Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops is a rich, elegant seafood dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to my kitchen. Sweet, tender lobster tails and perfectly seared scallops are coated in a silky garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Whether I’m cooking for a special dinner or simply treating myself, this dish feels indulgent and comes together surprisingly fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it makes a luxurious dinner feel totally doable. The combination of lobster and scallops is naturally sweet and delicate, and the garlic butter adds richness without overwhelming the seafood. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for date nights, holidays, or anytime I want to impress without stress. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread, and it turns into a truly memorable meal.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lobster tails (split and cleaned)

• Large sea scallops (patted dry)

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil or butter (for searing)

• Unsalted butter (for sauce)

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Lemon juice

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

• White wine or seafood stock (optional for added depth)

directions

1. I start by patting the scallops dry and seasoning both the lobster tails and scallops with salt and pepper.

2. In a large skillet, I heat a bit of oil or butter over medium-high heat. I sear the scallops for about 2 minutes per side until they’re golden and opaque. I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

3. In the same skillet, I add the lobster tails, flesh-side down, and sear them for 2–3 minutes. Then I flip them, add a splash of wine or seafood stock (if using), and cover to steam until fully cooked, about 4–5 more minutes depending on size.

4. I remove the lobster and add butter and minced garlic to the pan, stirring for a minute until fragrant.

5. I return the scallops and lobster to the pan, spoon the garlic butter over them, and finish with lemon juice, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a bit of spice.

6. I serve everything hot with the sauce drizzled over the top.

Servings and timing

This dish serves 2–3 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s fast enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for a celebration.

Variations

Sometimes I add shrimp to the mix or serve everything over linguine tossed in the garlic butter sauce. If I want a lighter version, I reduce the butter and add more lemon juice and herbs. For extra indulgence, I’ve finished the dish with a splash of heavy cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the lobster and scallops in a skillet with a little extra butter or broth—just until heated through. I avoid the microwave to keep the seafood from turning rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails and scallops?

Yes, I often use frozen seafood. I make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge and pat them very dry before cooking to get the best sear.

What’s the best pan for searing scallops?

I like using a cast iron or stainless steel skillet to get that golden crust on the scallops. It needs to be hot and lightly oiled for best results.

How do I know when lobster is done?

The meat turns opaque and white, and the shell becomes bright red. It usually takes about 6–8 minutes depending on size.

What if I don’t have wine or seafood stock?

No problem. I’ve used water with a squeeze of lemon and it still adds enough steam and moisture to cook the lobster gently.

Can I prepare this dish ahead?

It’s best served fresh, but I’ve prepped all the ingredients ahead of time (cleaned seafood, chopped garlic, portioned butter) to make it quick to cook when ready.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops is the kind of dish that feels extravagant without being difficult. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot skillet, I can bring the flavors of a fine seafood restaurant home. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or just a night where I want to treat myself, this buttery, garlicky seafood combo never disappoints.