s a surf and turf combo highlighting the grill.
-
Seafood Feast – Red Lobster’s ultimate Signature Feast includes grilled shrimp and lobster tails, fried shrimp, baked stuffed shrimp scampi, and fried clam strips. You get the best of all their shrimp preparations.
So grilled shrimp is incorporated into many of Red Lobster’s specialty platters.
Grilled vs Fried Shrimp at Red Lobster
While Red Lobster is perhaps best known for their fried coconut shrimp and Walt’s fried shrimp, the grilled shrimp is a nice change of pace and variety.
Some key differences between the grilled and fried shrimp options:
-
Grilled – lighter, healthier preparation that lets the natural shrimp flavor shine. Has a smoky, char-grilled taste.
-
Fried – more indulgent with a crispy breaded coating. Crunchy texture and bolder flavor from breading.
So it depends on your preferences. Grilled shrimp provides a flavorful and lighter option compared to their famous fried shrimp.
Ordering Grilled Shrimp at Red Lobster
The easiest way to order grilled shrimp at Red Lobster is to look for the “Wood-Grilled” description in the menu item or ask your server for a recommendation.
Some tips for ordering grilled shrimp dishes:
-
Order the Wood-Grilled Shrimp Skewers for the classic grilled shrimp experience.
-
Try the Grilled Shrimp Tacos for a lighter lunch option.
-
Add grilled shrimp to your salad or pasta dish for extra flavor.
-
Pick a Signature Feast featuring grilled shrimp like the Grilled Lobster, Shrimp & Salmon.
-
Request grilled shrimp instead of fried shrimp in one of their shrimp dishes.
-
Order grilled shrimp as one of your Unlimited Shrimp sides during Shrimp Fest.
So don’t hesitate to ask for grilled shrimp the next time you dine at Red Lobster. It’s definitely a tasty option.
Grilled Shrimp Availability
Since grilled shrimp is a standard menu item, it should be available year-round at your local Red Lobster restaurant. However, it’s always smart to call ahead if you have your heart set on a dish containing grilled shrimp, just in case they are out that day.
During seasonal events like Lobsterfest and Shrimp Fest, grilled shrimp may be featured and highlighted even more on the menu. Red Lobster chefs love showing off their grilled shrimp skills.
Grilled Shrimp Prices
Pricing for dishes featuring grilled shrimp is in line with other shrimp entrees on the menu. Expect to pay around $15 to $20 for an entree showcasing the grilled shrimp.
The Wood-Grilled Shrimp Skewers appetizer ranges from $9.99 to $12.99 based on location. Signature Feasts with grilled shrimp start at $28.99 and up depending on the restaurant.
Overall the grilled shrimp prices are consistent with what you’d pay for any shrimp dish at a casual sit-down seafood chain. And you’re getting the flavor enhancement from the wood-fired grill.
Is Grilled Shrimp Worth It at Red Lobster?
If you’re a shrimp lover, then absolutely try the grilled shrimp at least once at Red Lobster. The wood-grilling adds so much robust flavor and the shrimp stay tender and juicy.
The grilled skewers make for an irresistible appetizer. Or enjoy the grilled shrimp as a lighter, healthier option compared to fried. There are many ways to incorporate grilled shrimp into your Red Lobster meal.
Some people may prefer the classic fried shrimp, but the grilled preparation is worth exploring. Shrimp connoisseurs will appreciate the subtleties that the wood-fired grill brings out.
So for a fresh take on shrimp at Red Lobster, order your shrimp grilled. You won’t be disappointed by the sweet, smoky flavor. It’s clear why grilled shrimp deserves a permanent spot on their menu.
The Bottom Line
Grilled shrimp is definitely served at Red Lobster, and they prepare it beautifully. Look for “wood-grilled” or “grilled” on the menu to try excellent shrimp with a smoky char and full flavor profile.
