Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

This Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops recipe is my favorite way to bring the elegance of a restaurant-style seafood dinner right into my kitchen. With sweet, tender lobster tails and perfectly seared scallops bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s a luxurious dish that feels like a celebration every time I make it. Whether it’s date night or just a special treat for myself, this meal never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s surprisingly simple but delivers big, bold flavors. The lobster and scallops cook quickly, and the garlic butter sauce pulls it all together with a silky richness that soaks into every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pasta, risotto, or a crisp green salad.

Ingredients

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

• Lobster tails, split and cleaned

• Sea scallops, patted dry

• Butter

• Olive oil

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Lemon juice

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Optional: white wine or crushed red pepper for added flavor

Directions

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

2. In a large skillet, I heat a mix of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.

3. I sear the scallops first, cooking them undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and just opaque in the center. Then I remove them from the skillet and set them aside.

4. In the same pan, I add more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

5. I add the lobster tails, shell side down, and cook for 5–6 minutes, spooning the garlic butter over the meat as it cooks. A splash of white wine adds a nice touch here if I have it.

6. I return the scallops to the pan and finish everything with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes to cook.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat, or I swap lemon juice for lime for a different citrus punch. When I want to bulk up the meal, I serve the seafood over pasta tossed in the garlic butter or alongside mashed potatoes. I’ve also added shrimp to make it a full seafood trio.

storage/reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet with a little extra butter to avoid drying out the seafood. I avoid the microwave—it can overcook the delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, I can—just make sure to thaw completely and pat everything dry before cooking to get the best sear and texture.

How do I know when the lobster is done?

The lobster meat turns opaque and firm, and the shell becomes bright red. It usually takes about 5–6 minutes depending on the size.

What should I serve with this dish?

I like serving it with pasta, rice, risotto, or a simple green salad. Crusty bread is great for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.

Can I cook this in the oven instead?

Yes, I can broil the lobster tails and pan-sear the scallops separately, then drizzle everything with the garlic butter sauce right before serving.

Do I need to remove the scallop muscle?

Yes, I check each scallop and remove the small side muscle if it’s still attached—it’s tough and doesn’t cook as nicely.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops recipe is one of my favorite ways to treat myself to something special without a complicated process. It’s rich, buttery, and packed with fresh seafood flavor. Whether I’m celebrating or just enjoying a quiet night in, this dish always makes the moment feel extra memorable.

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