- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) for lobster and crab, or prepare a broiler. For frying, pour vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to a depth of 3-4 inches. Heat oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- 2
Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of each lobster shell from the base to the tail, being careful not to cut through the meat. Gently pull the meat up through the opening and rest it on top of the shell. Brush with 1 tbsp melted butter and a pinch of paprika. Place on a baking sheet.
- 3
Prepare the snow crab legs: Place the crab clusters on the same baking sheet as the lobster. You can either steam them (see tip below) or simply warm them in the oven with the lobster. If baking, brush with 1 tbsp melted butter.
- 4
Bake the lobster and crab: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. If broiling the lobster, watch carefully, it will cook faster (about 5-7 minutes).
- 5
Prepare the fried shrimp: Set up three shallow bowls for breading. In the first, pour the buttermilk. In the second, combine flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper. In the third, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each shrimp first in buttermilk, then dredge in the seasoned flour (shaking off excess), then coat thoroughly with panko.
- 6
Fry the shrimp: Carefully add shrimp in batches to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove shrimp and transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain. Season lightly with extra salt immediately after frying.
- 7
Prepare the garlic shrimp scampi: While the other seafood cooks or immediately after frying the shrimp, melt 4 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the scampi shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
- 8
Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- 9
Assemble the feast: Arrange the cooked lobster tails, snow crab legs, fried shrimp, and garlic scampi shrimp on a large platter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra melted butter for dipping the crab and lobster.
- 10
Tip for steaming crab: If preferred, you can steam the crab legs separately over boiling water in a large pot for 5-7 minutes instead of baking.
