Indulge in this Succulent Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops with Herbs recipe featuring tender lobster tails, perfectly seared scallops, and a rich garlic butter herb sauce. An elegant seafood dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Succulent Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops with Herbs
When it comes to luxurious seafood dishes, few meals rival the combination of tender lobster and perfectly seared scallops. This Succulent Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops with Herbs recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and bright lemon.
Perfect for date nights, holiday dinners, anniversaries, or special occasions, this elegant dish highlights the natural sweetness of the seafood while enhancing it with simple yet flavorful ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality seafood at home
- Rich garlic butter herb sauce
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for special occasions
- Elegant yet simple preparation
- Naturally low in carbohydrates
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Lobster
- 4 lobster tails (5–6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Scallops
- 1 pound large sea scallops
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Herb Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Kitchen shears
- Tongs
- Small saucepan
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise.
Gently loosen the meat and lift it slightly above the shell while keeping it attached at the base.
Brush the lobster meat with olive oil.
Season with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallops
Pat the scallops completely dry using paper towels.
Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Dry scallops are essential for achieving a beautiful golden crust.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in:
- Parsley
- Chives
- Thyme
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Remove from heat and keep warm.
Step 4: Cook the Lobster
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add a small amount of olive oil.
Place the lobster tails meat-side down and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
Turn the lobster tails and spoon some garlic butter sauce over them.
Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Transfer to a warm plate.
Step 5: Sear the Scallops
Using the same skillet, add the olive oil.
Place the scallops in the hot pan, leaving space between them.
Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until a golden crust forms.
Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until just opaque in the center.
Avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Finish with Garlic Butter
Return the lobster tails to the skillet.
Drizzle the remaining garlic butter herb sauce over both the lobster and scallops.
Cook for 30 seconds to warm everything through.
Step 7: Serve
Arrange the lobster tails and scallops on serving plates.
Spoon extra garlic butter sauce over the seafood.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Lobster & Scallops
Pat Scallops Dry
Moisture prevents proper browning. Dry scallops thoroughly before searing.
Don’t Overcook the Seafood
Both lobster and scallops become tough when overcooked.
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh parsley, thyme, and chives provide the brightest flavor.
Choose Large Sea Scallops
Sea scallops offer the best texture and presentation for this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this seafood entrée with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Parmesan risotto
- Roasted asparagus
- Sautéed spinach
- Steamed green beans
- Crusty artisan bread
- Mixed green salad
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as seafood can become rubbery.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended after cooking because the texture of both lobster and scallops may deteriorate.
Variations
Creamy Garlic Lobster & Scallops
Add ½ cup heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce and simmer until slightly thickened.
Cajun Seafood Version
Season the lobster and scallops with Cajun seasoning before cooking.
White Wine Garlic Butter Sauce
Add ¼ cup dry white wine to the butter sauce for additional depth.
Herb Citrus Seafood
Include fresh dill and a splash of orange juice for a unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen lobster tails and scallops?
Yes. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking.
What is the ideal internal temperature for lobster?
Lobster is fully cooked at approximately 140°F (60°C).
How do I know when scallops are done?
Scallops should be golden brown on the outside and slightly translucent in the center before resting.
Final Thoughts
Succulent Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops with Herbs is an elegant seafood dish that combines sweet lobster, perfectly seared scallops, and a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and citrus. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe delivers impressive flavor and restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple preparation.