Turn Dinner Into a Celebration With Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

Have you ever wondered how to recreate a five-star seafood feast at home with just a few ingredients and minimal fuss? This Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops Feast challenges the notion that gourmet dinners need to be complicated or time-consuming—and it all starts with succulent lobster and perfectly seared scallops bathed in dreamy garlic butter.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make this elegant yet easy seafood dinner. You’ll learn every step, from prep to plating, complete with expert tips and SEO-friendly guidance to help your recipe shine online.

Ingredients

  • 2 lobster tails (about 1 lb total)

  • 6 sea scallops

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • Olive oil (for searing)

  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails

  1. Thaw and rinse lobster tails.

  2. Using kitchen shears, split down the top shell and carefully pull meat upward.

  3. Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of lemon juice.

Step 2: Prep the Scallops

  1. Pat scallops dry with paper towels.

  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper to ensure a crisp sear.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

  1. In a small saucepan, melt 6 tbsp butter over medium heat.

  2. Add minced garlic; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—do not burn.

  3. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley. Remove from heat, keep warm.

Step 4: Sear the Scallops

  1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet on high heat.

  2. Place scallops in skillet, leaving space.

  3. Sear for 1.5–2 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized.

Step 5: Cook the Lobster

  1. Add lobster tails (meat side down) to the same pan.

  2. Spoon garlic butter over lobster.

  3. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until flesh is opaque. Baste occasionally with garlic butter.

Step 6: Plate and Finish

  1. Arrange shrimp and scallops on a serving platter.

  2. Spoon extra garlic butter over everything.

  3. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges and serve immediately.

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili-infused oil.

  • Herb Infusion: Replace parsley with fresh tarragon or basil.

  • Wine Twist: Add a splash of dry white wine to the butter mixture.

  • Bread Lover’s Trick: Serve with crusty garlic bread to mop up every delicious drop.

COOKING Note

  • Use high-quality butter—it’s the hero of this dish.

  • Dry scallops thoroughly for the best sear.

  • Don’t overcook scallops—they should be tender with a hint of translucence.

  • Baste lobster continuously to keep meat succulent and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this beautiful seafood duo with:

  • Creamy lemon–butter risotto

  • Garlic‑herb mashed potatoes

  • A vibrant green salad with citrus vinaigrette

  • A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing finish

Tip: Plate on warm dishes to keep them hot at the table and elevate the dining experience.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

  • Refrigerate leftover lobster/scallops in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

  • Save leftover garlic butter by straining it into a jar—use on pasta, vegetables, or bread.

  • Reheat gently in a warm skillet, adding a small splash of water or wine to restore juiciness.

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2 (adjust ingredients as needed)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Protein: About 40g
Sodium: Around 750mg (depending on butter and salt added)

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

  • Use grass-fed butter or a blend of butter and olive oil.

  • Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

  • Swap scallops for shrimp to vary protein and texture.

  • Add steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus) on the side to boost fiber and nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the pat‑dry step for scallops leads to steaming instead of searing.

  • Burnt garlic: Cook garlic gently—watch timing closely for flavor, not char.

  • Overcooking seafood: Lobster and scallops dry out fast—watch closely and baste often.

  • Undersized pan: Crowding stalls searing; use separate pans or work in batches.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops Feast proves that gourmet dining at home is accessible, fast, and unforgettable. With a few simple steps, you can impress guests—or treat yourself—to restaurant-quality seafood.

Ready to indulge? Try this recipe tonight, snap a beautiful photo, and let us know how it turned out—or explore more tempting seafood creations in our blog!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it OK to thaw lobster tails in water?
Yes—simply submerge sealed lobster tails in cold water for about 30 minutes until thawed, then pat dry thoroughly.

Can I use frozen scallops?
Absolutely! Rinse, thaw in cold water, and dry them completely to ensure a perfect sear.

How can I reheat leftovers without drying them?
Warm gently in a skillet with a bit of added butter or broth, just until heated through—don’t overcook it.

Can I freeze leftover garlic butter?
Yes! Freeze in a small jar. It’ll last up to 3 months and is perfect for quick flavor boosts.

What’s a good side dish pairing?
Try lemon‑butter risotto, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp mixed green salad—we love citrus vinaigrette to cut the richness!

Print
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Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops Feast

Turn Dinner Into a Celebration With Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops


  • Author: Caroline Jones
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

Succulent lobster tails and seared scallops drenched in garlic butter—an easy gourmet seafood feast.


Ingredients

Scale

2 lobster tails (1 lb)

6 sea scallops

6 tbsp unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper

Olive oil

Lemon wedges


Instructions

1. Thaw and rinse lobster tails. Split shell and pull meat up. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice.

2. Pat scallops dry. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Melt butter. Add garlic, lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Set aside.

4. Heat oil. Sear scallops 1.5–2 minutes each side.

5. Cook lobster meat side down. Baste with garlic butter, 4–5 minutes.

6. Plate scallops and lobster. Spoon over butter. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Use high-quality butter for best flavor.

Dry scallops thoroughly before searing.

Do not overcook garlic; it should be golden and fragrant, not burnt.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Seafood
  • Method: Searing & sautéing
  • Cuisine: American / Continental

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops Feast, garlic butter seafood, lobster and scallops recipe

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