Garlic Butter Lobster Dish

This luxurious garlic butter lobster and scallops recipe transforms two premium seafood ingredients into an unforgettable meal worthy of special occasions. The combination of tender lobster and perfectly seared scallops bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality experience in your own home kitchen, ready in just 25 minutes.

I first made this recipe for my anniversary dinner when our reservation fell through, and it has become our tradition ever since. The look on my partner's face when I brought this to the table was worth every penny spent on the seafood.

Ingredients

• Lobster tails: Provide the ultimate luxury seafood experience with sweet, tender meat that absorbs the garlic butter beautifully
• Sea scallops: With their naturally sweet flavor and buttery texture complement the lobster perfectly when seared properly
• Unsalted butter: Forms the foundation of the sauce allowing you to control the salt level while providing rich flavor
• Fresh garlic: Adds aromatic depth that brings the dish together use fresh cloves not pre minced for best flavor
• Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning during the high heat searing process
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich dish with color and a subtle herbal note
• Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness with essential acidity that balances the butter
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper: Enhance the natural flavors of the seafood

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Seafood:

Begin by splitting your lobster tails lengthwise through the shell to expose the meat. This allows the butter and garlic to penetrate deeply into the flesh. For the scallops, thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels this is crucial as any moisture will prevent proper searing. Season both the lobster and scallops generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Cook The Lobster:

Heat half of your butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Place the lobster tails flesh side down first to get beautiful caramelization this develops depth of flavor. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until you see a golden crust forming, then flip them shell side down. Add one third of your minced garlic to the pan and use a spoon to baste the exposed lobster meat with the garlicky butter continuously for another 2 to 3 minutes. The meat should turn from translucent to opaque and register about 140°F if you have a thermometer.

Sear The Scallops:

In the same flavor filled skillet, add your olive oil and remaining butter. Once hot, place your scallops in the pan leaving at least an inch between each one to ensure they sear rather than steam. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom develops a deep golden crust. Flip only once and cook the second side for about 2 minutes more. Properly cooked scallops should be slightly firm but still tender with a translucent center.

Create The Garlic Butter Sauce:

With both seafoods cooked to perfection, add the remaining minced garlic to the pan juices and allow it to cook for just 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let this sauce reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors then spoon it generously over both the lobster and scallops.

Serve And Garnish:

Plate your lobster tails and arrange the scallops artfully alongside them. Pour any remaining garlic butter sauce directly over the seafood. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for brightening each bite.

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The key to this recipe lies in the quality of the butter. I learned from a chef friend that European style butter with higher butterfat content creates a noticeably more luxurious sauce. The first time I used Kerrygold for this dish, my husband immediately noticed the difference in richness and depth of flavor.

Selecting Perfect Seafood

When shopping for lobster tails, look for ones that smell fresh like the ocean with shells that are firm and intact. The meat should appear white or slightly translucent but never yellow or discolored. Frozen lobster tails work well for this recipe when thawed properly overnight in the refrigerator.

For scallops, seek out dry packed ones rather than wet packed which are treated with chemicals. Dry packed scallops caramelize better and have a cleaner, sweeter flavor. They should have a slightly sweet smell, firm texture, and a creamy white or slightly pinkish color. Avoid any that appear excessively wet or have a strong fishy odor.

Make Ahead Options

While seafood is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can prepare elements of this dish in advance for easier entertaining. Split and season the lobster tails up to 8 hours before cooking, keeping them covered in the refrigerator. The garlic can be minced and the parsley chopped several hours ahead.

The completed dish does not reheat well as the seafood can quickly become tough and rubbery. However, if you have leftovers, gently warm them in a covered pan with a tablespoon of water on very low heat just until heated through. Better yet, chop leftover seafood when cold and fold into a seafood salad with mayonnaise, celery and herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This luxurious seafood dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement rather than compete with the star ingredients. Consider serving alongside roasted asparagus with lemon zest, a simple risotto Bianco, or crusty bread for soaking up the incredible garlic butter sauce.

For wine pairing, a crisp unoaked Chardonnay or Chablis provides the perfect balance to the rich buttery sauce. If you prefer red wine, opt for a light Pinot Noir served slightly chilled. For a truly special occasion, nothing complements this dish better than a glass of cold Champagne or Prosecco.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent overcooking lobster?

Cook lobster tails until the meat is opaque and tender. Avoid overcooking to retain its delicate texture.

→ What’s the key to searing scallops perfectly?

Pat the scallops dry and ensure a hot skillet with adequate oil or butter for a golden-brown crust.

→ Can I use salted butter for this dish?

Yes, but adjust additional seasoning to avoid oversalting the dish.

→ What’s the best way to prepare lobster tails?

Split the lobster tails lengthwise to expose the flesh for even cooking and better flavor infusion.

→ Can I add other herbs to the garlic butter sauce?

Yes, thyme or chives can also enhance the flavor of the garlic butter sauce beautifully.