Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce is your new go-to for an unbelievably quick, restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up in your own kitchen. This recipe delivers succulent seafood bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients for Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1 pound large sea scallops, pat thoroughly dry
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off as preferred, pat thoroughly dry
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing (if needed)
How to Make Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce:
This Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce recipe is your secret weapon for a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes! It’s incredibly simple to prepare, exploding with rich, savory flavors from the perfectly cooked seafood and luscious garlic butter sauce. The prep time is minimal, making it ideal for those spontaneous cravings for something special.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Seafood: Ensure your scallops and shrimp are completely dry by patting them thoroughly with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear on the scallops and preventing the shrimp from steaming rather than searing. Season both the scallops and shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Scallops: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil (if using) to the hot skillet. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, carefully add the scallops in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches. Sear the scallops for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are opaque throughout. Remove the seared scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and add them to the plate with the scallops.
- Build the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze (Optional): If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet with the garlic. Let it bubble and reduce by about half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Add Cream and Lemon: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared scallops and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce until they are thoroughly coated and heated through, about 1 minute.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce:
You will absolutely adore this Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce for its pure, unadulterated deliciousness that rivals any fine dining establishment, all while being remarkably easy to assemble. The star of the show is undoubtedly the succulent seafood, perfectly seared and lovingly embraced by an incredibly rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Beyond its exquisite taste, this recipe is a superhero for your wallet, offering a cost-saving way to enjoy luxurious seafood without the hefty restaurant markup, proving that gourmet can be achieved at home on a budget. The vibrant, fresh notes of lemon and parsley cut through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that makes it special and incredibly satisfying, unlike a heavier, cream-only sauce.
This dish is a true weeknight wonder, transforming simple ingredients into a spectacular feast that will leave you feeling like a culinary master without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re a fan of classic shrimp scampi but crave something a bit more elegant and satisfying, this Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce is your perfect upgrade, offering double the seafood delight and an even more decadent sauce. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and prepare to be amazed by how quickly and easily you can create this showstopping meal at home tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Properly storing your Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce is key to enjoying its deliciousness for later. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate the dish for up to 2-3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly upon chilling, which is perfectly normal.
To reheat, gently warm the scallops and shrimp in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or white wine to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat or prolonged cooking, as this can overcook the seafood. You can also reheat covered in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the seafood and sauce for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, though the texture of the seafood may be slightly altered upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. Give this recipe a try, and savor the delightful flavors and ease of preparation. You won’t be disappointed!
try also :
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Crockpot Beef Fajitas
- Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Bake
- Cheesy Pumpkin Stuffed Pretzel Bites
- Find more in Pinterest
- Medium

Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Ensure your scallops and shrimp are completely dry by patting them thoroughly with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear on the scallops and preventing the shrimp from steaming rather than searing. Season both the scallops and shrimp generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.1 pound large sea scallops, 1 pound large shrimp, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and a drizzle of olive oil (if using) to the hot skillet. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, carefully add the scallops in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to do this in batches. Sear the scallops for 1.5 to 2 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are opaque throughout. Remove the seared scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, olive oil, 1 pound large sea scallops
- Add another tablespoon of butter to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become tough. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and add them to the plate with the scallops.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 pound large shrimp
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 6-8 cloves garlic, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet with the garlic. Let it bubble and reduce by about half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.1/4 cup dry white wine
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Return the seared scallops and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss them gently in the garlic butter sauce until they are thoroughly coated and heated through, about 1 minute.1 pound large sea scallops, 1 pound large shrimp
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the Scallops Shrimp Garlic Butter Sauce immediately.2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper