Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

When you think of a luxurious seafood dinner that feels like a five-star restaurant experience but can be made right in your own kitchen, Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of meal that makes any evening feel special, whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.

This dish is all about balance: tender lobster tails paired with delicate sea scallops, all bathed in a golden, garlicky butter sauce with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon for brightness. Best of all, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

Flavor Harmony – The natural sweetness of lobster and scallops pairs perfectly with rich, nutty butter and aromatic garlic. Lemon juice cuts through with just the right brightness.

Elegant Yet Easy – While lobster often feels intimidating, this recipe keeps it simple with minimal prep and straightforward cooking techniques.

Restaurant Quality at Home – This dish rivals what you’d pay a small fortune for in a fine dining restaurant, but at a fraction of the cost.

Versatility – Serve it as a main course over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or keep it light with a side salad and roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this rich, buttery seafood masterpiece:

For the Lobster & Scallops

2 lobster tails, split in half

8 large sea scallops, patted dry

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

Lemon wedges, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Seafood

Split the lobster tails in half lengthwise. Use kitchen shears for a clean cut.

Pat scallops dry with paper towels (this helps them sear beautifully).

Season both the lobster and scallops with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Stir in fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley.

3. Cook the Lobster

Place the lobster tails, flesh side down, into the skillet.

Cook for 3–4 minutes, then flip and baste with the garlic butter sauce.

Continue cooking until the lobster flesh is opaque and firm (about 8 minutes total, depending on size).

4. Sear the Scallops

In a separate pan (or after removing the lobster), add 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.

Once hot, place the scallops in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd.

Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown with a caramelized crust.

5. Combine & Finish

Add scallops to the skillet with the lobster.

Spoon extra garlic butter over the seafood.

Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.

Tips + Tricks for Perfect Results

Dry the Scallops Well – Moisture prevents a good sear. Patting them dry ensures a golden crust.

Don’t Overcook Lobster – Overcooked lobster gets tough. Watch closely and remove from heat as soon as it turns opaque.

Use High Heat for Scallops – A hot pan is the secret to that restaurant-style caramelized sear.

Add White Wine – Deglaze the garlic butter sauce with a splash of white wine for extra depth.

Herb Options – Swap parsley for fresh thyme, dill, or chives for a new flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and elegant, so pairing it with the right sides makes the meal unforgettable. Here are a few ideas:

Pasta – Toss linguine or fettuccine with extra garlic butter sauce for a luxurious base.

Risotto – Creamy lemon risotto enhances the richness of the seafood.

Mashed Potatoes – A bed of buttery mashed potatoes soaks up the garlic butter beautifully.

Asparagus or Broccolini – Lightly roasted greens add freshness and balance.

Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the leftover sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with extra butter, or cover with foil in the oven at low heat. (Avoid microwaving – it can make seafood rubbery.)

Freezing: Not recommended, as lobster and scallops lose their delicate texture when frozen after cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops is more than a recipe – it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel spoiled, cherished, and comforted all at once. It’s a celebration of flavor and texture: the juicy lobster meat, the melt-in-your-mouth scallops, the richness of garlic butter, and the zesty lift of lemon.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. Dress it up for a romantic dinner with candles and wine, or keep it casual by serving family-style with rustic bread and sides. Either way, it’s bound to impress.

Cooking seafood at home can feel intimidating, but once you try this recipe, you’ll see how simple it is. In fact, you may never want to order lobster and scallops at a restaurant again!

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