Description
Garlic Butter Scallops and Lobster
Pair this indulgent seafood platter with your favorite bubbly for a perfect evening!
Ingredients:
8 scallops
2 lobster tails
4 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
Sear scallops in olive oil for 2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
Melt butter, sauté garlic, and deglaze the pan with white wine. Add lobster tails and cook for 5 minutes.
Spoon the sauce over seafood and garnish with thyme.
A dish worthy of celebrations!
#SeafoodAndWine
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep the Seafood: Pat scallops and lobster tails completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a good sear. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the side muscle from the scallops. Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell of each lobster tail and carefully loosen the meat, keeping it attached at the base.
2. Sear the Scallops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet, ensuring they are not touching. Sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and sear for another 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside on a plate.
3. Create the Sauce & Cook Lobster: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Add the lobster tails, meat-side down, into the sauce. Spoon sauce over them, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the meat is opaque and firm.
4. Combine and Serve: Return the scallops to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce to warm through for 30 seconds. Spoon the luxurious garlic butter wine sauce over everything, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This rich, decadent dish pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the exquisite sauce. Serve over a bed of creamy risotto, buttery mashed potatoes, or angel hair pasta. For a lighter option, choose roasted asparagus, grilled lemon halves, or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. As suggested, a glass of chilled Champagne or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc elevates the experience perfectly.
How-to Summary
Dry seafood thoroughly. Sear scallops in hot oil for 2 minutes per side. Remove. Make garlic butter sauce in the same pan, deglaze with wine. Add lobster tails, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Return scallops to warm. Garnish and serve immediately with sides that complement the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops and lobster? Yes, but they must be fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight. Pat them exceptionally dry before cooking to avoid steaming.
What can I substitute for white wine? Use an equal amount of seafood or chicken broth with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to mimic the acidity and flavor.
How do I know when the lobster is cooked? The meat will turn from translucent to opaque white and will be firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Why didn’t my scallops get a good sear? The most common reason is excess moisture. Ensure scallops are dry, your pan is very hot before adding them, and do not overcrowd the skillet.
Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time? You can make the garlic butter sauce base ahead, but for best results, cook the seafood just before serving to preserve texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying the Seafood: This leads to steaming instead of searing, preventing a golden crust.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Crowding lowers the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Overcooking the Scallops: They cook quickly and become rubbery if left too long. Aim for a soft, slightly translucent center.
- Burning the Garlic: Add garlic to butter only after the butter has melted and cook briefly until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
- Serving on Cold Plates: This causes the dish to cool rapidly. Warm your serving plates for the best experience.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Scallops and Lobster recipe transforms simple, luxurious ingredients into a spectacular meal perfect for any celebration. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The key lies in proper preparation, high heat for the sear, and a beautifully balanced garlic butter sauce. Paired with the right sides and a glass of bubbly, it’s an unforgettable culinary experience that is sure to impress.