This Lobster Shrimp Scampi is a fancy yet simple dish that brings the taste of the sea right to your kitchen. With juicy shrimp and tender lobster in a creamy garlic butter sauce, it’s a meal to remember!
I love how quick it is to whip up this delightful dish. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🦞🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this dish because they stay juicy during cooking. If you’re looking for a substitute, you could use scallops or even firm white fish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Lobster: For lobster meat, cooked lobster is ideal. If fresh lobster isn’t available, good quality frozen lobster works too. I sometimes use crab meat as a delicious alternative if we’re in the mood for a twist!
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to for a rich flavor, but you can use ghee or a dairy-free butter for a lighter option. Remember, the butter complements the seafood beautifully!
White Wine: A dry white wine adds depth. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a fantastic substitute that keeps the flavors intact. Just make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
Fresh Parsley: Don’t skip the parsley! It adds a fresh note. If you don’t have parsley, try using fresh basil or even chives for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, as they cook quickly. To get just the right texture, follow these tips:
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps them sear rather than steam.
- Cook the shrimp over medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side. They’ll change from gray to pink and become opaque—that’s your cue to take them out!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it’s better to cook in batches to achieve a nice sear.
With these insights and techniques, your Lobster Shrimp Scampi will shine at the dinner table. Enjoy each delicious bite!
Lobster Shrimp Scampi
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound cooked lobster meat, chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Lobster Shrimp Scampi takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, making the total time around 20 minutes! It’s a quick and impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by patting the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them get that nice sear when cooking. Lightly season them with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside for later.
3. Flavor the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but make sure it doesn’t brown!
4. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) along with the lemon juice. Scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until it reduces slightly.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring the shrimp and lobster back. Add the chopped lobster meat and the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the seafood is well coated in the garlic butter sauce.
6. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the chopped parsley and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Cook everything together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through. You want it warm and inviting!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately over your choice of cooked pasta or with warm crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce. Enjoy your flavorful Lobster Shrimp Scampi!
This dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and quick preparation. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or putting them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Cooked Lobster?
If you don’t have cooked lobster on hand, you can easily substitute it with cooked crab meat or even more shrimp. Just keep the quantities the same to maintain the dish’s balance.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat them on the stove over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Can I Make This Dish Without Wine?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. Either option will still deliver a delicious flavor to the sauce!
