Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops 🦞🧈

A luxurious seafood dinner featuring tender lobster meat and perfectly seared scallops coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with lemon and fresh herbs. This restaurant-style dish comes together quickly and is perfect for special occasions or an elegant weeknight meal.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

Seafood

• 2 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each), shells split and meat removed (or 1½ cups cooked lobster meat)
• 1 lb (450 g) large sea scallops, side muscles removed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine or seafood broth (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay or seafood seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley
• Extra melted garlic butter
• Cracked black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood

1. Pat scallops and lobster dry with paper towels.
2. Season scallops with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Cut lobster meat into large bite-sized pieces if using tails.

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2. Sear the Scallops

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place scallops in the pan, leaving space between each one.
3. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Remove scallops and set aside.

Tip: Avoid moving scallops while they sear—this creates the golden crust.

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3. Cook the Lobster

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
3. Add lobster meat and cook for 3–5 minutes, turning gently, until opaque and tender.
4. Remove and set aside with the scallops.

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4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Add remaining butter to the skillet.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add wine or broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, seafood seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
5. Stir in parsley and chives.

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5. Combine and Serve

1. Return lobster and scallops to the pan.
2. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the seafood.
3. Warm together for 1–2 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Garlic butter pasta
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Risotto
• Steamed asparagus
• Roasted broccoli
• Cauliflower rice (low-carb)
• Crusty bread for dipping
• Fresh garden salad

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Variations

Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops

Add:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Extra black pepper

Simmer until creamy and serve over pasta.

Cajun Style

Add:

• 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• A pinch of cayenne
• Sautéed bell peppers

Lemon Herb Version

Add:

• Fresh dill
• Extra lemon zest
• Capers

Surf & Turf

Serve alongside:

• Grilled steak
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables

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Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or broth. Avoid overheating, as lobster and scallops can become rubbery.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 42 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fat: 27 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops

• Dry scallops thoroughly before cooking for the best golden crust.
• Use cold butter added gradually for a silky garlic butter sauce.
• Cook seafood just until opaque—overcooking makes lobster tough and scallops chewy.
• Fresh lemon juice added at the end balances the richness of the butter.