If you are looking for an indulgent seafood dish that feels both elegant and comforting, the Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe is your perfect go-to. This recipe combines the tender sweetness of lobster tails with the delicate, seared scallops, all bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce that enhances every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something extraordinary, this dish delivers rich flavors, beautiful texture contrasts, and a presentation that is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward yet crucial for creating those deep, irresistible flavors and the perfect texture. Each element, from fresh garlic to a squeeze of lemon, plays an important role in bringing this dish to life.
- 2 lobster tails: Fresh lobster tails offer sweet, tender meat that is the star of this recipe.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter creates a rich, velvety base that complements the seafood perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the butter with aromatic depth and punch.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a bright, refreshing contrast that balances the richness.
- 1 tsp paprika: Paprika brings a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the lobster topping.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Parsley adds a pop of fresh, herbal brightness and color.
- Lemon wedges for serving: Extra lemon wedges provide zesty freshness at the table.
- 1/2 lb sea scallops, patted dry: Scallops are tender and slightly sweet; drying them ensures a great sear.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter for sautéing scallops adds richness and helps develop a golden crust.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic complements scallops with its savory aroma.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil helps achieve that perfect sear 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 shell of each lobster tail with kitchen shears. This allows you to gently pull the lobster meat out without detaching it completely, resting it beautifully on top of the shell. This technique not only makes for an impressive presentation but also helps the meat cook evenly while absorbing the flavors from the garlic butter.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and paprika, then season generously with salt and pepper. This garlic butter mixture is where the magic begins, infusing the lobster meat with bold, buttery garlic goodness and a little touch of smoky warmth from the paprika.
Step 3: Broil the Lobster Tails
Preheat your oven’s broiler and arrange the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster, then broil for about 8 to 10 minutes. Halfway through cooking, baste the lobster again with the garlic butter to keep it moist and flavorful. When the lobster meat turns opaque and is perfectly cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness.
Step 4: Sear the Scallops
While the lobster cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the pan. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are just firm to the touch. This quick sear locks in juiciness and creates that irresistible caramelized flavor we love.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter to Scallops
Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside. Melt the butter in the same pan and add the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant. Then return the scallops to the pan, gently tossing them to coat in the fragrant garlic butter. This step ensures every bite of scallop is silky, buttery, and packed with garlicky flavor.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Arrange the garlic butter lobster tails and scallops together on a serving platter. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the seafood, then garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This final touch brings everything together into a stunning, mouthwatering dish that looks as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnish here, bringing a lovely green contrast and a slight herbaceous flavor that lifts the richness of the dish. Lemon wedges are essential too—they allow each diner to add a tangy zing that brightens the buttery seafood and enhances all the flavors.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, simple side dishes that won’t overpower the seafood. Think garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil. A crusty baguette is also a fantastic companion to soak up every drop of that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish on a long platter lined with lemon slices and fresh herbs creates a visually stunning centerpiece. For a modern twist, try plating each portion in individual shallow bowls with microgreens sprinkled on top. You could also serve the lobster tails still in their shells with scallops arranged around them, making it feel extra special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. Because this dish is best enjoyed fresh, try to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the seafood and losing that tender texture.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover lobster and scallops, it’s not ideal as freezing can slightly compromise the texture of seafood. If you do choose to freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator to preserve the flavor best.
Reheating
To reheat, use a low heat setting. A quick steam or warming the seafood in a covered skillet over low heat with a bit of butter will help avoid drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the lobster and scallops rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails and scallops for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels before cooking to get that perfect sear and avoid sogginess.
What type of paprika works best in this recipe?
A sweet smoked paprika adds a wonderful depth without too much heat, but you can adjust based on your preference. Regular sweet paprika or even a pinch of hot paprika will work nicely to add flavor and color.
Can I substitute olive oil with another oil for searing scallops?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point like grapeseed or avocado oil. Olive oil is a great choice because it adds a nice fruitiness, but feel free to adapt.
Is it possible to make this dish for more than two servings?
Definitely! Just scale up the ingredients proportionally and cook the lobster tails and scallops in batches if your pan or oven space is limited. The steps remain the same.
What’s the best way to know when lobster tails are fully cooked?
The meat should be opaque—white and firm—and curl slightly into a C shape. Cooking them a bit extra can make them rubbery, so watching closely, especially under the broiler, is key to getting tender lobster every time.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe is a true celebration of luxurious flavors and simple cooking techniques. Once you try it, you’ll discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. So, gather those fresh ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s pure seafood heaven. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Broiling and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe features succulent lobster tails broiled with a flavorful garlic butter glaze and perfectly seared sea scallops finished in the same garlic butter sauce. It’s an elegant seafood dish perfect for special occasions or a decadent dinner at home, combining rich, buttery flavors with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon zest.
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 to allow even cooking and easy seasoning.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce for Lobster: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush this garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster tails to infuse them with rich flavor.
- Broil the Lobster Tails: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat turns opaque and is fully cooked. Remember to baste with more garlic butter halfway through for extra moisture and flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and keep warm.
- Sear the Scallops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are slightly firm to touch, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter for Scallops: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Return the scallops to the skillet and coat them thoroughly in the garlic butter sauce.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the garlic butter lobster tails and scallops on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet over the seafood. Serve with lemon wedges for added zest and brightness.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the scallops to maintain their tender texture.
- Pat the scallops dry before searing to ensure a beautiful golden crust.
- You can prepare extra garlic butter in advance to brush over the lobster tails during broiling.
- Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and lemon juice, for balanced flavors.