It allows you to experience a flavorful new take on shrimp in an iconic restaurant known for seafood. So go beyond the fried coconut shrimp next time and expand your horizons with Red Lobster’s grilled shrimp offerings. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Round 1: Grilled shrimp skewer
After about 10 minutes, our first plate came out. It was an oval slab with our first three Endless Shrimp options: grilled shrimp skewer, Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp, and shrimp linguini alfredo. Eight grilled shrimp on a bed of orzo with a lemon slice were the first thing we ate. In addition to being the most basic dish, it was also the most humble. That wasn’t a bad thing.
There was some rubberiness and dryness in the shrimp, but a little lemon juice fixed it. They also paired well with our chosen side of broccoli, which was steamed and extremely salty. It might have been meant to have a Mediterranean feel, which is hard to do when you put it next to a pile of shrimp alfredo, but it kind of worked. We knew there would be a lot of eating, but the skewer started things off on a light, almost refreshing note. If only that couldve lasted!.
Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp
We don’t know where Parrot Isle is, but the coconut shrimp that gives it its name can be found somewhere in the Bermuda Triangle of starters, main courses, and fried desserts. Red Lobsters shrimp, while indeed jumbo, were hard to define. They were well breaded and shaped like butterfly wings. There were strands of browned coconut poking out along the edges, giving the savory shellfish below a sweet coating.
It was full-send coconut shrimp in every sense of that newly made-up term. The first real blow in our Endless Shrimp fight came from this dish. Fried sweets always hit hard, though. You always expect a little sweetness with coconut shrimp, but these could probably cause a cavity. There was also a white coconut sauce dip that tasted a bit like cake frosting and made it taste even worse.
You might think you were eating a zeppole or beignet if you didn’t look closely and pay attention to the flared shrimp tail. The only thing that’s not clear is whether the Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp should also be on Red Lobster’s dessert menu. I dont think Id complain if it was.
If the coconut shrimp was a jab, the shrimp linguini alfredo was an outright haymaker. Finally, we realized what we were up against. This dish, which was just shrimp on top of pasta and white sauce, was simple but much more indulgent than the other two on the plate, and we could tell from the first bite.
The sauce itself was milky and didn’t cover the linguini. This meant that some of the strands at the bottom were disappointingly dry. It did manage to catch the shrimp, which seemed to be simply boiled. But, it was hard to get any shrimp flavor due to the sauces overwhelming creaminess. When you go to a restaurant, you should probably avoid the pasta with alfredo sauce because it’s pretty simple and has a lot of dairy. Like any alfredo, though, this one kept us coming back for more even when we werent sure how. We didn’t think we’d be able to go on until our server Karl rang the bell for our second round in a sarcastic way.
The Truth About Red Lobster’s Endless Shrimp
Does Red Lobster have a shrimp your way menu?
Find your favorite items from the Red Lobster shrimp your way menu, including our New! Shrimp Your Way – Choose Four.
What to eat at Red Lobster?
One of my favorite shrimp dishes to order at Red Lobster is the garlic-grilled shrimp. This recipe consists of shrimp skewers that are brushed with a buttery garlic glaze. The glaze is used both as a marinade and for brushing while the shrimp are being grilled. The glaze is gets a lot of flavor from garlic, butter, and lemon juice.
Does Red Lobster have Shrimp & Grits?
Shrimp & Grits | Red Lobster Seafood Restaurants Every entree comes with two warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits®! Menu / NEW! Seafood Specialties / New! Shrimp & Grits New! Shrimp & Grits Grilled shrimp with blackening seasoning served over creamy cheese grits in a spicy creole sauce, topped with crispy bacon.
Does Red Lobster have shrimp skewers?
The coconut shrimp was a standout star, but I also enjoyed the shrimp skewers. A few weeks after Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy, I visited the chain’s Times Square location to try its now-infamous Endless Shrimp promotion for the first time. This wasn’t my first time eating at a Red Lobster. When I’ve gone in the past, it’s been on the weekend.