Garlic Butter Seafood Bliss: Ready in a Flash!

Introduction

Transform humble scallops and shrimp into a restaurant-quality meal with this incredibly easy garlic butter sauce recipe! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a romantic date night in. Get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor!

Why This Works

This recipe works because it’s ridiculously simple, yet delivers incredible flavor. The garlic butter sauce is rich, decadent, and complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops and shrimp perfectly. Plus, it’s ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!

Key Ingredients

🍤 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🦪 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
胡椒 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Seafood: Pat the shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully and prevents them from steaming.

2️⃣ Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.

3️⃣ Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

4️⃣ Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

5️⃣ Cook the Scallops: Add the scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

6️⃣ Make the Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for a minute to slightly thicken.

7️⃣ Combine and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet and toss everything together to coat in the delicious garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Handy Tips

Don’t overcook the seafood! Overcooked shrimp and scallops will be tough and rubbery.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley.

Heat Control

Medium-high heat is crucial for this recipe. It allows the butter to melt and the garlic to become fragrant without burning, and it ensures the seafood cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a beautiful sear. Low heat would result in steamed, not seared, seafood.

Crunch Factor

While this recipe isn’t about crunch, the slight crispiness achieved from searing the scallops and shrimp adds a delightful textural contrast to the creamy garlic butter sauce.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For even faster cooking, use pre-minced garlic.
Marinate the shrimp and scallops in a little lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
To prevent sticking, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the butter.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for a dinner party! Present it beautifully in a shallow serving dish, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce.

🌟 Herby: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or chives.

🌟 Citrusy: Add a squeeze of lime juice along with the lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

🌟 Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream to the sauce at the end for an extra rich and decadent touch.

Troubleshooting

Seafood is sticking to the pan: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the seafood and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Seafood is overcooked: Reduce the heat slightly and cook for a shorter time. Seafood cooks quickly!
Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few minutes longer to allow it to reduce and thicken.

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp and scallops? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Can I substitute other types of seafood? You can try this recipe with other firm-fleshed fish like cod or halibut, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What kind of pasta pairs well with this dish? Linguine or spaghetti are excellent choices.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before adding the seafood.
Is this recipe suitable for kids? Yes, but you may want to omit the red pepper flakes if your kids don’t like spicy food.

Conclusion

This Scallops and Shrimp in Garlic Butter Sauce recipe is a true winner! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect dish to elevate a simple weeknight meal or impress your guests. We hope you enjoy it – and don’t forget to share your creations on RateMyRecipes!