Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops is a rich, restaurant-style seafood dish—sweet lobster, buttery scallops, and a silky garlic sauce all in one pan.
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 250–300g sea scallops (patted dry)
- 3–4 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Optional: chili flakes for heat, a splash of white wine for depth
Instructions
1. Prep the lobster
- Cut the top shell of the lobster tails and gently pull the meat up (but keep it attached)
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika
2. Sear the scallops
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat
- Add scallops (don’t overcrowd)
- Sear 1.5–2 minutes per side until golden crust forms
- Remove and set aside
3. Cook the lobster
- In the same pan, add a bit more butter
- Place lobster tails flesh-side down first for 2–3 minutes
- Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until opaque
4. Make garlic butter sauce
- Lower heat, add butter and garlic
- Cook gently until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic)
- Add lemon juice (and white wine if using)
5. Combine
- Return scallops to the pan
- Spoon garlic butter over everything
- Sprinkle parsley on top
Pro Tips
- Dry scallops thoroughly—this is key for a golden crust
- Don’t overcook: scallops should be just firm, lobster opaque but tender
- Use high-quality butter—it makes a big difference
- A squeeze of lemon at the end balances the richness
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread or buttered pasta
- Steamed rice
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
Variations
- Creamy version: Add a splash of cream to the sauce
- Spicy garlic butter: Add chili flakes or hot sauce
- Herb-loaded: Add thyme or basil