Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe

Culinary magic happens when garlic butter transforms succulent seafood into a luxurious feast.

Tender lobster and scallops dance with rich, aromatic flavors that whisper coastal elegance.

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this decadent dish, blending simplicity with sophisticated taste.

Ocean-fresh ingredients promise an unforgettable dining experience that feels both elegant and comforting.

Delicate seafood melts with golden, herb-infused butter, creating a symphony of textures.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will adore this restaurant-quality recipe that brings gourmet dining to your table.

You can recreate this irresistible seafood masterpiece with just a few expert techniques.

FAQs

  • How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and translucent center. They should feel slightly firm but still tender. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery, so aim for 2-3 minutes per side.

  • Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw completely in the refrigerator first. Pat dry thoroughly to ensure proper searing and prevent excess moisture that can prevent browning.

  • What's the best way to prevent seafood from sticking to the pan?

Use a heavy-bottomed skillet and ensure it’s hot before adding seafood. Add oil with a high smoke point like olive or avocado oil, and don’t move the scallops or lobster until they naturally release from the pan.

  • How can I tell if lobster is fully cooked?

The shell will turn bright red, and the meat will become opaque white. For lobster tails, this typically takes 4-5 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 140°F for safe consumption.

Garlic Butter Seafood Feast with Lobster and Scallops

  • Quick Seafood Luxury: Elevate your dining experience with a restaurant-quality meal that feels indulgent yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a gourmet dish using just a few fresh ingredients, proving that delicious cooking doesn't require complex techniques.
  • Restaurant-Style Plating at Home: Impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a special meal without the expensive restaurant bill, mastering professional cooking techniques in your own kitchen.
  • Versatile Flavor Profile: Enjoy a perfect balance of rich butter, zesty lemon, and fresh seafood that appeals to various taste preferences and makes this recipe adaptable for different occasions.

Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops Ingredient List

Seafood:
  • Lobster Tails: Fresh sea delicacy with succulent meat.
  • Scallops: Sweet and tender ocean gems.
Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seafood enhancers.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Fresh Parsley: Rich and zesty flavor makers.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Olive Oil: Perfect for high-heat searing.

Preparing Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Seafood

Carefully rinse lobster tails and scallops under cool running water. Gently pat them completely dry using clean paper towels. Sprinkle each piece generously with salt and black pepper, ensuring even seasoning across the surfaces.

Step 2: Create Golden Scallops

Warm a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Pour olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Carefully place scallops into the hot skillet, allowing them to sear without moving for 2-3 minutes. Flip each scallop to create a beautiful golden-brown crust on both sides. Transfer the perfectly seared scallops to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Transform Lobster Tails

Using the same skillet, cook lobster tails with careful attention. Rotate the tails halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution. Watch for the shells to turn a vibrant red and the meat to become completely opaque, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Craft Aromatic Butter Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat and add:
  • Butter
  • Fresh minced garlic
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Chopped parsley

Stir the ingredients continuously, allowing the butter to melt and garlic to release its fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Plate Your Culinary Masterpiece

Generously drizzle the warm, herbed butter sauce over the seared scallops and perfectly cooked lobster tails. Serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables or herb-infused rice.

Seafood Tips for Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallop Bakes

  • Pat Seafood Dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden-brown sear on scallops and enhancing flavor absorption.
  • Control Skillet Heat: Maintain medium-high temperature for achieving beautiful caramelization without burning delicate seafood proteins.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Chop fresh parsley just before adding to maximize vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities in the garlic butter sauce.
  • Timing is Key: Cook scallops for exactly 2-3 minutes per side to prevent rubbery texture and maintain delicate, tender interior.
  • Lemon Brightness: Add fresh lemon juice at the end to bring a zesty, citrusy balance that cuts through the richness of butter and seafood.

Preserve Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Taste

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap seafood tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
  • Place seafood on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking. Stop when warm throughout.
  • Gently warm in a skillet with a small amount of butter over low heat. Stir carefully to prevent breaking delicate seafood pieces, heat until just warmed through.

Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Complements

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the rich seafood and enhance the garlic butter sauce's delicate flavors.
  • Craft Perfect Side Dish: Prepare lemon-herb risotto that adds creamy texture and brightens the seafood's natural sweetness while absorbing the decadent garlic butter.
  • Match Textural Contrast: Choose roasted asparagus spears with light sea salt to provide a tender-crisp vegetable accompaniment that balances the soft seafood protein.
  • Refresh with Cocktail: Mix a classic gin martini with a lemon twist that cuts through the butter's richness and cleanses the palate between luxurious seafood bites.

Garlic Butter Seafood Platter Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular butter with clarified butter or ghee, ensuring no gluten-containing ingredients are used. Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Seafood Delight: Skip traditional sides and serve the seafood over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a carb-conscious meal.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil, using herbs like dill and thyme to enhance flavor profile. Add nutritional yeast for a buttery taste.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, tarragon, or basil instead of parsley to create unique flavor experiences. Swap lemon juice with white wine for added depth.
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Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe

Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops Recipe


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4.8 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent garlic butter lobster and scallops dance with rich Mediterranean flavors, promising an elegant seafood experience. Delicate ocean treasures meld perfectly, delivering a luxurious meal you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Seafood Ingredients:

  • 2 lobster tails
  • 12 large sea scallops

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Carefully cleanse the oceanic delicacies under gentle, cool water, ensuring thorough rinsing of lobster tails and scallops. Meticulously blot each morsel with absorbent toweling to remove excess moisture.
  2. Season the seafood with delicate sprinkles of salt and freshly ground black pepper, creating a subtle flavor foundation.
  3. Prepare a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan by heating olive oil over robust medium-high temperature until the surface shimmers with anticipation.
  4. Gently place scallops into the heated vessel, allowing each to develop a rich golden crust. Sear approximately 2-3 minutes per side, creating a caramelized exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
  5. Carefully transfer seared scallops to a waiting plate, preserving their pristine texture and warmth.
  6. Return the same skillet to heat, introducing lobster tails to the cooking surface. Rotate midway through cooking, watching for the shells to transform into a vibrant crimson and the meat to turn completely opaque.
  7. Reduce heat and introduce rich, creamy butter to the pan, allowing it to melt luxuriously. Add finely minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
  8. Incorporate fresh lemon juice and finely chopped parsley, creating a bright, herbaceous sauce that will elevate the seafood’s natural flavors.
  9. Artfully arrange the perfectly cooked lobster tails and scallops on a serving platter, cascading the garlic butter sauce generously over the glistening seafood.
  10. Present immediately, capturing the peak of flavor and temperature, accompanied by complementary side dishes that enhance this maritime culinary experience.

Notes

  • Ensure seafood is patted completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear without excess moisture.
  • Select fresh, high-quality scallops and lobster tails for the most rich and delicate flavor profile.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to create consistent, even heat for optimal seafood cooking.
  • For dairy-free adaptation, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil and use vegan butter alternatives to maintain the signature sauce’s richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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