Red Lobster’s Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is a classic menu item that has been delighting seafood lovers for decades. As one of Red Lobster’s most popular shrimp dishes, people often wonder – what makes Walt’s Favorite Shrimp so special? In this article we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about this fan favorite shrimp entree.
A Brief History of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp was created by Red Lobster founder Bill Darden in the late 1960s Bill named the dish after his father-in-law Walt, who apparently loved shrimp. It quickly became one of the most beloved dishes at Red Lobster and has been on the menu ever since
Over 50 years later, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp remains a staple menu item that brings joy to Red Lobster fans far and wide. It’s truly stood the test of time!
The Shrimp in Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
The star of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is obviously the shrimp! Red Lobster uses wild-caught shrimp from sustainable fisheries for this dish The shrimp are a good size – not too small but not jumbo either. They are lightly breaded with a crisp Panko coating and fried until golden brown and delicious.
The shrimp in Walt’s Favorite Shrimp are succulent, flavorful and perfectly cooked. The Panko breading provides a nice crunch without being heavy or greasy. Customers frequently rave about how delicious the shrimp are!
Serving Size of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
An order of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp includes 8 lightly fried shrimp. For the price, which is currently $8.49, 8 shrimp is a decent portion. While some big eaters may want even more shrimp, 8 shrimp is enough to satisfy most appetites.
The 8 shrimp are a good balance of value and quantity. You get that classic shrimp basket experience without overstuffing yourself.
Sauce and Seasonings in Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
A key component of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is the sauce. The shrimp are served with cocktail sauce on the side for dipping. The cocktail sauce has a nice tangy, tomatoey flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly. It adds moisture and a pop of flavor.
The shrimp themselves are seasoned with traditional spices like salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. The blend of seasoning provides flavor without overpowering the taste of the shrimp. Walt’s Favorite Shrimp relies on the high-quality shrimp, light breading and sauce to shine.
How Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is Served
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is served in a classic shrimp basket. The 8 breaded shrimp are neatly arranged in the basket along with lemon wedges. Cocktail sauce comes on the side for dipping.
The presentation is simple and nostalgic. The shrimp basket evokes memories of beach vacations and seaside shacks. It’s part of what makes eating Walt’s Favorite Shrimp such an enjoyable, comforting experience.
Calories and Nutrition in Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
While Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is a fried, indulgent dish, the nutrition numbers are not too shocking. An order of 8 shrimp clocks in at 260 calories. For a shrimp entree that includes breading and sauce, 260 calories is reasonable.
Each shrimp packs a good punch of protein too. The protein will help fill you up along with the carbs from the breading. All in all, the nutrition facts could be a lot worse for this type of dish!
Why People Love Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
Looking at reviews and comments online, it is clear that Walt’s Favorite Shrimp has amassed a loyal fanbase over the years. Here are some of the top reasons people rave about this iconic dish:
- The shrimp are always cooked perfectly – never overdone or rubbery
- The Panko breading is light and crispy without greasiness
- The cocktail sauce has the ideal balance of tangy and sweet
- It’s a generous portion for the price
- The taste brings back nostalgic memories of seaside vacations
- Kids and picky eaters enjoy it as much as adults
People agree that Walt’s Favorite Shrimp hits the spot when you are craving a classic shrimp basket. It delivers on taste, quality, and price.
How to Order and Customize Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is available for dine-in, takeout, delivery and curbside pickup at Red Lobster locations across the US. Most restaurants have it priced at $8.49.
When ordering, there are a few ways to customize Walt’s Favorite Shrimp:
- Request extra cocktail sauce or lemon wedges
- Substitute fries for the usual side of coleslaw
- Order an additional side like rice or broccoli
- Add an extra shrimp or two for a heartier meal
Try switching up the sides or sauce to put your own spin on this classic! And be sure to take advantage of Red Lobster deals like Crabfest discounts or All You Can Eat Shrimp specials to maximize your savings on Walt’s Favorite Shrimp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about Walt’s Favorite Shrimp:
Is Walt’s Favorite Shrimp spicy?
No, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is not spicy. It has a mild, familiar flavor that appeals to most palates. The cocktail sauce also does not contain any noticeable heat. Feel free to dive in if you are sensitive to spice!
What type of shrimp is used in Walt’s Favorite Shrimp?
Red Lobster uses wild-caught North American white shrimp for Walt’s Favorite Shrimp. They are sustainably sourced and high quality.
What are the ingredients in the shrimp breading?
The breading is made from Panko breadcrumbs along with some flour and typical breading seasonings like salt, garlic powder, and paprika. There are no unusual mystery ingredients.
Can you get grilled instead of fried shrimp?
Yes, you can request grilled instead of fried shrimp if you prefer. Keep in mind the flavors and textures will be a bit different without the signature breading.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Unfortunately Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is not gluten-free as prepared on the menu since it uses wheat-based Panko breadcrumbs. You may be able to request a gluten-free alternative depending on the restaurant location.
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp – As Good As You Remember
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp has been an iconic, nostalgia-inducing menu item at Red Lobster for over 50 years now. It’s easy to see why fans continue to love this classic shrimp dish. The key is Red Lobster’s use of high-quality shrimp, light and crispy Panko breading, and signature cocktail sauce.
Next time you’re craving a taste of seaside Americana, order up a basket of Walt’s Favorite Shrimp. Just be ready to fight off any tablemates trying to steal your shrimp! It’s that hard to resist this timeless classic.
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Im Todd Wilbur, Chronic Food Hacker
Over the past 30 years, I’ve taken apart some of America’s most famous brand-name foods to come up with the best original recipes that you can use at home. Welcome to my lab.
Red Lobster Walt’s Favorite Shrimp By
Many people know Red Lobster as the place where you can get free cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits with every meal. But the chain also has another claim to fame: it was the first restaurant chain to serve popcorn shrimp.
Since 1974, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp has been a popular finger food. The shrimp are breaded, butterflied, and lightly fried, making them easy to eat. But my Red Lobster Walt’s Favorite Shrimp copycat recipe isn’t just a bunch of large shrimp breaded and fried. First, we’ll need to add flavor to the shrimp with a brine. I also found that a brine of concentrated chicken bouillon worked great for flavoring the shrimp all the way through instead of a brine of salt.
After putting the shrimp in the brine, coat them three times with flour and once with breadcrumbs. Fry them for about a minute or so, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve with cocktail sauce.
Find more of my Red Lobster copycat recipes here.
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cubes or 4 teaspoons Knorr chicken bouillon
- …