Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in a luxurious dining experience with this decadent recipe featuring lobster tails, seared scallops, and a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly paired with zesty lemon orzo. Whether for a romantic date night or a celebratory dinner, this dish promises a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet Easy: Impressive enough for special occasions, simple enough for weeknights.
• Flavorful Pairings: The buttery lobster, golden scallops, and citrusy orzo harmonize beautifully.
• Customizable: Tailor the flavors with citrus, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails and Garlic Butter:

• 2 lobster tails (20 oz total)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 heads garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 onion
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Scallops and Lemon Orzo:

• 8 scallops
• 2 tablespoons garlic butter
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 cup seafood stock
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Scissors
• Pastry brush

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Instructions

Step 1: Roast Garlic and Onion

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap in foil.
3. Slice the onion into wedges, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
4. Place the wrapped garlic and onion on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-60 minutes until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter

1. Mash the roasted garlic cloves into the softened butter.
2. Stir in salt and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Scallops

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of garlic butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sear the scallops for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Orzo

1. Deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
2. Add the seafood stock and orzo, simmering for 8-10 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Use scissors to split the lobster shells lengthwise and lift the meat over the shell.
2. Bake the lobster tails at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes until the meat is opaque.

Step 6: Finish the Orzo

1. Stir lemon juice, Parmesan, and parsley into the cooked orzo.
2. Fold in the seared scallops. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the lemon orzo and scallops, topping with lobster tails.
2. Garnish with parsley and roasted onion wedges.
3. Serve with melted garlic butter and lemon wedges on the side.

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Tips for Success

• Dry Seafood: Pat the scallops and lobster dry to ensure a perfect sear and avoid excess moisture.
• Control Heat: Medium-high heat helps achieve a golden crust on scallops without overcooking.
• Avoid Overcooking: Lobster becomes rubbery if cooked too long. Remove from heat as soon as it turns opaque.

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Variations

Citrus Twist:

• Add lemon or lime zest to the garlic butter for an extra burst of freshness.

Herb-Infused:

• Try thyme, dill, or tarragon for a unique twist.

Spice It Up:

• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or smoked paprika into the garlic butter for a hint of heat or smokiness.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Lobster and Scallops recipe with Lemon Orzo brings the elegance of fine dining to your home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with the variations, this dish is guaranteed to impress your guests—or simply elevate your evening meal. Enjoy!