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Garlic Butter Lobster

Featured in Fresh Seafood Made Easy.

This fancy seafood combo features irresistibly flavorful lobster tails and golden scallops, cooked to perfection with garlic butter. Perfect for any big celebration and ready in 30 minutes flat!

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Emily Watson
Updated on Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:21:29 GMT
A dish featuring lobster tail and scallops with lemon slices and parsley garnish. Pin it
A dish featuring lobster tail and scallops with lemon slices and parsley garnish. | thefamilycooks.com

Sumptuous Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

I whipped up this meal for our anniversary celebration and it's now our go-to for special moments. When tender sweet lobster meets perfectly crisp scallops swimming in that buttery garlic sauce, it's just magical. Though it looks like you'd pay top dollar at a fancy place, it's actually pretty easy to make at home, turning any dinner into something memorable.

A Five-Star Dish Without Leaving Home

The beauty of this dish comes from how a few basic ingredients transform into something amazing. The garlic butter brings out all the natural sweetness in the seafood while keeping everything moist and tender. I really love how you can use it for big celebrations or just to make a random Tuesday night feel extra fancy.

Ingredients You'll Want

  • Lobster Tails: Grab plump, meaty ones for the best experience.
  • Sea Scallops: Make sure they're completely dry before cooking.
  • Butter: Go with unsalted to manage the salt level yourself.
  • Garlic: Freshly chopped works better than pre-minced.
  • Lemon Juice: Skip the bottle and squeeze it yourself.
  • Paprika: Just a touch for that gorgeous hue and taste.
  • Olive Oil: Helps get that golden crust you want.
  • Parsley: Fresh bits add a pop of green.
  • Salt and Pepper: Don't forget to season everything well.

Putting It All Together

Get Those Lobster Tails Ready
Cut the shells properly and coat with your tasty butter mix.
Cook Under The Broiler
Watch them turn perfectly tender while you keep them moist with butter.
Cook Those Scallops Right
Super hot pan means you'll get that beautiful golden crust.
Bring Everything Together
Let all your seafood hang out in that amazing buttery sauce.

Tricks For Perfect Results

Fresh seafood makes all the difference so don't skimp there. Your scallops won't brown if they're wet, so pat them totally dry. Keep an eye on your cooking times - seafood gets tough fast. Don't forget to rotate your baking sheet so everything cooks evenly.

What To Serve With It

We always tear into some crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. A simple green salad brings nice balance, and don't forget a cold glass of white wine for the full experience. When we want something heartier, I'll make a creamy batch of risotto to go alongside.

Storing What's Left

This tastes best right after cooking, but any extras will keep in your fridge for a day or two. Just warm them up slowly with a bit of butter to keep everything juicy. You can freeze it if needed, but I really think it's best when fresh.

Switching Things Up

Try throwing in some big shrimp or chunks of crab meat for something different. A little sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, and fresh thyme works great instead of parsley. Adding some bright green asparagus or wilted spinach makes the whole thing look and taste even better.

Questions You Might Have

You can totally use frozen lobster tails, just thaw them completely first. If your parsley isn't fresh, dried will work in a pinch. When scallops stick, it usually means your pan wasn't hot enough or they weren't fully dry. For a smoky twist, try throwing those lobster tails on the grill instead.

Golden seared scallops next to a buttery lobster tail, sprinkled with fresh herbs and served with lemon slices. Pin it
Golden seared scallops next to a buttery lobster tail, sprinkled with fresh herbs and served with lemon slices. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What helps scallops get a good crust?

Dry the scallops well before cooking, heat your pan until very hot, and avoid overcrowding. Don’t turn or move them early—they need time to form that crust.

→ Why is butterflying lobster tails important?

It ensures even cooking and a nice presentation. It also lets garlic butter soak into the meat better.

→ Can I prep this seafood ahead?

Seafood tastes best fresh, but you can mix the garlic butter early and prep the lobster and scallops to save time.

→ How do I tell when lobster and scallops are cooked?

Scallops should have a golden crust and remain slightly clear in the center. Lobster meat is ready when firm and no longer transparent.

→ What side dishes work best?

Try risotto, roasted veggies, or steamed asparagus. A crisp salad and bread are great for soaking up the sauce too.

Garlic Butter Lobster

Juicy lobster tails and caramelized scallops in a flavor-packed garlic butter sauce. A classy meal that's surprisingly simple to whip up.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup melted butter, unsalted.
02 2 lobster tails.
03 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed.
04 3 minced garlic cloves.
05 A pinch of black pepper and salt.
06 A teaspoon of paprika.
07 Fresh parsley leaves for topping.
08 Lemon wedges on the side.
09 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted.
10 1/2 lb sea scallops, dried well.
11 1 tablespoon olive oil.
12 2 garlic cloves, chopped finely.
13 Fresh parsley leaves for decoration.
14 Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.

Instructions

Step 01

With kitchen scissors, slice the shell down the middle from top to bottom. Lift the meat but leave it connected to the base, then place it neatly over the shell.

Step 02

Combine garlic, melted butter, lemon juice. Toss in paprika, a bit of salt, and pepper. Spread this over the lobster meat generously.

Step 03

Place under the broiler for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meat turns white and firm. Halfway through, add more of that buttery mix.

Step 04

Warm up olive oil in a pan. Cook scallops that have been seasoned, frying them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Take them out of the skillet and set them aside.

Step 05

In the same pan, melt butter and let garlic cook for about a minute. Add scallops back and roll them around to coat them nicely.

Step 06

Lay everything out, sprinkle with parsley, and set lemon wedges nearby for squeezing on top.

Notes

  1. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes.
  2. Make sure scallops are totally dry before hitting the pan.
  3. This dish is best eaten fresh.
  4. Perfect for celebrations.
  5. Tastes like something you'd order at a fancy place.
  6. Leave the scallops alone in the pan—no flipping early.

Tools You'll Need

  • Scissors for cutting shells.
  • A pan for broiling.
  • A wide skillet.
  • Brush for basting.
  • A small mixing bowl.
  • Paper towels for drying.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains shellfish (scallops, lobster).
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 600
  • Total Fat: 40 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
  • Protein: 45 g