Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops: A Luxurious Seafood Feast 🦞🧈🦐

If you’re looking to elevate your dinner table with something truly special, this Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops recipe is the way to go. Succulent lobster tails and tender sea scallops are seared to perfection, then bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. It’s indulgent yet simple, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or a show-stopping holiday meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Lobster & Scallops Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: Impress your guests (or yourself) with this fancy yet fuss-free dish.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just one skillet.
Rich & Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce is luxurious without overpowering the delicate seafood.
Versatile: Serve it as a main course, surf-and-turf option, or over pasta.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

Seafood:

2 lobster tails (5-6 oz each)
½ lb sea scallops (large, dry-packed)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp kitchen scissors (to split the lobster tails)
Large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best)
Tongs for flipping the seafood
Basting spoon

How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

Step 1: Prep the Seafood

For the Lobster: Use kitchen scissors to cut down the middle of the lobster tail shell. Gently pull the meat out, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika.
For the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for color.

Step 2: Sear the Scallops

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and sear for 2 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and caramelized. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Lobster

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Place the lobster tails flesh-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip them over, reduce the heat to medium, and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice. Cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the lobster and scallops. Let everything warm together for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

This luxurious dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with:

Pasta: Toss with linguine or angel hair pasta to soak up the sauce.
Rice or Risotto: A creamy Parmesan risotto is especially decadent.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp side salad add freshness.
Wine: A buttery Chardonnay or crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the seafood.

Tips for Perfect Lobster & Scallops

Dry the Scallops: Patting them dry ensures a good sear and prevents steaming.
Use Fresh Seafood: The fresher the lobster and scallops, the better the flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Both lobster and scallops cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they turn opaque to keep them tender.
Deglaze the Pan: For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth before making the garlic butter sauce.

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter to prevent drying out.
Freeze: Not recommended for scallops or lobster, as they may lose their delicate texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Seafood?

Yes, just make sure to thaw the lobster tails and scallops completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

What’s the Best Substitute for Lobster?

King crab legs or jumbo shrimp work beautifully with the garlic butter sauce.

Can I Make This Dairy-Free?

Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for the sauce.

Wrapping It Up

This Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious seafood masterpiece. With its golden-seared scallops, tender lobster tails, and garlicky butter sauce, it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress—whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with someone special.

Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a comment to let me know how it turned out. Craving more seafood recipes? Check out these favorites:

Lemon Herb Grilled Shrimp
Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Classic Clam Linguine

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: ~420 | Protein: 36g | Carbs: 3g | Fat: 30g

Now grab your skillet and indulge in a seafood feast like no other. 🦞✨