This Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a tasty mix of juicy shrimp and tender lobster cooked in a buttery, garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a special dinner or a comforting night in!
I love how quick this dish comes together! Just toss everything in the pan, let the magic happen, and enjoy every delicious bite. It’s like fancy dining at home! 🦞🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp is just as good—just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Lobster: Fresh lobster is fantastic, but you can substitute it with crab meat or scallops if needed. Canned or frozen lobster can also work in a pinch!
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free version, you can use a vegan butter substitute or olive oil for a lighter option.
White Wine: A good quality dry white wine adds depth. If you’re avoiding alcohol, try using chicken broth with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Minced garlic in a jar is fine, but fresh is always preferred if you’re looking for a strong garlic kick!
How Do I Get the Perfectly Cooked Shrimp and Lobster?
Cooking seafood can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! For shrimp, aim for a beautiful pink color, as they turn rubbery when overcooked. Follow these steps:
- Heat your oil and butter until it’s hot; this helps achieve that nice golden sear.
- Add shrimp in a single layer to avoid steaming. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip them over.
- Once you add the lobster, keep cooking for just a bit. It should take about 1-2 more minutes until both shrimp and lobster are opaque and firm.
- Take them out to avoid overcooking while you finish the sauce!
With practice, you’ll become confident in cooking seafood perfectly every time!
How to Make Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Seafood:
- 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
- 1/2 lb lobster meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Basics:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Flavor Boosters:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and roughly 15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and delicious option for dinner. You’ll spend around 25 minutes total from start to finish, perfect for a delightful weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Seafood:
Start by patting the shrimp and lobster meat dry with paper towels. This step helps them sear better in the pan. Once dry, season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
2. Heat Up the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is hot before adding the seafood.
3. Cook the Shrimp and Lobster:
Place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook them for about 2 minutes on one side until they turn pink and look slightly golden. Then, flip the shrimp over and add the chopped lobster pieces. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through. Once done, carefully remove the shrimp and lobster from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Cover to keep warm.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this is where the buttery flavor gets a kick!
5. Deglaze the Pan:
Next, carefully pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly—this intensifies the flavors.
6. Add the Lemon:
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, and then return the cooked shrimp and lobster to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the seafood is well-coated in the garlic butter sauce. Heat through for about 1 minute.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the seafood, and taste to adjust salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Lobster Shrimp Scampi immediately. It’s delicious on its own or great over a bed of pasta or with warm crusty bread to soak up all that wonderful sauce. Enjoy your delightful seafood meal!
Can I Use Frozen Seafood for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen shrimp and lobster! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge overnight or run them under cold water before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure they sear nicely in the pan.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine?
No problem! If you prefer not to use white wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of wine.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the shrimp and lobster, as well as the garlic butter sauce, ahead of time. Keep them separate in the fridge and combine them just before serving to avoid overcooking the seafood.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
