Who among us hasnt fantasized about the possibility of engoring ourselves on lobster, shrimp, and crab until we burst at the seams? The dream of an endless seafood binge has become a reality thanks to Red Lobster, a household name in the fruits of the sea since 1968. In 2023, the company made headlines when its all-you-can-eat shrimp promotion backfired and cost the brand nearly $13 million. The same mistake befell the chain back in 2003 when endless snow crab was introduced to its menu during record-high crab prices. Were sensing a pattern here.
But the aquatic escapades dont stop there. Red Lobsters renowned Lobsterfest, a celebration of all things lobster with special menu items that feature everyones favorite bottom feeder, caters to the inner crustacean connoisseur in each of us. And lets not forget the crème de la crème — Red Lobsters amazing cheddar biscuits. Essentially, if youre a spirited shellfish supporter, Red Lobster beckons, as long as you hold your guard high.
Amid the siren call of all-you-can-eat wonders, its not all sunshine and rainbows at Red Lobster (although its promotions sound too good to be true). While the meals at this famous establishment will undoubtedly quench that maritime craving, some items are better left untouched. Drawing on the firsthand encounters of a seafood aficionado, coupled with customer reviews and articles, Ive assembled a catalog of Red Lobsters menu offerings that transform a delightful seafood reverie into a plunge into the depths of a deep-sea nightmare.
Calamari – those crispy, tender rings of fried squid – is a wildly popular appetizer for seafood lovers everywhere. Its mild flavor and satisfying crunch make it an approachable entry point for newbies and veterans alike. As one of the largest seafood chains out there, Red Lobster has definitely embraced calamari. But does every location offer this fan favorite? Let’s dive in and explore the details.
An Overview of Calamari at Red Lobster
The short answer is yes – calamari is readily available on Red Lobster’s extensive seafood menu. Customers can choose between two cooking methods – traditional hand-breaded calamari or tempura-battered calamari.
The hand-breaded calamari features those iconic, crunchy panko-coated rings, served with both marinara and jalapeño ranch dipping sauces This appetizer is priced at $1349 in the U.S.
Meanwhile, the tempura calamari showcases a lighter, tempura-style batter on squid and green beans, served with a lemon garlic aioli In Canada, it’s listed at $1449 on menus.
Both appetizer portions provide 3 to 4 servings, so it’s easy to pass around the table and share amongst friends. In terms of nutrition, calamari rings do tend towards the higher calorie side with 1000 to 1270 calories per order.
The Benefits of Fried Calamari
Even though it’s fried, calamari can still offer some healthy benefits. The squid meat itself is low in fat and high in protein. A 3 oz portion provides around 20 grams of protein, comparable to a chicken breast.
The protein in calamari comes complete with all 9 essential amino acids our bodies need. The breading adds carbohydrates and a bit of fiber too. So while fried, calamari gives a nice serving of lean protein in an appetizing, craveable package.
Red Lobster Sources Ethical, Sustainable Calamari
Red Lobster sources its calamari rings and tentacles from several species of sustainable, responsibly caught North Atlantic squid. The most common varieties used include:
- Long fin inshore squid
- Northern shortfin squid
- Atlantic mackerel squid
These smaller squid species are more abundant than giant squids, so they can be fished ethically. No matter the exact species, Red Lobster aims to serve seafood that’s delicious, yet also eco-friendly.
Preparation Makes a Difference in Taste and Texture
How the calamari is prepared impacts its finished texture and flavor. Traditional hand-breaded rings deliver a crispy, sturdy coating that stays crispy when dunked in sauce. Seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs create those signature crunchy morsels.
Meanwhile, tempura batter uses a lighter mixture of sparkling water, flour and eggs. After frying, this creates a delicate, lacy crust enveloping the squid and veggies inside. While still crispy, tempura offers a lighter breading alternative.
Dipping Sauces Elevate the Fried Calamari Experience
No appetizer calamari order is complete without dipping sauces for dunking. The sauces provide moisture and flavor contrast to balance the fried exterior.
With hand-breaded calamari, tangy marinara and cool, creamy jalapeño ranch pair well with the hearty breading. For the tempura version, the bright lemon garlic aioli offers the perfect citrus tang.
Don’t forget to ask for extra sauce when you order! The sauces help cut the richness, allowing you to enjoy more fried goodness.
Customizing Your Calamari Order
One of the best parts of dining at Red Lobster is customizing your meal. Try these easy add-ons to make your calamari truly your own:
- Substitute cocktail sauce for marinara or aioli
- Add a side of garlic Parmesan sauce for dipping
- Top with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes
- Order an extra side of jalapeño ranch for fries or fish
- Pair with a chilled Moscato or Sauvignon Blanc wine
With just a few tweaks, you can turn a standard appetizer into something craveable and personalized.
Availability and Prices Vary by Location
One thing to note is that prices for calamari may differ slightly depending on your location. Canada’s menu lists tempura calamari at $14.49, while the U.S. has hand-breaded for $13.49.
Ingredient shortages over the past couple years have occasionally left some restaurants without calamari. It’s wise to call ahead if it’s a must-order item for your meal. Fried shrimp can substitute as a similar appetizer option too.
Why Calamari Remains an Enduring Favorite
While many menu items come and go, calamari remains a staple year after year. Its crowd-pleasing flavors and textures make it a reliable choice for seafood fans and first-timers alike.
The satisfying crunch of fried calamari rings keeps customers coming back. Dunking in flavorful sauces only heightens the experience. Though preparation may vary between breading styles, calamari stays rooted as the perfect way to kick off a Red Lobster feast.
