Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the ocean with this Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe. Perfectly cooked lobster tails and tender sea scallops are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with lemon and fresh herbs. This dish is ideal for special occasions or whenever you want to bring restaurant-quality dining to your home. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a gourmet meal that’s surprisingly approachable.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Lobster and Scallops:
- 2 lobster tails (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 12 large sea scallops (patted dry)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing scallops)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin.
- Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, letting it rest on top for an attractive presentation. Season with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Add the scallops to the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Bake the Lobster Tails
- Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking tray.
- In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and mix in half of the minced garlic, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Drizzle this mixture over the lobster meat.
- Bake the lobster tails for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and tender.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the scallops, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the remaining minced garlic. Cook over low heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon zest, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the seared scallops to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over them to coat.
- Serve the scallops alongside the baked lobster tails. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.