Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

Meta Description: This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe features tender lobster and golden-seared scallops coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. An elegant restaurant-style dinner that’s easy to make at home.

If you’re looking for an impressive seafood dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe is perfect. Tender lobster meat and beautifully seared scallops are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce flavored with lemon, parsley, and a touch of paprika.

The scallops develop a golden-brown crust while the lobster stays juicy and tender. Everything is finished with a generous drizzle of buttery garlic sauce, creating a luxurious meal that’s perfect for date nights, celebrations, holidays, or an elegant weekend dinner.

Ingredients

For the Seafood

• 2 lobster tails, about 5–6 ounces each
• 1 pound large sea scallops
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chicken or seafood broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Extra melted butter
• Freshly grated Parmesan, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Lobster

Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail from the opening toward the tail.

Gently loosen the meat from the shell with your fingers, keeping it attached at the base.

Lift the lobster meat slightly over the shell.

Pat the lobster dry and season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

2. Prepare the Scallops

Remove the small tough side muscle from each scallop if it is still attached.

Pat the scallops very dry with paper towels.

This is extremely important because moisture prevents scallops from developing a beautiful golden crust.

Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

3. Sear the Scallops

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the olive oil.

Once the pan is very hot, carefully place the scallops in a single layer.

Don’t move them for approximately 2–3 minutes.

When the bottom is deeply golden brown, flip them and cook for another 1½–2 minutes, until opaque and cooked through.

Transfer the scallops to a plate.

4. Cook the Lobster

Reduce the heat to medium.

Place the lobster tails cut-side down in the same skillet.

Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.

Turn the lobster over and continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes, depending on the size.

The lobster meat should become opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Transfer the lobster to the plate with the scallops.

5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Add the butter to the skillet.

Once melted, add the minced garlic.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, red pepper flakes, and seafood or chicken broth.

Stir and simmer gently for approximately 1–2 minutes.

Taste and adjust the seasoning.

6. Return the Seafood

Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them.

Place the lobster back into the pan.

Cook for approximately 1 minute, just to warm everything through and allow the seafood to absorb the sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the seafood generously with fresh parsley.

Serve with lemon wedges and plenty of the warm garlic butter sauce.

Spoon the sauce over the lobster and scallops just before serving.

Tips for Perfect Lobster and Scallops

Dry the scallops thoroughly: This is the secret to getting a restaurant-quality golden crust.

Use a hot skillet: A properly heated pan helps the scallops sear instead of releasing water and steaming.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the seafood in batches if necessary.

Don’t overcook lobster: Lobster becomes tough and rubbery when cooked too long.

Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce a much stronger flavor.

Add lemon at the end: Fresh lemon brightens the rich butter and seafood flavors.

What to Serve With It

This seafood dinner pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered pasta
• Steamed rice
• Roasted asparagus
• Green beans
• Creamed spinach
• Crusty garlic bread
• Simple garden salad
• Roasted vegetables

For a special occasion, serve the lobster and scallops over creamy Parmesan pasta and spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over everything.

Storage

Seafood is best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container and consume within 1–2 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a little butter or broth to help prevent the seafood from becoming dry.

This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe delivers tender lobster, golden-seared scallops, and a rich lemon garlic butter sauce in every bite. It’s elegant enough for a celebration but simple enough to prepare at home whenever you’re craving a luxurious seafood dinner.