The Best Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe Ever Made

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this garlic butter lobster and scallops recipe that promises pure ocean-inspired magic.

Rich coastal flavors dance across your plate with extraordinary elegance.

Succulent shellfish become irresistible when bathed in golden, herb-infused butter.

Butter’s velvety warmth perfectly complements delicate marine proteins, creating an impressive culinary experience.

Mediterranean cooking techniques shine through every carefully crafted bite.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike can master this elegant dish with minimal ingredients.

You’ll savor each luxurious morsel that transports taste buds directly to seaside restaurants.

Dive into this restaurant-quality meal that will seriously impress everyone at your table.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops

• Lobster Tails: Fresh, succulent seafood that provides a luxurious and tender centerpiece for the dish.
• Scallops: Delicate marine protein that offers a sweet and subtle flavor when perfectly seared.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden base for the sauce that enhances the seafood's natural flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a perfect golden sear and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the seafood.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the delicate seafood.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh herb note and vibrant green color to the final dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the seafood.
• Lemon: Adds a citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter and balances the seafood's flavor.

How To Prepare Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops

Step 1: Prep Seafood

Pat lobster tails and scallops completely dry with paper towels. This ensures beautiful golden searing and maximum flavor absorption.

Step 2: Create Garlic Butter Base

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow butter to become slightly golden and fragrant without burning. Add minced garlic and stir continuously until lightly golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Butterfly Lobster Tails

Carefully slice down the middle of lobster tail shells to butterfly them. Season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.

Step 4: Sear Lobster Tails

Increase skillet heat to medium-high and add olive oil. Place lobster tails shell-side down, cooking 5-6 minutes until shells turn bright red and meat becomes opaque.

Step 5: Finish Lobster Cooking

Flip lobster tails and cook additional 3-4 minutes. Continuously baste with garlic butter sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Cook Scallops

Add scallops to the same skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side until golden-brown crust forms and centers remain translucent.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over seafood. Sprinkle chopped parsley across the dish. Drizzle remaining garlic butter sauce over lobster tails and scallops.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Arrange seared seafood on serving plates. Ensure presentation highlights the golden-brown exterior and glistening sauce. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Tips To Make Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops Shine

• Prep with Precision: Pat frozen seafood completely dry to guarantee a flawless golden sear and maximize flavor absorption.
• Butter Brilliance: Melt butter slowly over medium heat, watching carefully to achieve a golden, nutty color without burning the delicate fat.
• Shell Strategy: Butterfly lobster tails by cutting down the middle of the shell to ensure even cooking and stunning presentation.
• Scallop Spacing Secret: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing scallops, allowing each piece enough room to develop a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Timing is Everything: Cook lobster tails shell-side down first for 5-6 minutes, then flip and baste with garlic butter sauce to lock in moisture and enhance flavor.

Delicious Spins On Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace unsalted butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version, maintaining the same cooking technique and flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Swap parsley with fresh dill or tarragon, adding a unique herbal dimension to the garlic butter sauce.
• Low-Carb Sea Feast: Skip the butter sauce and use a light herb-infused avocado oil, seasoning with smoked paprika and fresh thyme for added depth.
• Spicy Seafood Remix: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne into the butter sauce, creating a zesty kick that complements the delicate seafood flavors.

Perfect Pairings For Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Choose a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity that complements the rich, buttery seafood flavors.
• Match Herbed Focaccia Bread: Serve warm, herb-infused Italian bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and provide a perfect textural contrast.
• Create Citrus Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the seafood and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Select Champagne Aperitif: Start the meal with a sparkling champagne or prosecco to enhance the luxurious seafood experience and stimulate the appetite.

How To Store Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops Properly

• Seal seafood in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep leftovers away from other strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap lobster tails and scallops separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve texture and flavor quality.
• Preheat oven to 275°F, place seafood in a baking dish with a splash of butter or broth. Cover with foil and warm for 10-12 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Use low power setting, heat in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Add a small pat of butter to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops FAQs

• What makes lobster tails and scallops cook perfectly?

Pat dry seafood completely to remove moisture, which helps achieve a golden-brown sear and prevents steaming instead of browning. Moisture prevents the beautiful caramelization that gives seafood its rich flavor.

• How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked?

Look for bright red shells and opaque white meat that appears firm and slightly separated from the shell. The internal temperature should reach 140-145°F to ensure safe and delicious seafood.

• Can I prevent scallops from becoming rubbery?

Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook scallops for only 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring they develop a golden crust while remaining tender and translucent in the center. Overcooking makes them tough and chewy.

• Why is butter crucial in this seafood recipe?

Why Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops Feel Fancy Yet Simple

• Savor Seafood Luxury: Indulge in a restaurant-quality dish that brings gourmet seafood right to your kitchen without the hefty price tag.
• Master Precision Cooking: Learn the art of perfectly searing delicate seafood with simple techniques that transform lobster tails and scallops into golden-crusted delights.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a show-stopping meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant, guaranteed to wow family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: Prepare an elegant seafood feast in just a few minutes, making it ideal for special occasions or a romantic dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Garlic Butter Lobster And Scallops Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter lobster and scallops invite seafood enthusiasts on a luxurious culinary journey through coastal flavors. Delicate marine treasures sizzle with rich, herbed butter, promising an elegant dining experience you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean-inspired delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood:

• 2 lobster tails
• 1 pound scallops

Butter and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Thaw lobster tails and scallops completely if frozen, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and flavor absorption.
2. Mince garlic cloves finely and chop fresh parsley, setting aside for later use in the butter sauce.
3. Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become slightly golden and fragrant without burning.
4. Add minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until aromatic and lightly golden.
5. Season lobster tails with salt and pepper, carefully cutting down the middle of the shell to butterfly them for even cooking.
6. Increase skillet heat to medium-high and add olive oil to create a perfect searing environment.
7. Place lobster tails shell-side down in the skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes until the shells turn bright red and meat begins to turn opaque.
8. Flip lobster tails and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, basting with the garlic butter sauce.
9. Remove lobster tails from the skillet and set aside on a warm plate.
10. In the same skillet, add scallops, ensuring they are not overcrowded to achieve a perfect golden sear.
11. Cook scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and become translucent in the center.
12. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the seafood and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
13. Drizzle remaining garlic butter sauce over lobster tails and scallops before serving immediately.
14. Plate the dish, presenting the golden-seared seafood with the aromatic garlic butter sauce for a stunning culinary presentation.

Notes

• Pat seafood completely dry to achieve a perfect golden sear and lock in delicious flavors during cooking.
• Use unsalted butter for better control of salt levels and allow the natural seafood sweetness to shine through.
• Select fresh, high-quality scallops and lobster tails to guarantee the most tender and succulent seafood experience.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking scallops to ensure each piece develops a beautiful caramelized crust without steaming.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg