Of course! I would absolutely devour that Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish. The combination of sweet, succulent seafood with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce and a bright touch of lemon is a culinary dream. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that feels incredibly luxurious yet is straightforward to prepare at home.
Here is the comprehensive recipe and guide you requested.
—
A Culinary Ode to the Sea: Succulent Garlic Butter Lobster & Scallops
This dish is a celebration of the ocean’s finest treasures. Plump, sweet scallops and rich, meaty lobster tails are seared to perfection and bathed in a sizzling, herb-infused garlic butter sauce. The result is a symphony of textures and flavors—briny, buttery, aromatic, and bright—that is sure to impress at any dinner table. It’s more than a meal; it’s an experience.
—
🧾 INGREDIENTS
The Seafood:
· Lobster Tails: 2 (approx. 6-8 oz each), thawed if frozen, split in half lengthwise
· Sea Scallops: 8 large, patted completely dry (key for a good sear)
· Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
The Aromatic Garlic Butter Sauce:
· Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (½ stick), divided
· Garlic: 4-5 cloves, finely minced
· Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (plus more for serving)
· Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, finely chopped
· Optional Herbs: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or chives
· Lemon Wedges: For garnish and serving
—
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS & METHODS
Method 1: Pan-Searing for a Perfect Sear
1. Preparation is Key: Pat the scallops extremely dry with paper towels. This is the most critical step for achieving a golden-brown crust, not steaming them. Season both the scallops and the exposed lobster tail meat lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Scallops: In a large skillet (preferably cast-iron or stainless steel), heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat until hot and foaming. Carefully place the scallops in the pan, ensuring they are not touching. Sear for 1.5 – 2 minutes without moving them, until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove immediately and set aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Lobster Tails: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter. Place the lobster tails in the pan, flesh-side down. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the meat is opaque and lightly browned. Flip them so the shell side is down. You can add a splash of water to the pan and cover it for 1-2 minutes to steam the meat through if the tails are very thick. Remove and set aside with the scallops.
4. Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
5. Combine and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. Return the scallops and lobster tails (with any accumulated juices) back to the pan, spooning the sauce over them to coat.
Method 2: Broiling for a Hands-Off Approach
1. Prep and Arrange: Preheat your broiler on high. Arrange the split lobster tails and well-dried scallops on a baking sheet lined with foil or in a broiler-safe dish. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Broil the Seafood: Place the tray under the broiler, about 4-6 inches from the heat source. Broil for 5-8 minutes. The seafood is done when the lobster is opaque and the scallops are firm.
3. Make the Sauce: While the seafood broils, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Off the heat, stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
4. Serve: Drizzle the finished garlic butter sauce over the broiled seafood.
—
📜 HISTORY & CULINARY FORMATION
The practice of dressing shellfish in butter is a timeless tradition found in coastal communities worldwide, from New England lobster shacks to French brasseries. Garlic butter, or beurre à la bourguignonne, is a classic French preparation originally for escargots. Its application to seafood was a natural and brilliant evolution. This dish’s “formation” is a masterclass in balancing the “Holy Trinity” of flavors:
· Fat (Butter): Provides richness and carries flavor.
· Aromatics (Garlic & Herbs): Adds complexity and depth.
· Acid (Lemon): Cuts through the richness and brightens the entire dish.
The seafood itself is chosen for its complementary yet distinct textures—the firm, steak-like bite of lobster and the tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality of a perfectly cooked scallop.
—
💪 BENEFITS & NUTRITION
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch:
· High-Quality Protein: Both lobster and scallops are excellent sources of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
· Low in Calories: When prepared with measured butter, it’s a relatively low-calorie, high-reward meal.
· Rich in Minerals: Lobster is a great source of selenium, copper, and zinc, which support immune function and metabolism. Scallops provide Vitamin B12, phosphorus, and magnesium.
· Heart-Healthy Fats: While butter should be enjoyed in moderation, it contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and butyrate, which have been linked to health benefits.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving):
· Calories: ~350-450
· Protein: ~35g
· Fat: ~20g
· Carbohydrates: ~5g
—
❤️ FOR THE SEAFOOD LOVERS
This dish is the ultimate love letter for:
· The Home Gourmet: Who enjoys creating impressive, restaurant-style plates.
· The Romantic Couple: A perfect centerpiece for an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or a special date night at home.
· The Celebration Host: An elegant main course that wows guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
· Anyone who appreciates the pure, unadulterated flavor of the sea, enhanced but not overpowered by a classic, luxurious sauce.
—
🎉 CONCLUSION
The Succulent Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops dish is a testament to the fact that the best meals are often the simplest. It relies on the quality of its few ingredients and a precise cooking method to create something truly magical. It’s a dish that feels indulgent and special, transforming a regular evening into a memorable occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to fall in love with every buttery, garlicky, succulent bite.
Enjoy your culinary journey! 🦞🍋✨