Indulge in the rich, buttery, and garlicky flavors of this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish! Perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet meal at home, this dish features tender lobster tails and succulent scallops, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce.
With just a handful of ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood dish right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Luxurious & Elegant – Perfect for date nights, holidays, or celebrations.
✔ Easy & Quick – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
✔ Rich, Buttery Flavor – Garlic butter enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.
✔ Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
🦞 For the Lobster & Scallops:
- 2 lobster tails (about 6 oz each)
- ½ lb sea scallops (patted dry)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
🧄 For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (for extra brightness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (Old Bay or Cajun seasoning, optional)
🍋 For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Extra melted butter for dipping
- Crusty bread, pasta, or rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell of each lobster tail.
- Gently pull the meat out, resting it on top of the shell (but keep it attached at the base).
- Brush the lobster meat with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
- Pat dry the scallops with paper towels (this ensures a golden sear).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lobster
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add the prepared lobster tails, shell side down.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, occasionally spooning the melted butter over the meat.
- Flip and cook for 1-2 more minutes, then set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 more tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lemon zest, and seafood seasoning.
- Return the scallops and lobster tails to the pan and baste them with the butter sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate the lobster tails and scallops with extra garlic butter drizzled over the top.
- Serve with lemon wedges, crusty bread, rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Lobster and Scallops
🔥 Dry the Scallops Well – This helps them sear properly and prevents steaming.
🦞 Use Fresh Lobster – Fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails work best.
🧄 Don’t Burn the Garlic – Cook it gently for a rich, mellow flavor.
🍋 Lemon Brightens the Dish – A little acid balances the richness of the butter.
🌿 Use a Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Pan – This helps get a perfect sear on the scallops.
Variations & Add-Ins
🦐 Add Shrimp: Include large shrimp for an even more decadent seafood experience.
🍷 White Wine Sauce: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of white wine for extra flavor.
🌶 Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
🍝 Serve Over Pasta: Toss the seafood and sauce with linguine or fettuccine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FaQs)
1. How do I know when lobster is done cooking?
Lobster meat should be opaque and white, with an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F. The shell will turn bright red when fully cooked.
2. Can I use frozen lobster tails and scallops?
Yes! Just thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat scallops dry to remove excess moisture.
3. What’s the best way to sear scallops without overcooking?
- Cook over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Avoid flipping too soon – let them develop a golden crust first.
4. Can I bake the lobster tails instead?
Yes! Brush them with garlic butter and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with extra butter.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish is a show-stopping, luxurious meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving seafood, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
🔥 Craving more seafood recipes? Let me know what you’d like to try next! 🦞✨
