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Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lobster tails (about 6 oz each)
- 8 large sea scallops (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing scallops)
- Optional garnish: lemon wedges, extra parsley
How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Start by cutting the top of the lobster shell down the center with kitchen scissors. Pull the meat out gently, leaving the end attached, and rest it on top of the shell for a beautiful presentation. Set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the scallops with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lobster
In the same skillet, melt ¼ cup of the butter over medium heat. Add half of the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Place the lobster tails in the skillet, flesh side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes, basting occasionally with the garlic butter, until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Flip the lobster tails and cook for another 2 minutes to coat the shells with flavor. Remove the lobster and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the remaining ¼ cup butter over low heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the seared scallops and lobster tails on a plate. Drizzle generously with the garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy this seafood feast!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Sharp kitchen scissors (for cutting lobster shells)
- Large skillet (for searing scallops and cooking lobster)
- Small saucepan (for making garlic butter sauce)
- Tongs (for handling the lobster and scallops)
- Paper towels (to dry the scallops for perfect searing)
Tips and Recipe Variations
- Dry the scallops well: This is key for getting that perfect golden sear. Pat them dry with paper towels before placing them in the hot skillet.
- Baste the lobster: For extra flavor, keep spooning the garlic butter over the lobster tails as they cook. This will infuse the lobster with rich, garlicky goodness.
- Add white wine: For an even more luxurious sauce, you can add a splash of white wine to the butter and garlic mixture before adding the lemon juice.
- Serve with sides: This dish pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered asparagus, or a simple green salad.
- Swap scallops for shrimp: If you can’t find fresh scallops or prefer shrimp, you can easily swap them in. Just sear the shrimp in the same way until they’re pink and cooked through.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Although this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the lobster and scallops gently in a skillet with a little extra butter over low heat until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can overcook the delicate seafood.
Pairing Suggestions
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish is rich and flavorful, so pair it with something light and refreshing to balance the richness. Here are a few pairing ideas:
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the buttery flavors without overpowering them.
- Sparkling Wine: For an extra fancy touch, serve this dish with a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside steamed asparagus, sautéed spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal. Garlic bread is also a great option to soak up all that buttery sauce!
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