CopyCat Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos Recipe

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos recipe! This easy-to-make dish features crispy tortilla chips, succulent shrimp, and a creamy cheese sauce, bringing the iconic restaurant flavor right to your home. Perfect for any occasion, these nachos are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Dive in now for a taste of coastal bliss!

Coastal Delights: Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos

Indulge in a mouthwatering coastal feast with our sensational Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos! This recipe delivers an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the seaside, combining succulent shrimp, crisp tortilla chips, melted cheese, and a medley of tantalizing toppings. Perfect for a gathering with friends or a delightful treat for yourself, these nachos promise an unforgettable dining experience. Dive into the ocean of taste and savor the essence of Red Lobster’s iconic dish right in the comfort of your home!

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2 main dish or 4 appetizer servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 to 1/2 pound shrimp, raw, peeled, and deveined
• 1/4 cup Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
• 40 to 50 tortilla chips
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 2 tsp cilantro, chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 2 Tbsp sour cream
• 2 or 3 fresh jalapeno peppers for garnish (optional)

How to Make Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Nachos

1. Cook the Shrimp: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil and add the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, about 2 to 4 minutes. Immediately transfer the shrimp to ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium pot over low to medium heat, combine Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and cream cheeses. Gradually stir in the milk until you achieve your desired thickness. Add more milk if needed.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange tortilla chips on a large ovenproof plate and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until crisp.
4. Make Pico de Gallo: Mix diced tomatoes, cilantro, and chopped jalapeno in a bowl.
5. Assemble the Nachos: Spoon the cheese sauce generously over the hot tortilla chips. Top with pico de gallo and cooked shrimp.
6. Garnish: Add dollops of sour cream and sliced fresh jalapeno peppers, if desired.

Why Stick to Copycat? Make These Nachos Your Own with These Additions

Feel free to enhance your shrimp nachos with a variety of toppings and add-ons:

• Shredded lettuce
• Shredded cabbage or slaw
• Fresh or pickled onions
• Salsa
• Pico de gallo
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Guacamole
• Sliced or pickled jalapeños
• Chopped tomatoes
• Olives
• Salsa verde

For expert tips on cooking shrimp to perfection, visit The Spruce Eats.

Cook’s Tips

• Shrimp Cooking: Keep a close eye on shrimp as they cook quickly and can become rubbery if overdone. Plunge them into ice-cold water immediately after boiling for optimal tenderness.
• Cheese Sauce Consistency: Adjust milk quantity to your desired sauce thickness. For a creamier sauce, use more milk; for a thicker sauce, use less.
• Toppings: Customize with your favorite toppings to create a nacho masterpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp? Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Skip the boiling step and thaw the shrimp if frozen. Warm them in the oven with the cheese sauce.
2. How spicy are these nachos? Spiciness depends on the jalapenos. Use less or remove seeds for a milder flavor; add more jalapenos for extra heat.
3. Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Experiment with cheese combinations like pepper jack, queso fresco, or smoked Gouda.
4. Can I make these nachos in advance? Prepare components ahead of time, but assemble and bake the nachos fresh for the best texture.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, omit shrimp and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
6. Can I use a different type of chip? Feel free to use various chips like multigrain, sweet potato, or plantain for a unique twist.
7. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave but note that nachos are best enjoyed fresh.
8. Can I adjust the creaminess of the cheese sauce? Yes, reduce milk for a thicker sauce or add more for a runnier consistency.
9. Are there alternatives to cilantro? Substitute with fresh parsley or chopped green onions.
10. Can I add additional protein? Enhance protein with shredded chicken, ground beef, or black beans.
11. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time? Yes, make and refrigerate the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop before use.
12. How can I make the nachos spicier? Use spicier cheese varieties or add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.
13. Can I make these nachos gluten-free? Yes, ensure tortilla chips are certified gluten-free.
14. How long will nachos stay crisp after baking? Enjoy immediately for best crispness. Reheat leftovers briefly in the oven.
15. Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before boiling.

Want More Delicious Recipes?

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