If you’re looking for a luxurious yet easy-to-make seafood dish, these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the perfect choice. With tender, juicy lobster meat basted in rich, buttery garlic sauce, this dish is perfect for date nights, holidays, or any special occasion.
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to prepare but looks and tastes like a high-end restaurant dish. Whether you’re serving it with steak for a surf-and-turf dinner or alongside fresh veggies and pasta, these lobster tails will make any meal feel extra special.
Let’s dive into how to make perfectly cooked garlic butter lobster tails at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, tender lobster meat – Cooked just right for the perfect texture.
- Rich, flavorful garlic butter – Infuses the lobster with incredible taste.
- Easy to make – Ready in 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Perfect for any occasion – A great dish for romantic dinners or celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 2-4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes)
- 2-4 lobster tails (about 4-6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (for color)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to broil (or preheat to 450°F if baking). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Use kitchen scissors to cut down the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the tail fin.
- Gently spread the shell apart and lift the lobster meat out, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Brush and Broil
- Place the lobster tails on the baking sheet.
- Brush each tail generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Broil for 7-10 minutes (depending on size) or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, drizzle with more garlic butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.
My Best Tips for Perfect Lobster Tails
- Use fresh lobster tails – Fresh or high-quality frozen lobster will give the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook! – Lobster should be opaque and firm but still juicy.
- Broiling vs. Baking – Broiling gives a slightly charred top, while baking at 450°F for 12-15 minutes keeps it extra juicy.
- Pair it with sides – Garlic butter lobster pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or buttered pasta.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Steak for surf & turf – A perfect date night meal.
- Garlic butter rice – Light, buttery, and flavorful.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables – Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
- A crisp white wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
FAQs
Can I cook lobster tails on the grill?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, basting with garlic butter.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.
How do I know when lobster is fully cooked?
The meat should be opaque white and firm, and the internal temperature should be 140°F.
These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are simple, elegant, and full of flavor, making them a perfect choice for special occasions. Whether you’re making them for Valentine’s Day, a holiday dinner, or just to treat yourself, this recipe will never disappoint.
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails: A Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Using kitchen scissors, cut the top shell of the lobster tails lengthwise to expose the meat.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the meat.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
- Serve the lobster tails with lemon wedges and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter.
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