Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops: The Ultimate Seafood Recipe

Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells – prepare to be transported to a world of creamy, savory deliciousness! Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, easy to make yet impressive enough for company? This recipe is your answer. Imagine tender jumbo pasta shells, overflowing with a rich blend of sautéed spinach, earthy mushrooms, succulent shrimp, and a decadent cream sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, this particular combination of ingredients draws inspiration from classic Italian-American cuisine, where seafood and vegetables often meet in harmonious pasta dishes. The beauty of Spinach Mushroom Shrimp Shells lies in its versatility. It’s a dish that can be easily adapted to your personal preferences. Prefer scallops to shrimp? Go for it! Want to add a touch of heat with some red pepper flakes? Absolutely!

People adore this dish for several reasons. The creamy sauce is undeniably addictive, coating each shell in a velvety embrace. The combination of spinach and mushrooms provides an earthy counterpoint to the sweetness of the shrimp, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. Plus, using jumbo shells makes it a fun and visually appealing meal. But perhaps the best part is how relatively simple it is to prepare. With just a few key ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to experience the magic of this incredible pasta dish!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large sea scallops, patted dry
• 4 lobster tails (about 4-5 ounces each)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Preparing the Scallops and Lobster:

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s get our scallops and lobster ready. This ensures everything cooks evenly and efficiently.

1. Prepare the Scallops: Make sure your scallops are nice and dry. Pat them down with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Excess moisture will steam the scallops instead of searing them, and we want that beautiful golden-brown crust! Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the lobster tail shells, starting from the top and going down to the tail fins. Be careful not to cut all the way through the meat. Gently pry open the shell and loosen the lobster meat. You can leave the tail meat partially attached to the shell for presentation, or completely remove it. Season the lobster meat with salt and pepper.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

This is where the magic happens! The garlic butter sauce is the heart and soul of this dish, infusing the scallops and lobster with incredible flavor.

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate all the scallops and lobster later on.
2. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Keep stirring it constantly.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the dry white wine and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the sauce to reduce slightly. This step adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you’ve already seasoned the scallops and lobster, so taste the sauce and adjust accordingly.
5. Keep Warm: Reduce the heat to low and keep the sauce warm while you cook the scallops and lobster.

Searing the Scallops:

Achieving a perfect sear on the scallops is key to this recipe. Follow these steps carefully for tender, caramelized scallops.

1. Heat the Skillet: In a separate large skillet (or the same one, after wiping it clean), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
2. Sear the Scallops: Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent them from searing properly. Work in batches if necessary. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 120-125°F (49-52°C).
3. Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they will become rubbery. They should be slightly translucent in the center.
4. Transfer to Sauce: Once the scallops are seared, immediately transfer them to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.

Cooking the Lobster Tails:

Lobster tails cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. We want them tender and juicy, not tough and chewy.

1. Melt Remaining Butter: In the same skillet you used for the scallops (or a clean skillet), melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Cook the Lobster: Place the lobster tails in the skillet, shell-side down. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C).
3. Baste with Butter: While the lobster is cooking, baste it with the melted butter to keep it moist and flavorful.
4. Transfer to Sauce: Once the lobster is cooked, transfer it to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce and the scallops.

Combining and Serving:

Now for the final touch! Let’s bring everything together and get ready to enjoy this delicious dish.

1. Combine and Heat: Gently toss the scallops and lobster in the garlic butter sauce to coat them evenly. Let them heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
3. Serving Suggestions: This dish is fantastic served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad would also be a great accompaniment.

Tips for Success:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your scallops and lobster, the better the final dish will be. Look for fresh, plump scallops and firm, bright-red lobster tails.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent the scallops and lobster from searing properly. Work in batches if necessary.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked scallops and lobster will be tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they are cooked through and slightly firm to the touch.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you’ve already seasoned the scallops and lobster, so be careful not to over-salt.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately, while the scallops and lobster are still hot and the sauce is still flavorful.

Variations:

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic, such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Use Different Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
• Add Cheese: For an extra decadent dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the scallops and lobster before serving.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops are truly a must-try dish. The combination of sweet, succulent scallops, tender lobster, and that rich, garlicky butter sauce is simply divine. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up in your own kitchen, impressing your family and friends (or just yourself – because you deserve it!).

Why is this recipe a winner? First, it’s surprisingly quick and easy. We’re talking about a dish that can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Second, the flavor profile is incredible. The garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the scallops and lobster, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. And third, it’s versatile! You can serve these Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops as an elegant appetizer, a light lunch, or a show-stopping main course.

Ready to elevate your next meal?

Here are a few serving suggestions and variations to get you started:

* Pasta Perfection: Toss the Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops with your favorite pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, for a truly decadent and satisfying meal. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.
* Risotto Romance: Stir the scallops and lobster into a creamy risotto for an unforgettable dish. The richness of the risotto pairs beautifully with the seafood and garlic butter sauce.
* Garlic Bread Bliss: Serve the scallops and lobster over toasted garlic bread for a simple yet elegant appetizer.
* Vegetable Variety: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a little kick.
* Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs perfectly with these Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops.

Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – this recipe is truly approachable for cooks of all skill levels. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and not overcook the scallops or lobster. Remember, perfectly seared scallops should have a beautiful golden-brown crust and be tender and juicy inside.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one of your favorites too.

Now, it’s your turn!

I encourage you to give these Garlic Butter Lobster Scallops a try. Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear how it turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable and helps other readers create their own culinary masterpieces. Happy cooking!