Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops

Name: Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: Fresh lobster meat; Large sea scallops; Fresh minced garlic; Unsalted butter; Fresh parsley; Lemon juice

Published: February 17, 2025

by mimi

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of fresh lobster and scallops smothered in garlic butter creates an incredibly rich and delicious flavor experience.
Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish elegantly plated with fresh herbs for an impressive presentation that will wow your guests.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Lobster Meat: Choose high-quality, fresh lobster meat for the best flavor; frozen options work but may lack some freshness.
Sea Scallops: Look for large sea scallops; they should be firm to the touch and have a slight ocean scent.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds robust flavor; use more if you’re a fan of strong garlic notes.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control salt levels while providing a creamy base for the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds brightness and color to the dish; feel free to substitute with chives or basil if preferred.

For the Sauce:

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavors while adding acidity to balance richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all ingredients and chopping parsley finely. Rinse lobster meat and scallops under cold water before patting them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Allow it to bubble slightly before adding minced garlic.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

Add sea scallops to the pan in a single layer. Sear them for about three minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Lobster

In the same skillet, add the lobster meat and cook it for about two minutes until heated through. Return the seared scallops to the pan.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Pour in lemon juice and remaining unsalted butter; gently stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over your dish before serving hot on plates. Enjoy as is or pair with crusty bread.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Select Quality Seafood: Always opt for fresh seafood when possible; it’s key to achieving superior flavors.
Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook scallops as they can become rubbery; they should be opaque yet tender.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving; feel free to adjust seasoning with salt or pepper according to preference.

Mistakes to avoid

Overcooking the Seafood: One of the most common mistakes when preparing garlic butter lobster scallops is overcooking the seafood. Lobster and scallops are delicate proteins that require precise cooking times. Overcooking can lead to tough, rubbery textures that ruin the dish. Keep a close eye on them; cook lobster until it turns opaque and scallops should be golden brown on both sides, taking only a few minutes per side. Use a timer if necessary to ensure perfect results.
Neglecting Ingredient Quality: The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final taste of garlic butter lobster scallops. Always choose fresh, high-quality seafood from a reputable source. Frozen or previously frozen seafood may lack flavor and texture. Additionally, use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning and fresh garlic for an aromatic boost. Higher-quality ingredients yield a more delicious and satisfying dish.
Ignoring Seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavors of garlic butter lobster scallops. Many home cooks make the mistake of under-seasoning their seafood, leading to bland dishes. Don’t hesitate to season with salt and pepper generously before cooking. Incorporating herbs like parsley or chives right before serving can elevate the dish even further, adding freshness that complements the richness of the butter and seafood.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops

This Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes enhance the richness of the lobster and scallops.
Steamed Asparagus – The crisp texture and fresh flavor of asparagus provide a lovely contrast to the buttery seafood.
Crispy Baguette Slices – Serve with toasted baguette slices for dipping into the garlic butter sauce, perfect for making every bite enjoyable.

FAQs

FAQs about Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops:

What ingredients are needed for Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops?

To create this delightful dish, you will need fresh lobster tails, large sea scallops, garlic, unsalted butter, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing the rich flavors that define this dish. When selecting your seafood, prioritize quality; fresh ingredients will yield the best results. Be sure to have your garlic minced finely to maximize its flavor infusion in the butter. Also, consider using a high-quality butter for a truly decadent experience.

How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops?

Preparation time for Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops generally takes about 10-15 minutes, while cooking takes approximately another 10-15 minutes. This means you can have a delicious seafood dinner ready in less than 30 minutes. To streamline the process, gather all your ingredients beforehand and have your tools ready. This makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Remember to watch the scallops closely as they cook since overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.

Can I use frozen scallops or lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops or lobster tails if fresh options are not available. However, it’s important to thaw them properly before cooking. For scallops, place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until thawed. For lobster tails, similar methods apply; just ensure they are completely thawed for even cooking. Using frozen seafood may affect the texture slightly but can still result in a delicious meal.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops?

If you have leftover Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to prevent overcooking the seafood further. You can add a splash of fresh garlic butter or lemon juice while reheating to restore some moisture and flavor. Avoid reheating in a microwave if possible; instead, use a stovetop or oven method for better results.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops:

In summary, Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops is an elegant yet simple dish that showcases the best of seafood flavors. With minimal preparation time and readily available ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Pairing suggestions like garlic mashed potatoes or crispy baguette slices enhance its appeal even further. Whether serving guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe guarantees satisfaction with every bite. Don’t forget to save some garlic butter sauce for dipping.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card