A luxurious, restaurant-quality seafood dinner at home
Description
Tender lobster tails brushed with rich garlic butter and perfectly seared sea scallops bathed in buttery garlic goodness. This dish is elegant, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for date night, celebrations, or when you just want to treat yourself to something special.
Introduction
Few combinations feel as indulgent as lobster and scallops. The sweetness of the seafood pairs beautifully with buttery garlic, bright lemon, and gentle seasoning. This recipe keeps the flavors clean and bold, letting the seafood shine while delivering that irresistible garlic-butter finish everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish looks and tastes like fine dining but comes together quickly at home. The lobster is juicy and flavorful, the scallops are golden on the outside and tender inside, and the garlic butter ties everything together into one unforgettable plate.
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails
2 lobster tails
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Scallops
1/2 lb sea scallops, patted completely dry
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top of each lobster shell lengthwise. Gently loosen the meat and lift it out, keeping it attached at the base, and rest it on top of the shell.
Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush generously over the lobster meat.
Broil the Lobster
Preheat your oven broiler. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for 8–10 minutes, until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Baste once halfway through cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley and set aside.
Sear the Scallops
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side without moving them, until a golden crust forms. Remove scallops and set aside.
Finish with Garlic Butter
Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet and add garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return scallops to the pan and spoon the garlic butter over them for 30–60 seconds.
Serve
Plate the lobster tails and scallops together. Drizzle with extra garlic butter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips for Best Results
Make sure scallops are very dry before searing to achieve a golden crust.
Do not overcook seafood; lobster should be opaque and scallops just firm.
Fresh garlic and real butter make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, garlic rice, asparagus, or a light salad. A crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the garlic butter.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster or scallops?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I cook the lobster in the oven instead of broiling?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes, basting once.
What scallops work best?
Large dry sea scallops are ideal. Avoid wet scallops for best browning.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish is pure seafood luxury made simple. Rich, buttery, aromatic, and elegant, it’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something unforgettable.