Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops with Herbs

This elegant seafood dish features tender lobster tails and perfectly seared scallops coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. It’s perfect for date nights or special occasions and is ready in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 lobster tails (5–6 oz / 140–170 g each)
• 1 lb (450 g) large sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seafood

• Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels and remove the small side muscle if attached.
• Using kitchen shears, cut down the top of each lobster shell and gently lift the meat over the shell, leaving it attached at the base.
• Season the lobster and scallops with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. Sear the Scallops

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the scallops in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
• Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply golden and just cooked through.
• Transfer to a plate.

3. Cook the Lobster

• Reduce the heat to medium.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the butter to the skillet.
• Place the lobster tails shell-side down in the skillet.
• Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, occasionally spooning the melted butter over the meat, until the lobster is opaque and reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C).

4. Make the Garlic Herb Butter

• Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
• Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the thyme, rosemary, parsley, lemon zest (if using), and lemon juice.
• Cook for another 30 seconds.

5. Finish

• Return the scallops to the skillet and gently toss in the garlic herb butter for 1 minute.
• Spoon the sauce over the lobster tails.

6. Serve

• Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Buttered asparagus
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Steamed rice
• Angel hair pasta
• Crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter

Tips

• Dry scallops thoroughly before searing to achieve a beautiful golden crust.
• Avoid overcooking the scallops—they should be just opaque and still tender.
• Fresh garlic and herbs provide the best flavor.
• For extra richness, stir in an additional tablespoon of cold butter just before serving.

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