Seafood Combo Recipe

Prepare and clean seafood

Rinse shrimp, calamari, scallops, and mussels under cold water. Pat shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. Discard any mussels with cracked shells or that don't close when tapped. Trim and slice calamari if needed into uniform rings.

Marinate seafood

In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Add the shrimp, calamari, and scallops and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes (no longer than 30 minutes) to let flavors penetrate.

While seafood marinates, combine remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, remaining salt and pepper, smoked paprika and crushed red pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will be used to finish the dish and spoon over just-cooked seafood.

Cook mussels first

Heat a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add cleaned mussels and pour in 1/2 cup white wine (or seafood stock). Cover and steam for 4-6 minutes until mussels open. Remove with a slotted spoon into a bowl, discarding any unopened shells. Reserve the cooking liquid in the pan.

Sear scallops and shrimp

Increase heat to medium-high and add 1 tablespoon butter to the same pan with reserved liquid. Pat the marinated scallops and shrimp dry again if needed. Add scallops in a single layer, searing 1.5-2 minutes per side until golden (do not overcrowd). Remove scallops and keep warm. Add shrimp to the pan and cook 1.5-2 minutes per side until opaque and pink. Remove and keep warm with scallops.

Quickly cook calamari and combine

Add the calamari rings to the hot pan with remaining garlic/seasoning mixture spooned in, and sauté 45-60 seconds — just until they are opaque and firm. Return mussels, scallops and shrimp to the pan. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and lemon zest. Toss gently to coat and warm everything together for 30-60 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt/pepper or lemon juice if desired. Stir in chopped basil if using.

Spoon the seafood combo and sauce over crusty bread, rice, or pasta. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot.