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If you’re looking for an indulgent seafood dish that’s also quick to make, this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe is the perfect fit. With tender lobster tails and seared sea scallops bathed in rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is the epitome of luxury dining at home. Plus, it only takes about 25 minutes from start to finish!
The buttery, garlicky sauce brings out the sweet flavor of the seafood, while a squeeze of fresh lemon adds just the right amount of brightness. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for two or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe
The best part of this dish? It’s as easy as it is delicious! The combination of lobster and scallops creates a beautiful contrast of textures—the lobster is succulent and the scallops are perfectly tender with a crispy sear. Here’s why this dish stands out:
- Taste: The savory richness of the garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the seafood. A hint of lemon gives a burst of freshness.
- Quick and Simple: With just 25 minutes of total time, you can whip up this impressive meal on a weeknight.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with additional seasonings or pair with various sides. It’s an easy way to elevate any occasion.
- Restaurant Quality: No need to visit a seafood restaurant when you can create a mouthwatering meal like this at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering seafood dish:
- 2 lobster tails
- 12 large sea scallops
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet (preferably cast iron for a good sear)
- Tongs
- Small bowl for melting butter
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops
Step 1: Prep the Seafood
Rinse the lobster tails and scallops under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both with a pinch of salt and pepper on all sides.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the scallops in the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and form a crispy exterior. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lobster
In the same skillet, add the lobster tails. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the shells turn bright red and the lobster meat becomes opaque.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Place the scallops back into the skillet with the lobster tails. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the seafood, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for drizzling.
Serving Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Some of my favorite options include:
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch and earthy flavor to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes works wonderfully to soak up all the extra garlic butter.
- Crusty bread: For an extra indulgence, use crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the garlic butter sauce!
Tips for Making the Perfect Lobster and Scallops
- Get the sear just right: To achieve the perfect golden crust on your scallops, make sure the pan is hot before adding them, and don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures an even sear and prevents steaming.
- Use fresh seafood: Whenever possible, use fresh lobster tails and scallops. Frozen seafood works, but fresh seafood will give you the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook: Keep a close eye on the lobster tails and scallops, as they cook quickly. Overcooking can result in tough, rubbery seafood.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the seafood in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. The garlic butter sauce can also be stored in a separate container and reheated for serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops and lobster tails?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the seafood before cooking to ensure even cooking. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen seafood?
If you’re in a hurry, place the frozen lobster tails and scallops in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. For a more gradual thaw, let them defrost in the fridge overnight.
Can I add other seafood to this dish?
Yes! You can easily customize this recipe by adding shrimp or even mussels. Simply adjust the cooking times as needed, as shrimp and mussels cook a bit faster than lobster and scallops.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the richness of the garlic butter sauce and the delicate flavors of the seafood.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe is the perfect dish when you want to impress with minimal effort. The combination of rich garlic butter, fresh seafood, and a hint of lemon is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dish will make you feel like you’re dining at a five-star restaurant.
Looking for more inspiration for decadent meals? Be sure to check out these recipes as well:
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
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PrintGarlic Butter Lobster and Scallops: A Decadent Seafood Feast
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this quick and elegant Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe. Perfectly seared sea scallops and succulent lobster tails are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of fresh lemon and parsley. This decadent dish takes just 25 minutes to make and is guaranteed to impress, whether for a special dinner or a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 12 large sea scallops
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the Seafood: Rinse the lobster tails and scallops under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Scallops: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Lobster: In the same skillet, cook lobster tails for 4-5 minutes, turning halfway, until the shells turn bright red and the meat is opaque.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter in the skillet, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the lobster and scallops. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- This recipe is quick to make but delivers a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Sear, Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (half the recipe)
- Calories: ~400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg