Hey seafood lovers! Today I’m diving deep into one of Red Lobster’s most beloved menu items – Walt’s Favorite Shrimp. As someone who’s tried this dish countless times, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this crispy golden-brown perfection.
Quick Answer
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is Red Lobster’s hand-breaded, butterflied and lightly fried shrimp dish served with cocktail sauce. Currently priced at $16.99, it comes with 520 calories and includes two warm Cheddar Bay Biscuits when ordered for takeout.
The Story Behind Walt’s Favorite Shrimp
This iconic dish has quite the history! It was created by Red Lobster founder Bill Darden back in the late 1960s. He named it after his father-in-law Walt, who was apparently a huge shrimp enthusiast. Talk about a delicious way to honor family!
What Makes It Special?
Here’s what sets Walt’s Favorite Shrimp apart:
- The Shrimp: Wild-caught from sustainable fisheries
- The Breading: Light Panko coating that’s perfectly crispy
- The Cooking: Butterflied and fried until golden brown
- The Sauce: Served with tangy cocktail sauce
- The Portion: Generous serving that satisfies
What Comes With Your Order
Included Sides
Every order lets you pick one side from these options:
-
Basic Sides (No Extra Cost)
- Seasoned Broccoli (190 cal)
- Orzo Rice (310 cal)
- Mashed Potatoes (210 cal)
- Chesapeake Fries (510 cal)
- Coleslaw (110 cal)
- Hush Puppies (420 cal)
-
Premium Sides (Additional Cost)
- Bacon Mac & Cheese (+$3.49)
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts (+$2.49)
- Side House/Caesar Salad (+$1.99)
- Roasted Asparagus (+$2.99)
Add-On Options
Wanna make your meal even better? Try these additions:
- Snow Crab Legs (1/2 pound) – $12.49
- Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops – $9.49
- Grilled Shrimp – $6.49
- Garlic Shrimp Scampi – $6.49
Pro Tips for Ordering
- Best Value: Order during promotions or special events
- Customization: You can request:
- Extra cocktail sauce
- Different sides
- Additional shrimp
- Takeout Bonus: Don’t forget – you get 2 Cheddar Bay Biscuits with takeout orders!
Why People Love It
I’ve talked to lots of Red Lobster fans, and here’s what they say makes Walt’s Favorite Shrimp so special:
- Perfect cooking – never rubbery
- Crispy but not greasy
- Great value for money
- Kid-friendly option
- Nostalgic taste
- Consistent quality
My Personal Take
As someone who’s eaten their fair share of fried shrimp, I gotta say Walt’s Favorite hits different. The breading is always on point, and the shrimp stays juicy inside. It’s my go-to order when I want something reliable and satisfying.
Some Common Questions I Get
Q: Is it spicy?
Nope! It’s pretty mild and suitable for most taste buds.
Q: Can I get it grilled instead?
Yep, just ask your server to modify the preparation method.
Q: What about gluten-free options?
Unfortunately, the regular breading contains gluten. Check with your local Red Lobster for alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Walt’s Favorite Shrimp has stuck around for over 50 years for good reason. It’s that perfect combo of quality ingredients, consistent preparation, and nostalgic flavor that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, it’s definitely worth trying!
Note: Prices and menu items may vary by location. Always check with your local Red Lobster for the most current information.
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Im Todd Wilbur, Chronic Food Hacker
For over 30 years Ive been deconstructing Americas most iconic brand-name foods to make the best original copycat recipes for you to use at home. Welcome to my lab.
Red Lobster Walt’s Favorite Shrimp By
Many recognize Red Lobster as the restaurant that serves free cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits with every meal, but the chain also has another claim to fame as the first chain to popularize popcorn shrimp
Introduced in 1974, Walt’s Favorite Shrimp is butterflied, breaded, and lightly fried, making the crustaceans a simple-to-eat finger food. However, there’s more to my Red Lobster Walt’s Favorite Shrimp copycat recipe than just breading and frying a pound of large shrimp. First, we need to infuse flavor into the shrimp with a brine. Instead of a salt brine, I discovered that a chicken bouillon-based brine worked wonders for flavoring the shrimp all the way through.
After brining the shrimp, coat them three times in flour and once in breadcrumbs. Then, fry for just about a minute until they’re golden brown, crispy, and ready to serve with a side of cocktail sauce.
Find more of my Red Lobster copycat recipes here.
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 large cubes chicken bouillon or 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- …