There’s something luxurious about seafood, and few dishes evoke that feeling more than Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops. This recipe is an elegant combination of rich lobster tails and tender scallops, all drenched in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a dinner where you want to impress, this dish brings restaurant-quality seafood into the comfort of your own kitchen. What’s even better is how simple it is to make. With a few high-quality ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have this decadent meal ready in no time.
This recipe features succulent lobster tails brushed with garlic butter, seasoned to perfection, and then broiled until tender. The scallops are seared until golden brown, then finished with a garlic butter sauce to bring out their delicate flavors. With fresh parsley and lemon wedges to brighten up the dish, you’ll have a delightful seafood feast that’s perfect for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Lobster:
• 2 lobster tails
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving
For the Scallops:
• 1/2 lb sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC BUTTER LOBSTER AND SCALLOPS:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
• Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
• Use kitchen shears to carefully cut through the top shell of the lobster tails, down to the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell and lift the lobster meat, placing it on top of the shell for a beautiful presentation.
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the lobster meat generously with this garlic butter mixture.
• Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for about 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and tender. Make sure to baste the lobster with more garlic butter halfway through cooking.
• Once done, remove the lobster tails from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
2. Sear the Scallops:
• While the lobster is broiling, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
• Add olive oil to the skillet, and when it’s hot, place the scallops in the pan, ensuring they have plenty of space. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent a good sear.
• Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. Avoid moving the scallops while they cook to allow a crust to form.
• Once the scallops are seared, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
• Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
• Return the seared scallops to the pan and toss them in the garlic butter sauce for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are coated and warmed through.
4. Serve:
• Plate the lobster tails and scallops together, drizzling any extra garlic butter sauce over the top.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color and brightness.
• Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, rich seafood dish with your favorite sides.
HELPFUL TIPS:
• Choosing the Right Scallops: Look for sea scallops, which are larger and have a slightly sweeter flavor than bay scallops. Make sure they are dry-packed (without added chemicals), as this will help them sear beautifully.
• Don’t Overcook the Lobster: Lobster tails cook quickly under the broiler, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once the meat turns opaque, they are done.
• Perfect Searing: Pat the scallops dry before cooking and make sure your pan is hot. This will give them a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the sauce. It should be sautéed just until fragrant to retain its sweet, mellow flavor.
DETAILS:
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Broiling, Pan-searing
• Cuisine: American, Seafood
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly
NOTES:
• If you want to enhance the flavor further, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce while it’s cooking. The wine will reduce, leaving behind a rich, tangy flavor that complements the seafood.
• This dish pairs beautifully with side dishes like roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use frozen lobster tails and scallops?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails and scallops for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking. To thaw, place the seafood in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in cold water for 30-60 minutes until fully defrosted.
How can I tell when the lobster tails are done?
The lobster meat should turn opaque and white when fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach around 140-145°F. Be careful not to overcook, as lobster can become tough and rubbery if left in the oven too long.
What other herbs can I use for garnish?
If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use other herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon. Each herb will bring a slightly different flavor, but all pair well with seafood.
Can I substitute shrimp for scallops?
Absolutely! If you prefer shrimp, you can easily swap them for the scallops. Just follow the same cooking method: sear the shrimp until they are pink and slightly curled, then toss them in the garlic butter sauce.
Can I grill the lobster tails instead of broiling?
Yes, grilling is another great option for cooking lobster tails. Follow the same preparation steps, but grill the lobster tails over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, basting with garlic butter throughout.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the lobster and scallops in a skillet over low heat with a bit of extra butter or olive oil. Be careful not to overcook them while reheating, as this can cause the seafood to become tough. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended, as both lobster and scallops tend to lose their delicate texture after being frozen and reheated.
Enjoy this delicious Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe for a special meal that’s sure to impress!
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Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops is an elegant seafood dish combining tender lobster tails and golden seared scallops, all drizzled with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for special occasions, this recipe is quick to make and full of luxurious flavor.
Ingredients
For the Lobster:
• 2 lobster tails
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving
For the Scallops:
• 1/2 lb sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
2. Prepare lobster tails by cutting the shell and lifting the meat on top. Mix garlic, butter, lemon juice, and paprika. Brush lobster with the mixture, season, and broil for 8-10 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the scallops in olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side, remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic, then toss the scallops to coat with the sauce.
5. Serve lobster and scallops with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
• Ensure scallops are dry before searing for a perfect golden crust.
• Don’t overcook the lobster; it should turn opaque and white when done.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutesMain Course
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling, Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 380 kcal
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
Keywords: Garlic butter lobster, seared scallops, seafood recipe, keto dinner, special occasion meal