About This Recipe
Indulge in a decadent surf‑and‑turf experience at home with succulent lobster tails and tender sea scallops bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce. This elegant yet surprisingly simple dish transforms any meal into a special occasion—perfect for date night, celebrations, or whenever you crave a restaurant‑quality seafood feast.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Restaurant‑Quality at Home: Juicy lobster and perfectly seared scallops rival any fine dining experience.
- Quick & Elegant: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight treat or last‑minute dinner party centerpiece.
- Flavor‑Packed: A classic garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood.
- Versatile Presentation: Serve over pasta, risotto, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and impressive meal.
Ingredients
For the Lobster
- 2 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Scallops
- 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 1–2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Prep the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise and gently pry the meat free. Brush lobster meat with melted butter mixed with garlic and lemon juice. Season lightly. - Sear the Scallops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Sear for 2 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside. - Cook the Lobster
In the same skillet, brush the lobster tails face‑up and cook for 5–7 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Baste periodically with any remaining garlic‑butter mix. - Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 Tbsp butter and let melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in lemon juice and parsley, then return scallops and lobster to the pan, turning to coat evenly in the sauce. - Serve
Transfer lobster and scallops to a warmed platter. Drizzle with extra garlic butter sauce. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges. Enjoy immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Over linguine tossed in olive oil and parsley
- With creamy Parmesan risotto
- Alongside roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach
Tips for Success
- Dry Scallops Thoroughly: Pat scallops completely dry to ensure a perfect sear.
- Don’t Overcook: Lobster and scallops cook quickly—watch for opaque, firm flesh.
- Prep Ahead: Mince garlic and pre‑butter lobster before guests arrive to streamline cooking.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the garlic butter sauce for warm heat.
- Herb‑Infused: Swap parsley for tarragon or chives to complement the delicate seafood flavors.
- Wine Enhancement: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding the garlic butter for a subtly tangy sauce.
- Creamy Upgrade: Finish the sauce with a splash of heavy cream for a luscious, velvety mouthfeel.
Storage & Reheating
- Make‑Ahead: You can butterfly lobster meat and season up to 2 hours before cooking, keeping it chilled until ready to sear.
- Leftovers: Store cooled seafood and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat Gently: Warm slowly over low heat, adding a teaspoon of water or extra butter to revive sauce consistency. Avoid microwaving, which can make seafood rubbery.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving, serves 2)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
Elevate your next dinner with this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe that’s as simple to prepare as it is unforgettable to taste. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these buttery, garlicky seafood bites are sure to impress. Bon appétit!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these garlic butter seafood stars with simple sides that soak up every drop of sauce. A creamy Parmesan risotto or buttery lemon‑garlic mashed potatoes make perfect canvases for the rich, garlicky flavors. For lighter accompaniments, toss together a crisp arugula and fennel salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or steam tender broccolini and drizzle it with extra garlic butter. Warm crusty bread is also indispensable for mopping up the skillet juices.
Wine Pairings
The sweet, succulent lobster and scallops call for a bright white wine. An unoaked Chardonnay offers a silky mouthfeel without overwhelming the delicate shellfish, while a crisp Sauvignon Blanc provides zesty citrus notes that echo the lemon in the butter sauce. If you prefer red, a light‑bodied Pinot Noir with soft tannins and red‑fruit character won’t clash with the garlic and butter.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Dry Scallops Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Pat scallops completely dry before seasoning to achieve that coveted golden crust.
- Use Fresh, Quality Seafood: The simplicity of this dish highlights ingredient quality. Whenever possible, buy day‑boat scallops and sustainably sourced lobster tails.
- Control Heat Carefully: Too hot, and garlic will burn; too cool, and you won’t develop flavor. Keep your garlic butter sauce at medium heat and watch for just‑fragrant garlic before deglazing or adding parsley.
- Don’t Overcook: Both lobster and scallops become rubbery if overdone. Pull lobster at 135 °F and scallops as soon as they’re opaque.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this on the grill? Yes—after searing on the stovetop, finish lobster tails shell‑side down on a medium‑hot grill for 3–4 minutes, and grill scallops briefly on skewers. Brush with garlic butter as they cook.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen shellfish? Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or for a quicker method, place sealed seafood in a bowl of cold water for 20–30 minutes. Never thaw at room temperature.
How do I keep the sauce from separating? Emulsify by whisking butter into the pan juices off the heat and adding cream or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard if needed to stabilize the sauce.
Final Thoughts
With minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe elevates any weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or simply craving gourmet flavors at home, the marriage of buttery seafood, aromatic garlic, and fresh herbs creates a dish that’s sure to impress. Serve it up, pour a glass of crisp white, and savor every decadent forkful. Enjoy!
Enjoy this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops as the ultimate indulgence—no fork lift required!