Oh my goodness, you *have* to try this Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp recipe! Seriously, it’s a lifesaver on those nights when you’re craving something super delicious but don’t have a ton of time. I love making this because it tastes so fancy, but it’s genuinely ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish. The smell of the garlic butter sizzling in the pan is just heavenly, and the way the scallops get that perfect little caramelized crust? Chef’s kiss! It’s become my go-to for impressing guests or just treating myself.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Recipe
This Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons!
- Flavorful and Fast Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp: You get that incredible garlic butter flavor with perfectly cooked seafood in practically no time at all. It’s seriously impressive for how quickly it comes together.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: When you need a delicious meal on the table fast, this is your answer. It’s an easy recipe that makes weeknight cooking feel like a treat.
Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
Okay, so to whip up this amazing Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp, you don’t need a ton of fancy stuff. It’s all about fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Make sure you grab the best quality scallops and shrimp you can find – it really makes a difference! And don’t skimp on the fresh garlic; it’s the heart of that incredible sauce.
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
| 6 large sea scallops | Make sure they’re patted completely dry! This is super important. |
| 6 jumbo shrimp | Peeled and deveined, ready to go. |
| 3 tablespoons unsalted butter | We’ll use this in a couple of stages. Divided is key! |
| 2 cloves garlic | Minced up nice and fine. The fresher, the better! |
| Juice of ½ lemon | Adds that perfect zing to cut through the richness. |
| 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley | For a pop of color and fresh flavor at the end. |
| Salt and freshly ground black pepper | To taste, of course! Season as you go. |
| Lemon wedges | For serving. Always nice to have extra lemon! |
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
Alright, let’s get cooking this amazing Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp! It really is as simple as it sounds, and the results are just fantastic. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. Don’t be intimidated by scallops; they’re actually pretty forgiving when you follow these tips!
Preparing the Seafood for Searing
First things first, we need to get our seafood ready. This is probably the most important step for getting that beautiful golden crust. Grab your scallops and shrimp and pat them *completely* dry with paper towels. I mean, really dry! Moisture is the enemy of a good sear; it makes things steam instead of fry. Once they’re dry, give them a little sprinkle of salt and pepper. Nothing too much, just enough to season them nicely.
Searing the Scallops to Perfection
Now for the magic! Get a large skillet – a good heavy-bottomed one works best – and melt about 1 ½ tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. You want that butter to be hot but not burning. Carefully place your dried scallops into the hot skillet, making sure not to crowd them. Give them space! Let them sear undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color on both sides. Once they’re seared, just pop them out onto a plate for a minute.
Cooking the Shrimp and Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet you used for the scallops (don’t clean it, all those yummy bits are flavor!), melt another tablespoon of butter. Add your shrimp and sauté them for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. During the last 30 seconds of cooking the shrimp, toss in your minced garlic. You just want to stir it around until it’s fragrant – be careful not to burn it! Now, turn the heat down to low. Return those beautiful seared scallops to the pan. Add the last ½ tablespoon of butter and the fresh lemon juice. Give everything a gentle toss to coat it all in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Just a quick toss is all it needs!
Finishing and Serving Your Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
And that’s pretty much it! You’re ready to serve your incredible Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp. Spoon the seafood and all that glorious pan sauce onto your plates. Sprinkle generously with the chopped fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness. Pop some lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze if they like. It’s seriously that easy and SO delicious!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
You know, getting this Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp just right is all about a few simple tricks that make a huge difference. It’s not complicated at all, but paying attention to these little details is what takes it from good to absolutely amazing. Trust me, it’s worth the extra second!
The Secret to a Great Sear
Seriously, the most crucial step for that beautiful golden crust on your scallops and shrimp is making sure they are bone dry. Grab those paper towels and really pat them down! This dryness, combined with a hot pan and hot butter, is what creates that perfect sear instead of just steaming the seafood. For more tips on achieving the perfect sear, check out this guide on how to sear scallops.
Avoiding a Steamed Outcome
Another biggie is not overcrowding the pan. If you cram too many scallops or shrimp in there at once, the pan temperature drops, and they’ll just steam instead of searing. It’s better to cook them in batches if needed. You want each piece to have its own space to get beautifully golden!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
Got questions about whipping up this fantastic Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp? I’ve got you covered! It’s such a forgiving recipe, but a few little pointers can make it even better.
Can I use frozen scallops or shrimp? Absolutely! If you’re using frozen, just make sure to thaw them completely first. And remember that super important step: pat them extremely dry with paper towels. This really helps get that nice sear we talked about.
What kind of pan is best for this recipe? I find a good, heavy-bottomed skillet works best. It holds heat really well, which is key for searing. Cast iron is amazing, but a good quality stainless steel skillet will do the trick too! Just make sure it’s large enough so you’re not crowding the pan.
How can I tell when the scallops and shrimp are cooked? For scallops, you’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides and they should be opaque in the center. For shrimp, they’ll turn pink and opaque all the way through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they can get a little rubbery!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish? You sure can! Asparagus spears, snap peas, or even some thinly sliced bell peppers would be delicious additions. Just toss them into the pan with the shrimp and garlic and cook until they’re tender-crisp. It makes for an even more complete quick dinner!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
You know, when I’m cooking up this Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp, I’m usually too focused on getting that perfect sear and delicious flavor to measure out every single calorie. It’s more about the joy and speed of making something tasty!
Estimated Nutritional Disclaimer
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For general dietary guidance, you might find information on MyFitnessPal helpful.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp
This Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp is so good, you’ll want to savor every last bite! It’s a fantastic centerpiece for a meal, and leftovers, if you have any (which is rare in my house!), store pretty well.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is wonderful on its own, but it’s also amazing with some crusty bread to soak up that extra garlic butter sauce, or served over a light pasta or rice. A simple green salad on the side is always a good idea too! For a similar flavor profile, you might enjoy our Shrimp and Broccoli Alfredo.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any of this deliciousness left, let it cool completely before storing. Pop it into an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 1-2 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
| Storage Method | Refrigerator |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Reheating | Gentle stovetop or microwave |
Amazing Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp in 20 Mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A quick and easy 20-minute seafood skillet featuring perfectly seared scallops and shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 6 large sea scallops
- 6 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Pat the scallops and shrimp completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, melt 1½ tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
- Place the scallops in the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized. Remove and set aside.
- Melt another 1 tbsp of butter in the same skillet. Add the shrimp and sauté for 2–3 minutes until pink. Add minced garlic during the final 30 seconds and stir until fragrant.
- Turn heat to low. Return scallops to the pan. Add the remaining ½ tbsp of butter and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve the scallops and shrimp, drizzled with pan sauce, garnished with parsley, and with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Drying the seafood thoroughly is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing scallops and shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
