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Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

This luxurious seafood dish combines perfectly broiled lobster tails and golden seared scallops, both enhanced with a rich garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for special occasions or when you want to create a restaurant experience at home.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

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Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:35:17 GMT
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A plate of succulent lobster tail with grilled scallops, garnished with parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges. Pin it
A plate of succulent lobster tail with grilled scallops, garnished with parsley and accompanied by lemon wedges. | quickierecipe.com

Elegant Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

I created this dish for my anniversary dinner and it's become our special occasion favorite. The combination of sweet tender lobster and perfectly seared scallops in that rich garlic butter sauce creates pure magic on your plate. Even though it looks like something from a fancy restaurant it's surprisingly simple to make at home making any dinner feel extra special.

A Restaurant Quality Meal at Home

What makes this recipe so wonderful is how those simple ingredients create something truly spectacular. That garlic butter sauce enhances all the natural sweetness of the seafood while keeping everything juicy and tender. I love how versatile it is whether we're celebrating something special or just want to make a regular evening feel extra special.

What You'll Need

  • Lobster Tails: Look for nice plump ones they're worth it.
  • Sea Scallops: Pat them really dry for the perfect sear.
  • Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced gives the best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh squeezed makes all the difference.
  • Paprika: Just enough for beautiful color and flavor.
  • Olive Oil: For that perfect golden sear.
  • Parsley: Fresh chopped adds such lovely color.
  • Salt and Pepper: Season everything just right.

Creating Your Seafood Feast

Prepare the Lobster Tails
Get those shells split nicely and brush with our flavorful butter.
Broil the Lobster
Let them cook until perfectly tender basting to keep them moist.
Sear the Scallops
Get your pan nice and hot for that beautiful golden crust.
Finish with Garlic Butter
Let everything get cozy in that amazing sauce.

My Best Seafood Tips

Always start with fresh seafood the quality really shows in the final dish. Those scallops need to be super dry to get that gorgeous sear. Watch your cooking times carefully nobody likes overcooked seafood. Remember to turn your baking sheet for even cooking under the broiler.

Perfect Pairings

We love serving this with warm crusty bread for soaking up all that precious sauce. A light salad on the side brings nice balance and a glass of chilled white wine makes everything feel extra special. Sometimes I'll add creamy risotto when we want something more substantial.

Saving Some For Later

While this dish is best fresh any leftovers keep nicely in the fridge for a couple days. Just warm them gently in a pan with a touch of butter to keep everything tender. You can freeze it but I really recommend enjoying it fresh.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I'll swap in some jumbo shrimp or add fresh crab for variety. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds nice warmth and fresh thyme makes a lovely herb alternative. Adding some bright green vegetables like spinach or asparagus makes it even more special.

Common Questions

Frozen lobster tails work fine just thaw them completely first. Don't worry if you're out of fresh parsley dried works too. Getting those scallops nice and dry and your pan hot prevents sticking. Grilling the lobster adds amazing flavor if you want to try something different.

A perfectly cooked lobster tail accompanied by seared scallops, garnished with parsley and served with lemon wedges. Pin it
A perfectly cooked lobster tail accompanied by seared scallops, garnished with parsley and served with lemon wedges. | quickierecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I get a perfect sear on scallops?

Pat scallops completely dry before cooking and ensure your pan is very hot. Don't overcrowd the pan and avoid moving them until ready to flip.

→ Why butterfly the lobster tails?

Butterflying allows the meat to cook evenly and creates an elegant presentation. It also helps the garlic butter penetrate the meat better.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Both lobster and scallops are best served immediately after cooking. You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead and clean the seafood in advance.

→ How do I know when the seafood is done?

Lobster meat should be opaque and firm, while scallops should be golden brown outside and slightly translucent in the center.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with risotto, asparagus, or roasted vegetables. A light salad and crusty bread for soaking up the garlic butter also work well.

Lobster and Scallops

Tender lobster tails and golden seared scallops served in a rich garlic butter sauce. An elegant seafood dinner that's surprisingly simple to make.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 lobster tails.
02 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted.
03 3 cloves garlic, minced.
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
05 1 teaspoon paprika.
06 Salt and pepper to taste.
07 Fresh parsley for garnish.
08 Lemon wedges for serving.
09 1/2 lb sea scallops, patted dry.
10 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
11 2 cloves garlic, minced.
12 1 tablespoon olive oil.
13 Salt and pepper to taste.
14 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Cut shell lengthwise with kitchen shears. Pull meat up, keeping base attached. Rest meat on shell.

Step 02

Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice. Add paprika, salt, pepper. Brush over lobster meat.

Step 03

Broil 8-10 minutes until opaque. Baste halfway with garlic butter.

Step 04

Heat oil in skillet. Sear seasoned scallops 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan.

Step 05

Melt butter in same pan. Cook garlic 1 minute. Return scallops to coat.

Step 06

Serve garnished with parsley and lemon.

Notes

  1. Can add red pepper flakes for heat.
  2. Pat scallops completely dry before cooking.
  3. Best served immediately.
  4. Great for special occasions.
  5. Restaurant-quality dish.
  6. Avoid moving scallops while searing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Kitchen shears.
  • Broiler pan.
  • Large skillet.
  • Basting brush.
  • Small bowl.
  • Paper towels.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish (lobster, scallops).
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 45 g