Garlic Butter Shrimp & Scallops with Broccoli

🛒 Ingredients (4 servings)

Seafood

• ½ lb large shrimp (16–20 count), peeled & deveined

• ½ lb sea scallops (dry-packed preferred)

Vegetables

• 3–4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-size pieces

Fats & Aromatics

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided

• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

• 4–5 cloves garlic, finely minced

Seasonings

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

Finish

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2–3 tbsp white wine or chicken broth (optional, for sauce)

• Fresh parsley (optional)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Everything First (Very Important)

Seafood cooks fast, so don’t skip this.

• Pat shrimp and scallops VERY dry with paper towels

• Season both sides with:

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Paprika

• Keep them uncovered on a plate (helps with searing)

2. Cook the Broccoli

• Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat

• Add broccoli, sprinkle lightly with salt

• Sauté 3–4 minutes until:

  • Bright green

  • Slightly tender but still crisp

• Remove from skillet and set aside

💡 Don’t overcook — it will finish later.

3. Sear the Scallops (Key Step)

• Increase heat to high

• Add 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter

• Once hot and shimmering, place scallops flat-side down

• DO NOT MOVE THEM

• Sear 2–3 minutes per side until deep golden crust forms

• Flip once, sear again

• Remove immediately and set aside

🔥 If scallops stick, they’re not ready yet.

4. Cook the Shrimp

• Reduce heat slightly to medium-high

• Add 1 tbsp butter

• Add shrimp in a single layer

• Cook 1–2 minutes per side until:

  • Pink

  • Lightly caramelized

• Remove shrimp and set aside

5. Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Lower heat to medium

• Add remaining 1 tbsp butter

• Add minced garlic and chili flakes

• Stir 20–30 seconds (do NOT brown garlic)

• Deglaze with:

  • White wine or chicken broth

• Simmer 1 minute to reduce slightly

6. Bring Everything Together

• Return broccoli, shrimp, and scallops to the pan

• Toss gently to coat in sauce

• Finish with:

  • Lemon juice

  • Optional parsley

• Taste and adjust salt if needed

⏱ Total time in pan now: 1–2 minutes max

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes

• Low-carb: serve as-is or over cauliflower rice

• Add crusty bread to soak up the sauce

👨‍🍳 Pro Tips

• Use dry scallops, not wet-packed

• High heat = crust, low heat = rubbery seafood

• Lemon goes in at the end, not earlier

• Don’t overcrowd the pan