
Sumptuous Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops
This meal started as my anniversary dinner creation and now we can't celebrate anything special without it. When those sweet lobster chunks meet perfectly browned scallops in that buttery garlic sauce - it's just amazing. The best part? While it looks like you paid big bucks at some fancy place, you can whip this up at home pretty easily and turn any dinner into something worth remembering.
A Fine Dining Experience Without Leaving Home
The magic of this dish comes from how those basic ingredients transform into something incredible. The butter sauce with garlic brings out all the natural sweetness in the seafood and keeps everything moist and tender. I really love how you can use this for big celebrations or just to make a random Tuesday feel extra fancy.
Ingredients List
- Lobster Tails: Go for the plump, meaty ones for best results.
- Sea Scallops: Make sure they're thoroughly dried before cooking.
- Butter: Stick with unsalted to manage your seasoning better.
- Garlic: Always go with freshly minced for top flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Don't use bottled - squeeze it yourself.
- Paprika: Just a touch adds nice color and subtle flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps you get that golden-brown finish.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped for a pop of green.
- Salt and Pepper: Don't skimp on proper seasoning.
Putting Together Your Seafood Masterpiece
- Get Those Lobster Tails Ready
- Cut the shells properly and coat with the tasty butter mix.
- Cook Lobster Under Broiler
- Watch them closely and keep basting until they're just right.
- Get Scallops Golden Brown
- Make sure your skillet is super hot for that perfect crust.
- Bring Everything Together in Sauce
- Let all those flavors mingle in that wonderful garlic butter.
Insider Seafood Tricks
Fresh seafood makes all the difference so don't cut corners there. You've got to get those scallops completely dry or they won't brown up nicely. Keep an eye on your timer because seafood goes from perfect to rubbery fast. Don't forget to rotate your baking sheet so everything cooks evenly under the broiler.
Great Side Dish Ideas
We always grab a crusty loaf to mop up that amazing sauce. A simple green salad works great for balance, and nothing beats a cold glass of white wine alongside. When we want something more filling, I'll throw together a creamy risotto to go with it.
Storing Any Extras
This dish tastes best right away but you can keep leftovers in the fridge for a day or two. When reheating, go slow in a pan with a bit of butter to keep things juicy. You can technically freeze it but I wouldn't bother - it's just not the same afterward.
Customizing Your Dish
You can try big shrimp instead or add some crab meat for a change. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, and fresh thyme works great too. I sometimes toss in some bright green veggies like asparagus or spinach to round things out.
Answers To Your Questions
You can totally use frozen lobster tails, just let them thaw completely. Don't stress if you're out of fresh parsley, the dried stuff works in a pinch. If your scallops stick to the pan, they weren't dry enough or your pan wasn't hot enough. For a fun twist, try grilling your lobster tails instead of broiling them.

Recipe Q&A
- → What's the trick to sear scallops perfectly?
Dry off scallops completely before cooking and heat your pan until it’s really hot. Space them out and turn only when golden on the bottom.
- → What’s the reason for butterflying lobster tails?
This method ensures even cooking, looks great, and helps soak more flavor into the meat from the garlic butter.
- → Can I prep anything earlier?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter and clean the seafood beforehand. The cooking itself should be done right before serving.
- → How do I check when seafood is done?
Lobster flesh should be opaque and set, while scallops should have a golden crust with a slightly translucent middle.
- → What sides pair nicely with this meal?
Try it with creamy risotto, steamed veggies, or grilled asparagus. Salad and some crusty bread are great for soaking up extra butter.