If you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious seafood dish that’s both elegant and easy to prepare, look no further than Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops. This dish features tender lobster tails and juicy scallops, both cooked to perfection in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that elevates the natural sweetness of the seafood. Whether it’s a special dinner, holiday meal, or just a night to treat yourself, this dish will impress with its delicate flavors and sophisticated presentation.
Why This Recipe Works
Perfectly Cooked Seafood: Cooking lobster tails and scallops to just the right level of tenderness is key to making this dish a success. The combination of sautéing the lobster in a hot skillet and searing the scallops ensures each piece is perfectly cooked—succulent and juicy, not overdone.
Garlic Butter Sauce: Garlic butter is the ultimate sauce for seafood. The richness of the butter complements the sweet, delicate flavors of the lobster and scallops, while the garlic and lemon add depth and brightness, making this dish incredibly flavorful without overpowering the seafood.
Simplicity with Elegance: The ingredients are simple and straightforward, but the end result is a dish that feels indulgent and elegant. This is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special meal at home without the need for complicated techniques.
Customization: You can easily adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more lemon for a zesty kick or extra garlic for a bolder flavor. Adding a splash of white wine in the butter sauce also enhances the complexity of the dish.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
For the Seafood:
2 lobster tails, halved lengthwise
1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided (for cooking and the sauce)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
A splash of white wine (for the garlic butter sauce)
Additional lemon wedges for garnish
How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster and Scallops
Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears, cut the lobster tails in half lengthwise. You can also gently score the flesh with a knife to help it cook evenly.
Pat the scallops dry: This is an important step. Pat the sea scallops dry with a paper towel to ensure they sear properly. Excess moisture will cause the scallops to steam instead of brown, so drying them thoroughly ensures a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Cook the Lobster Tails
Heat the oil and butter: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and foamy.
Cook the lobster: Add the lobster tails, flesh side down, and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the flesh is slightly golden and opaque. Flip the lobster tails and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The lobster should be firm and cooked through but not overcooked. Remove the lobster tails from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook the Scallops
Cook the scallops: In the same skillet, add the scallops, being careful not to crowd the pan. Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. The scallops should develop a caramelized crust while remaining tender inside. Once cooked, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside with the lobster.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Sauté garlic in butter: Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Add lemon and parsley: Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, cooking for another 30 seconds to combine. If you like, you can also add a splash of white wine at this stage to deglaze the pan and add even more depth of flavor to the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss the seafood in the garlic butter sauce: Return the lobster and scallops to the skillet, gently tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat evenly. Allow them to simmer for an additional minute so the flavors meld together.
Serve: Transfer the lobster and scallops to a serving platter. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a fresh, bright contrast.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
Dry the Scallops: Drying your scallops before cooking them is the key to getting a perfect sear. Moisture on the scallops will cause them to steam instead of sear, resulting in a less-than-ideal texture. This is one of the most important steps to achieving the beautiful golden crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the lobster and scallops, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If there are too many pieces in the pan at once, they’ll steam instead of sear, preventing a good crust from forming. If necessary, cook them in batches.
Butter and Garlic Timing: Garlic burns easily, so it’s essential to add it after the butter has melted. Cooking garlic for just 1 minute gives it enough time to become fragrant without becoming bitter.
Optional Wine: A splash of white wine in the garlic butter sauce can add extra depth and acidity. It’s a great addition if you’re looking for a little extra sophistication in the flavor profile.
Use Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to this dish. It’s also a great contrast to the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Lobster and scallops can become tough and rubbery if overcooked. Always keep an eye on them while they’re cooking, and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re done.
How to Serve
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish is a showstopper, perfect for an elegant dinner. Here’s how to serve it:
Plating: Serve the lobster and scallops on a large platter, drizzling the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, fresh touch.
Side Dishes: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or with a simple side of garlic bread to soak up the rich butter sauce. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the seafood.
Pairing Suggestions: Pair this dish with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, which will cut through the richness of the butter and elevate the delicate seafood flavors. Alternatively, serve it with a light, sparkling wine for a festive touch.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread or Crostini: The rich garlic butter sauce is perfect for dipping, so consider serving this dish with garlic bread or crostini on the side.
Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette would be a great accompaniment, providing a fresh contrast to the rich seafood.
Rice or Pasta: If you want to turn this into a heartier meal, consider serving it over a bed of creamy risotto or pasta. The garlic butter sauce will complement both perfectly.
Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes (for preparing the seafood and chopping garlic)
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (for cooking the lobster, scallops, and making the garlic butter sauce)
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Serving Size: Serves 2-4, depending on portion size
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops is the epitome of a luxurious seafood dish that’s easy enough to prepare for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The succulent lobster and perfectly seared scallops are the stars of this dish, enhanced by a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish is sure to impress.