So does Red Lobster have calamari? Most locations do, offering several preparations of this iconic appetizer. Next time a calamari craving strikes, head to your nearest Red Lobster and get ready to enjoy tender squid at its finest. With some dipping sauce on the side, it’s the ultimate fried delight.
Garlic shrimp scampi
Scampi-style is a favorite method for enjoying the little pink crescents of the ocean. A simple sauce allows the flavor of the shrimp to shine, while garlic helps to enhance the taste and add aromatics. Butter, naturally, is the perfect accompaniment to shellfish. Its hard to imagine that a simple garlic and butter sauce could end in ruin, turning this Italian seafood fixture into a horrific shrimp ruiner. But alas, it all went wrong with the most essential part of the meal: the butter.
Red Lobster has received backlash for its butter-based dishes, and those who have ordered items like the garlic shrimp scampi, assuming it would be a safe bet on a delicious meal, understand why. The restaurants purported butter falls short of expectations. Rather, the sauce conjures up memories of the butter substitute offered at movie theatres to dose your popcorn in. The pungent, deeply artificial taste masks the flavor of the shrimp, while garlic offers little redemption. Whether the butter at Red Lobster is genuine remains a mystery, but swapping it with any butter-like alternative could elevate this dish from the abyss to at least a palatable experience.
Bar Harbor lobster bake
One of the most iconic dishes at any seafood restaurant is a blend of various fish and shellfish served over pasta. Red Lobster includes this classic seafood dish as its Bar Harbor Lobster Bake — a balanced medley of Maine lobster, shrimp, bay scallops, and mussels served over linguini in garlic and white wine broth with tomatoes added for a tangy, acidic kick. This dish sounds like any seafood lovers paradise, but Red Lobster drops the ball on this ideal meal.
For starters, this dishs name is rather misleading. Nothing about this meal is reminiscent of a traditional Maine lobster bake. The seafood in the Bar Harbor Lobster Bake is underseasoned and overboiled, resulting in a bland, chewy aftermath that will leave you wishing you ordered a burger instead. Any potential redemption through the linguini is also lost, as the pasta appears to have been microwaved rather than cooked al dente, resulting in a less-than-desirable texture. Microwaving pasta often leads to a sticky mess, which is unfortunately the case at this chain. Ultimately, we recommend avoiding any pasta dishes at Red Lobster at all costs.
Upon initial inspection, the Brownie Overboard* appears to be a delightful treat for both kids and adults. Whats not to love about a rich, chewy brownie covered with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, hot fudge, and caramel sauce? Yet, somehow, Red Lobster manages to deliver this seemingly fool-proof dessert to the dismay of its customers, turning the restaurants dining room into a sea of disappointment and regret.
Well start with the brownie itself. This universally beloved dessert falls completely flat at the Red Lobster table. Far from fresh-baked, this so-called treat is dry and cheap-tasting. Ice cream offers some solace, but not enough to completely save this brownie from utter failure. To top it all off — literally and figuratively — the employees at Red Lobster heavy-handed the fudge and caramel sauce to destructive levels. This sugar bomb is so sweet that its practically unpalatable. A slight drizzle of caramel or fudge would have sufficed, but we suspect that the rivers of sweet sauce act as an unsuccessful attempt to hide the disgraceful brownie. For shame, Red Lobster.
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FAQ
What kind of fish do they serve at Red Lobster?
You’ll find Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Cod on our menu year-round. They’re traceable, sustainable and responsibly sourced – just like all of the seafood we serve.
What sauce comes with calamari at Red Lobster?
Golden-fried calamari served with jalapeño ranch and marinara.
Does Red Lobster calamari have dairy?
Starters. Heads Up! The Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops, Crispy Dragon Shrimp, Hand Breaded Calamari, Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp Cocktail, and seasonal Mussels do contain milk.
What is the healthiest thing to order at Red Lobster?
To gain the most nutritional benefits from your meal at Red Lobster, order the grilled rainbow trout, part of the restaurant’s classic menu.Sep 1, 2024
Does Red Lobster have seafood?
Red Lobster’s menu has a wide range of fresh, high-quality seafood options, as well as non-seafood choices for those who prefer meat. From classic shrimp and lobster dishes to unique signature items, there’s something for everyone.
What can you order at Red Lobster?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide an overview of all the seafood, starters, soups, salads, sides, and more that you can order at Red Lobster. Seafood is obviously the star of the show at Red Lobster. They offer an incredibly diverse selection of fresh fish and shellfish prepared in different styles:
What to eat at Red Lobster?
Try a seafarer; a signature cocktail made with Malibu coconut rum and pineapple juice. Red Lobster runs weekly specials and promotions for extra savings: Sign up for their email newsletter so you never miss a deal. As you can see, Red Lobster truly offers diverse menu selections with seafood, chicken, salads, pasta, and more.
Is Red Lobster a good place to eat?
As you can see, Red Lobster truly offers diverse menu selections with seafood, chicken, salads, pasta, and more. They accommodate various diets: The menu has icons showing which dishes fit these dietary needs. They work to meet every guest’s preferences. Red Lobster is your go-to spot for indulging in high-quality seafood any day of the week.
Does Red Lobster have a menu change?
Red Lobster doesn’t make major menu changes often, but they have increased prices due to higher-quality seafood. The menu varies by location. Red Lobster’s appetizers, like crispy dragon shrimp and lobster dip, are highly recommended and preferred over the entrées.
Where does Red Lobster seafood come from?
As of late 2021, the last time Red Lobster’s “Seafood With Standards” page was updated, the answer seems to be a bit clearer. The restaurant’s seafood is indeed gathered from “all over the world.” For example, its shrimp come from areas in South America and Asia including waters off Ecuador, India, and China.