Shrimp and Scallops in Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Name: Scallops Shrimp
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 5 7 large fresh scallops; – 5 7 large fresh shrimp, deveined, tail on; – Zest of 1 large lemon; – Juice of 1 large lemon; – 1 clove garlic, minced; – 1 tablespoon olive oil for marinade; – 2 teaspoons olive oil for cooking; – 3 tablespoons butter; – 4 large basil leaves, chopped for marinade and garnish; – Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

By:

Brandi Oshea

Published:

January 26, 2026

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Why You’ll Love This Scallops Shrimp

Hey there, fellow home cooks! Picture this: it’s a hectic weeknight, the kids are running around, and you need dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor. That’s where this scallops shrimp recipe comes in. With just a quick marinade and a hot skillet, you get pan-seared shrimp and scallops in a luscious lemon butter garlic sauce that tastes like a fancy restaurant meal. I whipped it up last Tuesday after a long day at work, and my family devoured it in minutes, asking when we’d have it again.

Ease of preparation makes this shrimp and scallops recipe a game-changer for busy parents and working professionals. You spend about 10 minutes on prep, let it marinate for an hour while you handle other chores, and then cook time is only around 5 minutes. Total hands-on time is minimal, perfect for students or anyone short on time. Pair your scallops shrimp with rice or veggies for a full meal under 1 hour 15 minutes.

Pro tip from my kitchen: Pat the seafood dry after marinating for that perfect golden sear every time!

Health benefits shine through with this garlic butter shrimp and scallops dish. Scallops and shrimp pack lean protein, omega-3s, vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine to support heart health, brain function, and muscle recovery. The butter and olive oil add healthy fats, keeping it satisfying yet light. No exact calorie counts here, but it’s nutrient-dense; plug it into an online calculator for your needs. Diet-conscious folks love how it fits keto, paleo, or Mediterranean plans.

Versatility is key with this easy shrimp and scallops recipe. Tweak for low-cal by cutting butter, or go vegan with mushroom swaps. Serve as a seafood skillet recipe for two newlyweds on date night, or scale up for family gatherings. Travelers and food enthusiasts can adapt flavors with local herbs.

The distinctive flavor profile sets this pan-seared shrimp and scallops apart. Sweet scallops get a caramelized crust, shrimp bring briny pop, all brightened by lemon, garlic, and basil. It’s restaurant-quality at home, memorable for seniors or baking enthusiasts trying seafood.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Scallops Shrimp
2. Essential Ingredients for Scallops Shrimp
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Scallops Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

4. Protein and Main Component Alternatives
5. Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
6. Mastering Scallops Shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store Scallops Shrimp: Best Practices
8. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Scallops Shrimp
9. Scallops Shrimp

Essential Ingredients for Scallops Shrimp

Grab these simple items for your shrimp and scallops in lemon butter garlic sauce recipe. Freshness matters most, so head to a trusted seafood counter. This list serves 2-4, depending on appetites.

5 7 large fresh scallops
5 7 large fresh shrimp, deveined, tail on
Zest of 1 large lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil (for marinade)
2 teaspoons olive oil (for cooking)
3 tablespoons butter
4 large basil leaves, chopped (divide half for marinade, half for garnish)
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Swap scallops and shrimp with king oyster mushroom “scallops” (sliced into 5-7 rounds) or hearts of palm; use vegan butter and extra olive oil.

Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free; double-check any add-ins like stock.
Low-calorie: Cut butter to 1 tablespoon, lean on lemon and herbs; serve over greens.

I always zest the lemon first, it adds such a fresh pop that ties the whole lemon garlic shrimp and scallops together.

How to Prepare the Perfect Scallops Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to make this garlic lemon butter scallops and shrimp skillet? Follow these easy steps for the best way to cook shrimp and scallops together. I’ve tested it countless times, and it never fails to impress.

Step 1: Marinate for Flavor

Combine the 5-7 large fresh scallops and 5-7 large fresh shrimp with the zest of 1 large lemon, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and half of the 4 chopped large basil leaves. Pop it in the fridge for 1 hour. This quick step infuses every bite with bright, herby goodness. Prep time here is just 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prep for Searing

Remove the seafood from the marinade and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Drying is crucial for that golden crust, just like my tip below.

Use very fresh seafood and pat dry for a good sear. Don’t skip the lemon zest for extra flavor!

Step 3: Heat the Skillet

Heat 3 tablespoons butter and 2 teaspoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. This takes about 2 minutes and sets up perfect searing.

Step 4: Sear the Scallops

Add the scallops first. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t move them too soon for the best crust.

Step 5: Add Shrimp and Lemon

Flip scallops, then add the shrimp and juice of 1 large lemon. Cook another 1-2 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl slightly. Total cook time: about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep seafood tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining chopped basil on top. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, rice, or vegetables. Total time: around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Here’s a quick timing table to keep you on track:

Stage	Time
Prep	10 minutes
Marinate	1 hour
Cook	~5 minutes
Total	~1 hour 15 minutes

Quick Tips for Success

Optional: Add a splash of white wine to the marinade or reduce pan juices with cream or cornstarch for a quick sauce.
For low-sodium, lean on lemon and herbs.
Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat.

Last weekend, I made this for my newlywed neighbors, and they raved about the tender texture. It’s foolproof!

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Sometimes life throws curveballs, like no scallops at the store. No worries! Swap in bay scallops (shorter cook time) or firm white fish like cod cut into medallops for pescatarian tweaks. For meat lovers, try thinly sliced chicken breast, searing then finishing in a 375°F oven for 5-8 minutes.

Vegetarian? King oyster mushrooms mimic scallops perfectly when seared into rounds. For vegan, marinated tofu or portobello slices stand in for shrimp. Low-FODMAP? Skip garlic or use infused oil, amp up chives and parsley. These keep your shrimp and scallops dinner recipe for two with lemon garlic butter vibe alive.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Make it your own with seasonal twists. Pair with sautéed spinach, roasted asparagus, or cauliflower rice. For Mediterranean flair, toss in cherry tomatoes and olives. Asian kick? Ginger, scallions, sesame oil.

Lower-cal: Lemon-herb finish, no butter. Spicy? Red pepper flakes. Herbs like cilantro or dill change it up. Serve alongside our grilled shrimp tacos for a seafood night. These mods fit busy parents or food enthusiasts perfectly.

Mastering Scallops Shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations

Want pro results? Chill seafood post-dry for extra sear power. Baste with pan butter at the end for gloss. Uniform sizes ensure even cooking.

Variations: Brown butter with capers, or citrus-chili. Salsa verde adds punch. Asian: Sake deglaze, sesame finish. Presentation: Fan on pea purée, microgreens atop.

Make-ahead: Marinate ahead, sear fresh. Batch cook, warm in low oven. Reheat in hot pan, no microwave. For surf and turf lovers, pair with steak like in our Father’s Day surf and turf.

Check doneness: Scallops springy, 125-130°F; shrimp opaque.
One time, I added chili flakes, and it was a hit with my spice-loving teens!

How to Store Scallops Shrimp: Best Practices

Fresh is best, but leftovers rock. Refrigerate cooked in airtight container 2-3 days. Raw: 1-2 days coldest fridge spot.

Freeze raw vacuum-sealed 3-6 months; cooked 2 months, flash-freeze first. Reheat: Hot skillet 30-60 seconds per side. Meal prep: Separate components, add citrus wedge.

I portioned this easy 15-minute shrimp and scallops recipe (post-marinate) for lunches, and it stayed tender.

Shrimp and Scallops in Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Scallops Shrimp

Essential Ingredients for Scallops Shrimp