Garlic Butter Lobster, Shrimp & Seared Scallops

If you love seafood, this skillet brings three favorites together in one seriously satisfying dinner. Tender lobster, juicy shrimp, and golden seared scallops get coated in a simple garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and parsley, creating an elegant meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Three seafoods, one skillet. Lobster, shrimp, and scallops each get cooked properly for the best texture.
• That simple garlic butter sauce. Bright with lemon and parsley, it ties everything together beautifully.
• A true seafood feast. Impressive enough for a celebration but doable any night.
• Ready in 35 minutes. A restaurant-quality dinner that comes together at home.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lobster tail meat, cut into large chunks
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 lb large sea scallops, side muscles removed
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster, Shrimp & Seared Scallops

1. Prepare the seafood. Pat the shrimp and scallops completely dry. Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cut the lobster tail meat into generous chunks.

2. Sear the scallops. Heat the olive oil with 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops without crowding the pan and sear for about 2 minutes per side, until deeply golden and tender. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the shrimp and lobster. Add another tablespoon butter to the skillet, followed by the shrimp and lobster. Cook gently until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the lobster is just cooked through. Remove the seafood from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the garlic butter. Reduce the heat and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter. Add the garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant without browning. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and most of the parsley.

5. Bring the seafood together. Return the scallops, shrimp, and lobster to the skillet. Gently toss everything in the garlic butter sauce just until warmed through. Finish with the remaining parsley and freshly cracked black pepper, then serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Seafood Skillet

• Pat all the seafood very dry before cooking. This is essential for a good sear on the scallops especially.
• Don’t crowd the pan when searing the scallops. Giving them space helps them sear instead of steam.
• Watch the garlic closely. It should stay fragrant without browning, so keep the heat moderate during that step.
• Toss gently at the end. This coats everything in garlic butter without breaking apart the delicate seafood.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Lobster, Shrimp & Scallops

This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, a simple rice pilaf, or steamed asparagus. Crusty bread is also great for soaking up the extra garlic butter.

Frequently Asked Questions