Indulge in a luxurious seafood experience with Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops—tender, juicy lobster tails and perfectly seared scallops, all coated in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This dish is elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality seafood right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste – Buttery, garlicky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – A stunning dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lobster:
- 2 lobster tails (fresh or frozen, thawed if needed)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Scallops:
- ½ pound sea scallops, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops
Step 1: Preparing the Lobster Tails
- Butterfly the Lobster – Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of each lobster shell. Gently pull the meat out and rest it on top of the shell for even cooking and basting.
- Make the Garlic Butter – In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat and Broil – Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster meat. Place the tails on a baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, basting with additional garlic butter halfway through. The meat should be opaque and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Step 2: Perfectly Seared Scallops
- Heat the Pan – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and let it get hot.
- Season and Sear – Season the scallops with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pan for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Once done, remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Coat and Serve – Return the scallops to the pan, tossing them in the garlic butter. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Lobster & Scallops
✔️ Use Fresh Seafood – Fresh lobster tails and scallops will have the best flavor and texture.
✔️ Pat Scallops Dry – Removing excess moisture helps achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
✔️ Don’t Overcook – Lobster turns rubbery when overcooked, and scallops should be tender, not chewy.
✔️ Baste with Butter – Keep basting the lobster with garlic butter for extra richness.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops
Pair this dish with classic sides for a complete meal:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery for the perfect contrast.
- Steamed Asparagus – A light, crisp vegetable side.
- Rice Pilaf – A flavorful, fluffy complement to the seafood.
- Crusty Bread – To soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Frozen Lobster Tails?
Yes! Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking.
2. How Do I Know When the Lobster Is Done?
Lobster is fully cooked when the meat is white and opaque, and the shell turns bright red.
3. Can I Use Bay Scallops Instead of Sea Scallops?
You can, but bay scallops are smaller and cook faster. Adjust searing time to 1-2 minutes per side.
4. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Lobster and Scallops?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter to keep them from drying out.
Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops is an easy yet impressive dish that brings the elegance of fine dining into your home. With a buttery, garlicky finish and perfectly cooked seafood, this meal is sure to be a favorite. Try it for your next special occasion or when you just want to treat yourself!
Ready to cook? Gather your ingredients and enjoy this delicious seafood masterpiece tonight!
