Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops is a rich, indulgent seafood dish that combines the delicate flavors of lobster and scallops with a savory, buttery garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or just when you want to treat yourself to something luxurious. The garlic butter sauce makes everything melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Here’s how to make Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops:
Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops
Ingredients:
- 2 lobster tails, thawed if frozen (or you can use lobster meat if you prefer)
- 8-10 large sea scallops, patted dry
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for color and a bit of smoky flavor)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing the scallops)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Cut the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut the top of the lobster tail shell lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut through the lobster meat. Use your fingers to gently pull apart the shell, exposing the meat. You can also pull the lobster meat slightly out of the shell but leave it attached at the base.
- Season: Lightly season the lobster meat with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallops
- Pat dry the scallops: Make sure the scallops are well-dried with a paper towel to ensure a nice sear when cooking.
- Season: Season both sides of the scallops with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
Step 3: Cook the Lobster Tails
- Sear the lobster tails: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the lobster tails, shell-side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and fully cooked. If you like, you can spoon some of the melted butter over the lobster while it cooks for extra flavor.
- Remove the lobster tails: Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sear the Scallops
- Cook the scallops: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops. Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a nice golden crust. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as it can cause the scallops to steam instead of sear.
- Remove the scallops: Once golden and cooked through, remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside.
Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and golden.
- Add the lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another minute to combine the flavors.
Step 6: Combine the Lobster, Scallops, and Sauce
- Return the lobster and scallops: Add the cooked lobster tails and scallops back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the lobster and scallops, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to ensure they are heated through and coated in the delicious sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve your Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops with your favorite side dishes, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up all that flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- Lobster meat: If you’re using pre-cooked lobster meat (instead of tails), simply add it to the sauce at the end, just to warm it through, as it doesn’t need to cook again.
- Add some white wine: For a more complex sauce, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce and let it reduce slightly before adding the lemon juice and seasoning.
- Herbs: In addition to parsley, you can use fresh tarragon or chives for a different herbal note.
- Spicy kick: If you love heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even add a little hot sauce to the butter sauce for a fiery twist.
Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops is an elegant, easy-to-make dish that combines luxurious seafood with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. It’s sure to impress your guests or make any meal feel like a special occasion.
Enjoy this indulgent seafood feast! Would you like ideas for sides or more seafood recipes to go with it?