Introduction:
Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops is an indulgent, seafood-rich dish that combines the delicate flavors of lobster and scallops with the richness of garlic butter. It’s perfect for a special dinner, date night, or to impress guests. This dish is surprisingly easy to make, yet it feels luxurious with its buttery, garlicky sauce and tender seafood.
Ingredients:
2 lobster tails, split
12 large scallops, cleaned
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the lobster:
Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shells lengthwise, then gently pull apart the shell. Remove any veins or debris.
Use a spoon to gently lift the lobster meat out, leaving it attached at the base of the tail.
Prepare the scallops:
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
Cook the lobster:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the lobster tails, flesh side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes.
Flip the lobster tails and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the lobster is cooked through and opaque. Remove the lobster from the pan and set it aside.
Cook the scallops:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the scallops and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and opaque. Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside with the lobster.
Make the garlic butter sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes (optional), and fresh parsley. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Combine the seafood:
Return the lobster and scallops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Let them cook together for 2 minutes, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
Serve:
Transfer the lobster and scallops to a serving plate and drizzle with extra garlic butter. Garnish with more parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Description: This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish features sweet, tender lobster and succulent scallops enveloped in a rich, buttery garlic sauce with hints of lemon and parsley. It’s an elegant seafood dish that is both comforting and full of flavor. The natural sweetness of the seafood shines through, while the garlic butter sauce adds a savory richness, making it perfect to serve over pasta, rice, or with a simple side salad.
Tips:
To avoid overcooking, make sure to keep a close eye on both the lobster and scallops while cooking. Overcooking can make them tough.
Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor. Frozen lobster tails and scallops are fine, but make sure they are thawed properly.
You can add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the garlic butter sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
If you prefer, you can broil the lobster tails for 5-6 minutes instead of pan-searing them.
For extra richness, add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce.
Variations:
Spicy Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for some heat.
Lobster and Scallop Skewers: For a grilled variation, skewer the lobster and scallops and grill them, brushing with garlic butter.
Herbed Garlic Butter: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon into the garlic butter sauce for a more herbal flavor.
Lobster and Scallops with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the seafood before serving for a cheesy twist.
Correction: If the garlic butter sauce becomes too thick or starts to burn, lower the heat and add a bit of warm water or broth to loosen it up. Keep the heat medium-low to prevent burning the butter.
Enjoy:
Once your lobster and scallops are coated in that luscious garlic butter sauce, take a moment to savor the amazing flavors. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce, and enjoy this luxurious seafood meal!