If you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a high-end meal at home, this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe delivers five-star flavor without the restaurant price tag. With tender lobster tails and golden-seared scallops tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, this decadent dish is perfect for romantic dinners, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a taste of luxury.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Restaurant-quality at home: No need to dine out for a high-end meal.
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Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
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High-value ingredients: Perfect for boosting affiliate or ad income.
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Rich and flavorful: Garlic butter sauce takes it over the top.
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Impressive presentation: Ideal for entertaining or special occasions.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Seafood:
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2 lobster tails – Peeled, deveined, and halved for faster, even cooking.
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12 scallops – Cleaned and patted dry for a golden sear.
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3 tbsp butter – Divided for sautéing and sauce.
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4 garlic cloves, minced – The star aromatics for the buttery sauce.
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½ tsp paprika – Adds color and subtle warmth.
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¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional) – Brings a gentle kick of heat.
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Salt & pepper – Essential seasoning to enhance the seafood flavor.
For the Sauce and Garnish:
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Brightens the richness of the butter.
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1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley – For a pop of freshness and color.
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Lemon wedges – Perfect for squeezing just before serving.
Tips and Tricks:
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Use dry scallops: Wet-packed scallops can steam instead of sear—always opt for dry-packed.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
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Control the heat: Garlic burns easily—watch it closely while sautéing.
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Lemon zest bonus: Add lemon zest to the sauce for extra citrus aroma.
Variations and Customizations:
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Surf and turf: Pair with filet mignon or ribeye for a show-stopping steakhouse meal.
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Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to create a garlic butter cream sauce.
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Herb upgrades: Try fresh thyme or tarragon for added flavor depth.
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes instead of cayenne for adjustable heat.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness.
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Sides: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus, or a fresh Caesar salad.
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Bread: Toasted French bread or buttery rolls to soak up the sauce.
Storage Instructions:
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of butter to prevent drying out.
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Not recommended for freezing: Scallops and lobster can become rubbery when frozen and reheated.
Popular Questions:
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, just thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
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What’s the best skillet to use?
A cast-iron skillet or stainless-steel pan gives the best sear for scallops.
Can I substitute shrimp?
Absolutely! Shrimp works well if you want a more budget-friendly option.
How do I know when scallops are done?
They should have a golden crust and be opaque in the center. Overcooking will make them rubbery.
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Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Treat yourself to an irresistible, restaurant-quality dish with this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe. It’s a rich and buttery seafood delight featuring perfectly seared scallops and tender lobster tails tossed in a zesty garlic butter sauce. Elegant enough for special occasions, yet easy enough for a luxurious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
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2 lobster tails, peeled and deveined
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12 scallops, cleaned and patted dry
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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½ teaspoon paprika
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Seafood
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Using kitchen shears, carefully cut along the top of each lobster tail to expose the meat.
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Gently lift the meat out of the shell and place it on top while keeping it attached at the base.
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Pat both the lobster and scallops dry with paper towels. This ensures a better sear.
2. Cook the Lobster and Scallops
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Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Place the lobster tails in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the meat is white and opaque. Remove and set aside.
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In the same pan, sear the scallops for 2–3 minutes per side without moving them to develop a golden crust. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the skillet if needed.
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Stir in paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
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Let it simmer for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to blend.
4. Combine Everything
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Return the cooked lobster and scallops to the skillet.
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Toss gently in the garlic butter sauce for 1–2 minutes until well-coated and heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve
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Plate the lobster and scallops.
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Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the top.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with fresh lemon wedges.
Notes
This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe is the definition of coastal comfort and gourmet flair. It’s a fast and elegant option that feels extravagant yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just indulging in rich flavors, this seafood dish always delivers.
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- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
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