If you are craving a dish that feels like a special celebration captured in every succulent bite, this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe will be your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender lobster tails kissed by a garlic butter glaze, paired perfectly with seared scallops bubbling in a luscious buttery sauce—each element harmonizing to create a flavor explosion that is simultaneously indulgent and surprisingly easy to master at home. Whether for an intimate dinner or a fancy weekend treat, this recipe transforms simple, fresh ingredients into an unforgettable seafood experience that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these carefully selected ingredients is your first step toward a dish rich in flavor balance and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the luscious butter that binds everything together to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite.
- 2 lobster tails: Choose fresh or thawed lobster tails for tender, succulent meat that holds up beautifully under broiling.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: This is your base for garlic butter—unsalted butter gives you control over seasoning.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses a bold, aromatic punch that complements the richness of lobster perfectly.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that cuts through the buttery richness.
- 1 tsp paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and a lovely color contrast to your lobster tails.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the natural sweetness of seafood.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: A pop of green freshness that adds color and a subtle herbaceous note.
- Lemon wedges for serving: For guests who love an extra splash of citrus to brighten their bites.
- 1/2 lb sea scallops, patted dry: Dry scallops sear better; their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with garlic butter.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides that rich, silky surface for scallop searing and garlic infusion.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a delicate but impactful garlic aroma and flavor to scallops.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect caramelized crust on the scallops without burning the butter.
How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Start by carefully cutting through the top of each lobster tail shell lengthwise with kitchen shears. Gently lift the meat out while keeping it attached at the base, then rest it on top of the shell. This technique not only makes the lobster more visually appealing but also allows the garlic butter to penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Make Garlic Butter
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and paprika in a small bowl, then season with salt and pepper. This vibrant garlic butter is the heart of the dish, offering brightness, zest, and a hint of spice that will elevate the lobster.
Step 3: Broil the Lobster
Preheat your oven’s broiler and arrange the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Broil for 8 to 10 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and perfectly cooked through. Don’t forget to baste the lobster with your garlic butter mixture halfway through cooking to keep it tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an irresistible presentation.
Step 4: Sear the Scallops
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet and season the scallops with salt and pepper. Sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and feel slightly firm to the touch. This caramelization locks in their natural sweetness and creates a textural contrast that is simply mouthwatering.
Step 5: Make Garlic Butter for Scallops
Using the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, letting it cook gently for about a minute until fragrant. Return the scallops to the pan, coating them thoroughly in the warm garlic butter. This step ensures your scallops are infused with rich, buttery garlic flavor that perfectly complements the lobster.
Step 6: Serve with Style
Plate the garlic butter lobster tails alongside the seared scallops. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the top, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and arrange lemon wedges on the side. This final touch ties the dish together visually and flavor-wise, inviting everyone to dive into a beautifully balanced seafood feast.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley not only adds a splash of vibrant green but also lends its slight peppery, earthy twist that brightens the richness of the seafood. A good squeeze of lemon on the plate amps up freshness and adds an irresistible tang that cuts through the buttery sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides like a crisp green salad, garlic roasted asparagus, or a creamy risotto. These sides add textures and flavors without overwhelming the delicate profile of the lobster and scallops.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve your Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe on a large platter lined with lemon slices and sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top. You can also place the lobster tails back in their shells for a stunning presentation that will impress your guests or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To keep the scallops and lobster juicy, make sure they are well covered to avoid drying out and retain their buttery garlic flavor.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe, you can freeze cooked leftovers for up to one month. Wrap the lobster and scallops tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container to protect against freezer burn.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place leftovers in a covered dish and warm in a 275°F oven for about 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the scallops rubbery and the lobster tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even broiling and tender, juicy meat.
What is the best way to dry scallops before searing?
Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a beautiful golden crust and prevents steaming in the pan.
Can I substitute the butter with olive oil?
You can use olive oil for searing scallops, but the garlic butter is essential for flavor in this recipe, especially on lobster. Consider combining both for best results.
How do I know when lobster is cooked through?
Lobster meat turns opaque and firm but still tender. Typically, broiling 8–10 minutes after brushing with garlic butter will yield perfect doneness.
Is this recipe suitable for a romantic dinner?
Definitely! It’s elegant, delicious, and simple enough to make at home, creating an impressive and intimate meal perfect for two.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe that turns simple seafood into a joyous celebration on your plate. From the buttery, garlicky goodness to the succulent textures and tantalizing aromas, this dish is sure to impress and comfort all at once. So go ahead, invite a loved one over or treat yourself—you deserve to savor this delightful feast.
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Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling and Pan Searing (Primary method: Broiling)
- Cuisine: American
Description
Succulent lobster tails and tender sea scallops are cooked to perfection with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce, finished under the broiler and in a hot skillet for a quick and elegant seafood dish perfect for any special occasion or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 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
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
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top of each lobster tail shell lengthwise. Gently pull the lobster meat out, keeping it attached at the base, and rest it on top of the shell.
- Make Garlic Butter for Lobster: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster tails.
- Broil the Lobster: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. Baste with more garlic butter halfway through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
- Sear the Scallops: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter for Scallops: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then return the scallops to the pan and coat them in the garlic butter.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter lobster tails and scallops together, garnished with fresh parsley and a drizzle of the garlic butter from the skillet. Pair with a side of lemon wedges for extra zest.
Notes
- Make sure to pat scallops dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Adjust seasoning of garlic butter to taste for a balanced flavor.
- Do not overcook the scallops; they should be firm but tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity.
- Broiling times may vary depending on your oven; watch closely to avoid overcooking lobster.
