Equal-Part Shrimp & Scallops with Lemon Thyme
A simple sear where shrimp and scallops are cooked in perfect balance, elevated by a bright lemon-thyme finish. This seafood ready in about 18 minutes pairs large shrimp, sea scallops, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 8 oz, trimmed sea scallops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 8 oz peeled shrimp and 8 oz trimmed scallops dry with paper towels, then season both with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp and scallops in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and opaque, flipping once.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat and immediately stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp finely chopped thyme, swirling to coat the seafood evenly. Serve immediately while hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Equal-Part Shrimp & Scallops with Lemon Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Equal-Part Shrimp & Scallops with Lemon Thyme?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Equal-Part Shrimp & Scallops with Lemon Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Equal-Part Shrimp & Scallops with Lemon Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What should I serve with Equal-Part Shrimp & Scallops with Lemon Thyme?
Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! So simple and elegant, with just the right amount of lemon and thyme. Served with rice, it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
The shrimp and scallops were perfectly cooked, and the lemon thyme sauce was divine. My family loved it for our anniversary dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the scallops took a bit longer to cook than expected. Still, the dish was delicious.
