This Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a fancy dish that’s super easy to make! It combines tender shrimp and sweet lobster in a buttery garlic sauce that’s pure magic.
You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up this restaurant-worthy meal at home. I love serving it over pasta or with some crusty bread. Perfect for impressing friends! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lobster Meat: Fresh lobster adds a delicious flavor, but you can use frozen lobster meat if needed. Just make sure it’s thawed before cooking. If lobster isn’t available, cooked crab can also work as a substitute.
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for this dish. If you prefer or have smaller shrimp on hand, feel free to use those. You can also replace shrimp with scallops for a different taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you more control over the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead. I like using a mix of both for richness and flavor.
White Wine: A dry white wine enhances the dish’s flavor, but if you don’t have any, chicken broth is a great alternative. You can also skip the wine altogether and just use more lemon juice or broth.
Red Pepper Flakes: These add a hint of heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can simply omit them or use a pinch for a milder flavor. Alternatively, you might add a dash of paprika for warmth without too much heat.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Shrimp and Lobster?
Cooking shrimp and lobster properly is key to this dish. Overcooking can make them tough. Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Pat the shrimp and lobster dry before cooking. This helps them sear nicely, giving a better texture.
- Cook the shrimp until they turn pink and are opaque, usually about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them from the pan just before they’re fully cooked; they’ll continue to cook in the residual heat.
- The lobster should be added later, as it cooks faster than shrimp. Just warm it until its heated through.
- Keep an eye on the garlic—sauté it until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can become bitter and affect the flavor of your dish.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious Lobster Shrimp Scampi that impresses everyone at the table! Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Seafood:
- 1/2 lb lobster meat, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on for presentation)
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and joyful recipe to whip up on a special occasion or when you want to treat yourself with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seafood:
Start by patting the shrimp and lobster pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better. Lightly season them with salt and pepper; this adds flavor to the seafood.
2. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let it melt and heat until it’s nice and hot, ready for cooking!
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s fragrant, but make sure not to burn it, as that can turn your dish bitter!
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook for about 2 minutes on one side until they start turning pink. This is the sign that they’re almost ready!
5. Add the Lobster:
Flip the shrimp over gently and add the lobster meat to the same skillet. Cook for another 2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque and the lobster is warmed through. Everything should be coming together beautifully!
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour the white wine or chicken broth and lemon juice into the pan. Stir gently to combine and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to slightly reduce. This will enrich the flavor of your dish immensely!
7. Finish with Butter and Herbs:
Now, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, along with the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and the chopped parsley. Mix everything well until the butter has melted and coats all the seafood in a luscious sauce.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your scampi and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary. It should be rich, flavorful, and adored by everyone who tries it!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat and serve your lobster shrimp scampi immediately over cooked pasta or with some crusty bread on the side. This dish deserves to be enjoyed right away while it’s hot and delicious!
Enjoy your rich, garlicky Lobster Shrimp Scampi packed with fresh herbs and buttery goodness! Your taste buds will thank you! 🦞🍤
Can I Use Frozen Seafood?
Absolutely! If using frozen lobster or shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. This ensures even cooking and better texture!
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great alternative. For a different flavor, you can also use vegetable broth or even a splash of extra lemon juice to maintain the acidity the wine adds.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the seafood moist.
Can I Make this Recipe Ahead of Time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Mix the garlic, butter, and herbs, and chop the seafood. When ready to serve, simply cook everything together for a quick meal!