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| Garlic Butter Lobster with Black Pepper Scallops |
Garlic Butter Lobster with Black Pepper Scallops 🦞✨
Looking for the ultimate seafood indulgence? This garlic butter lobster with seared black pepper scallops is the kind of dish that feels straight out of a fine-dining restaurant, but you can easily whip it up at home. Juicy lobster tails baked in garlicky butter pair perfectly with golden-seared scallops for a plate that’s rich, elegant, and unforgettable.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Lobster:
- 2 lobster tails (fresh or thawed)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp paprika (adds a touch of color)
- Salt, to taste
For the Scallops:
- 1/2 lb (6–8) large sea scallops, well-dried
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional, for flavor infusion)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
To Serve:
- Lemon wedges 🍋
- Fresh parsley or microgreens (optional garnish)
🔥 Instructions
1. Prep the Lobster Tails
- Using kitchen scissors, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise.
- Gently lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base (this gives it that restaurant look!).
- Lightly season with salt and a sprinkle of paprika.
2. Bake or Broil the Lobster
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or set broiler to high.
- In a small pan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic, lemon juice, and zest, then let it gently simmer for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Spoon garlic butter over the lobster meat.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes (or broil for 7–9 minutes), basting once halfway through for maximum flavor.
3. Sear the Scallops
- While lobster cooks, heat a skillet over high heat.
- Pat scallops completely dry (this is the secret to a golden crust). Season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Add olive oil and butter to the skillet. If using garlic, toss in the smashed clove for aroma.
- Sear scallops for 1.5–2 minutes per side, until caramelized and just opaque inside. Avoid overcooking.
4. Plate & Serve
- Arrange lobster tails and scallops on a plate.
- Drizzle with the remaining garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
🌟 Pro Tips
- Dry scallops well → moisture prevents searing.
- Baste the lobster with extra butter halfway for rich flavor.
- Pair it up → This dish goes beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, risotto, or a crisp green salad.