Treat yourself to an elegant Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with Seared Scallops recipe that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender lobster, perfectly caramelized scallops, and a rich lemon garlic butter sauce create a restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for date nights, holidays, or special occasions.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–4
Calories: Approximately 540 per serving
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails
- 2 lobster tails
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Seared Scallops
- 1 pound large sea scallops, patted completely dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup seafood stock or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Using kitchen shears, cut through the top of each lobster shell lengthwise. Carefully loosen the meat and lift it over the shell while leaving the end attached.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture generously over the lobster meat.
Step 2: Bake the Lobster
Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque, tender, and reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F (60–63°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the lobster juicy.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the scallops, leaving space between each one. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and the centers remain tender. Transfer to a warm plate.
Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium.
Add the butter to the same skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the seafood stock (or chicken broth), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Stir in the chopped parsley and remove from the heat.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Arrange the roasted lobster tails and seared scallops on serving plates.
Generously spoon the warm lemon garlic butter sauce over the seafood.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this luxurious seafood dinner with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered asparagus
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Steamed green beans
- Parmesan risotto
- Crusty artisan bread
- Caesar salad
Pro Tips
- Dry scallops thoroughly before searing to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Bring seafood to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- Use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing scallops.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the seafood just before serving to keep everything tender and flavorful.
