The Best Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Succulent garlic butter lobster tails bring ocean-inspired elegance right to your dinner table.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this luxurious yet surprisingly simple dish.

Melted butter creates a rich, velvety coating that enhances the tender lobster meat.

Delicate herbs and fresh garlic intensify each delectable bite.

Professional chefs know this recipe looks complicated but requires minimal kitchen skills.

Impressive presentation meets mouthwatering flavors in this restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

FAQs

• How do I know when the lobster tail is fully cooked?

Look for the meat to turn opaque white and slightly golden, with an internal temperature of 140-145°F. The meat should look firm and slightly firm to the touch, not translucent or rubbery.

• Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, thaw frozen lobster tails completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning and cooking.

• What if I don't have a broiler?

You can bake lobster tails in a preheated 425°F oven for 10-12 minutes. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can make the meat tough and rubbery.

Why Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Are Irresistible

• Quick Gourmet Experience: Transform your kitchen into a high-end restaurant with this sophisticated yet simple seafood dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Combine just a few pantry staples like butter, garlic, and lemon to create an incredibly rich and zesty lobster preparation that elevates a classic seafood favorite.
• Perfect for Special Celebrations: Ideal for romantic dinners, anniversary meals, or elegant gatherings where you want to serve something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen.
• No Advanced Cooking Skills Required: Even novice home cooks can master this recipe with straightforward steps, making restaurant-quality lobster tails accessible to everyone who loves delicious seafood.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

• Lobster Tails: Large, succulent seafood delicacy perfect for an elegant main course.

• Butter, Garlic: Creates a rich, flavorful coating that enhances the natural sweetness of lobster meat.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and beautiful golden color to the lobster.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the lobster's natural flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb taste to the finished dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Offers a zesty, fresh squeeze of citrus for extra flavor at serving.

Step-by-Step Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Set the oven to broil and position the rack right in the center of the oven.

This ensures even cooking and beautiful golden coloring for your lobster tails.

Step 2: Butterfly the Lobster Tails

Grab your kitchen shears and carefully slice down the top of each lobster shell lengthwise.

Gently separate the meat from the shell, lifting it to rest beautifully on top, creating a stunning presentation that allows the meat to cook evenly.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly minced garlic
• Bright lemon juice
• Aromatic paprika
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the ingredients are perfectly blended and fragrant.

Step 4: Lavish the Lobster with Butter

Use a basting brush to generously coat the exposed lobster meat with the incredible garlic butter mixture.

Make sure every inch gets a delicious layer of flavor.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet and slide them into the broiler.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully until the meat turns opaque and develops a gorgeous golden-brown color.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the lobster tails and arrange some bright lemon wedges on the side.

The herbs add a fresh pop of color and the citrus provides a zesty finishing touch.

Tips to Achieve Tender Lobster Tails

• Use sharp kitchen shears to slice lobster shells cleanly down the middle, ensuring neat presentation and easy meat removal.
• Brush garlic butter mixture generously and evenly over lobster meat to maximize flavor absorption and prevent dryness.
• Monitor broiling closely to avoid overcooking; lobster meat turns opaque and slightly golden when perfectly cooked, typically within 8-10 minutes.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to add bright color and fresh herbaceous notes that complement the rich buttery flavor.
• Accompany with lemon wedges to allow diners to add a zesty citrus touch that cuts through the richness of the garlic butter.

Creative Twists for Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

• Herb-Infused Seafood Delight: Replace garlic with a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and dill for an aromatic Mediterranean-style lobster tail.
• Spicy Cajun Lobster: Swap paprika with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for a fiery kick, transforming the dish into a New Orleans-inspired seafood experience.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Keep the original recipe, ensuring all ingredients are high-fat and low-carb, perfect for ketogenic diet followers who love rich, buttery seafood.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil, maintaining the same cooking method while catering to those with dairy restrictions.

Serving Ideas for Lobster Tails With Garlic Butter

• Elegant Seafood Centerpiece: Arrange lobster tails on a large white platter with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for a restaurant-style presentation that wows dinner guests.
• Decadent Dipping Station: Set up small ramekins with extra garlic butter sauce, drawn butter, and aioli to complement the lobster tails, allowing guests to customize their dining experience.
• Perfect Plate Companions: Pair lobster tails with creamy risotto, roasted asparagus, or a light summer salad to create a balanced and sophisticated meal that highlights the rich seafood flavor.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve with a crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to enhance the buttery garlic notes and provide a refreshing contrast to the luxurious lobster meat.

How to Store Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Safely

• Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Wrap each tail separately in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Carefully place cooled lobster tails in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best quality and texture.
• Warm refrigerated lobster tails at 275°F for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to prevent moisture loss. Avoid overheating to prevent rubbery texture.
• Quickly reheat for 30-45 seconds on low power, checking every 15 seconds to prevent overcooking. Add a small splash of butter to retain moisture.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter lobster tails promise a luxurious seafood experience that whispers elegance from coastal kitchens. Dripping with rich, herbed butter and perfectly roasted, this dish delivers restaurant-quality indulgence you can savor at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 lobster tails

Butter and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Heat broiler and adjust rack to middle position, ensuring even cooking surface.
2. Carefully slice lobster shells down the center using sharp kitchen shears, delicately separating meat from shell while keeping it attached at base.
3. Create aromatic garlic butter sauce by combining melted butter with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper in mixing bowl.
4. Lavishly coat exposed lobster meat with prepared garlic butter mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Arrange lobster tails on rimmed baking sheet, positioning meat side up for optimal browning.
6. Broil for approximately 8-10 minutes at high temperature, watching carefully until meat transforms to pearly white and develops subtle golden edges.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for vibrant color and added herbal essence.
8. Plate with wedges of bright lemon for guests to squeeze over finished lobster tails, enhancing citrus brightness.

Notes

• Check lobster shell integrity before cutting to ensure clean, precise butterfly technique for beautiful presentation.
• Pat lobster meat dry with paper towels before seasoning to help garlic butter adhere perfectly and promote even browning.
• Adjust broiling time based on tail size – smaller tails need less cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain tender texture.
• For gluten-free option, confirm butter and seasonings are certified gluten-free, making recipe suitable for sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 7200 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg