The Story & Intro
There’s something magical about a Lobster & Shrimp Cast-Iron Dinner the sizzle, the buttery aroma, the way the seafood caramelizes ever so slightly against the hot pan. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to two places at once: the warm seaside markets of Crete I grew up visiting, and the cozy American kitchen where I cook today.
But before I get carried away, let me tell you the little story I share at the beginning of every recipe
“Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.”
Now that we’re properly acquainted let’s talk seafood.
This dish reminds me of weekends spent with my grandmother, learning how to handle seafood simply, respectfully, and lovingly. You don’t need fancy techniques or complicated steps just good ingredients, a reliable cast-iron skillet, and a willingness to let natural flavors shine.
My American friends always expect a show when I make this Lobster & Shrimp Cast-Iron Dinner, because honestly… she is a show-stopper. Golden lobster tails, plump shrimp, lemony-buttery garlic sauce, and a fragrant mix of herbs all together in one sizzling pan.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, an anniversary, or just because you deserve a little luxury at home (and you do!), this dish feels like a warm hug with a French accent and a Mediterranean heart. And don’t worry I’ll walk you through each step so it turns out perfect every time.
Let’s start cooking, mon ami. 💛👩🍳🦞
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Seafood
- 2 lobster tails (4–5 oz each)
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Lemon Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Herbs & Finishing
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp chives, chopped
- Lemon slices, for serving
- Extra melted butter, optional (but not really optional 😉)
👩🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare Your Seafood
Pat your shrimp and lobster tails dry moisture is the enemy of good searing!
Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of each lobster tail to expose the meat. Gently loosen it and pull the meat upward so it sits beautifully on top of the shell.
2. Heat the Cast-Iron Skillet
Place your skillet over medium-high heat.
Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering.
3. Sear the Lobster Tails
Place lobster tails meat-side down.
Cook 3–4 minutes until the surface becomes golden.
Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
4. Add the Shrimp
Push the lobster to one side of the skillet.
Add shrimp and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook until pink and opaque about 2–3 minutes.
5. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter
Lower heat to medium.
Add butter, minced garlic, and shallots.
Let them soften and release their aroma (best smell ever!).
Stir in paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chili flakes.
Spoon this sauce all over the lobster and shrimp.
6. Finish with Herbs
Turn off the heat.
Add parsley and chives.
Spoon sauce again generously over everything.
7. Serve Sizzling
Serve directly in the cast-iron skillet (careful it’s HOT), with lemon slices and extra butter on the side.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty French bread for dipping into the lemon-garlic butter.
- Add roasted asparagus or charred broccolini on the side.
- Make it cozy with a creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes.
- For a light option: pair with a mixed greens salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
📝 Notes
- Want more spice? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- You can substitute lobster tails with scallops for a budget-friendly version.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet spacing helps seafood sear, not steam.
- Fresh herbs make a huge difference.
🍽️ Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
Recipe Card 🍤🦞🔥
Lobster & Shrimp Cast-Iron Dinner
Ingredients
🦞 Lobster tails
🍤 Shrimp
🧈 Butter
🍋 Lemon
🧄 Garlic
🌿 Herbs
🌶️ Paprika + chili flakes
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear lobster tails in a hot cast-iron skillet.
2️⃣ Add shrimp and cook until pink.
3️⃣ Make lemon-garlic butter right in the pan.
4️⃣ Finish with herbs and spoon the sauce over everything.
5️⃣ Serve hot with lemon and crusty bread.
Total Time: ⏱️ 25 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Conclusion
Creating this Lobster & Shrimp Cast-Iron Dinner always feels like blending the best pieces of my life the French girl who learned to cook with heart, the Mediterranean girl who grew up around fresh seafood, and the American home cook who loves bringing joy to the table.
It’s simple, stunning, flavorful, and perfect for any night you want something special without hours in the kitchen.
Thanks for cooking with me, mon ami. Until next time stay warm, stay cozy, and keep your cast-iron sizzling. 💛🦞
