There’s something undeniably luxurious about lobster tails drenched in rich, garlicky butter. This dish is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of tender, juicy lobster and a savory garlic butter sauce makes every bite feel like a true indulgence.

Lobster tails might seem like an intimidating dish to prepare, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just want to enjoy an elegant dinner, this garlic butter lobster tail recipe will impress every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No need to be a professional chef! This recipe comes together quickly with minimal effort.
• Full of Flavor – The garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating an irresistible combination.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home – Save money and enjoy a high-end dining experience without leaving your kitchen.
• Perfect for Special Occasions – This dish makes any meal feel extra special, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a holiday feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lobster tails
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster Tail

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Start by preheating your oven to broil or setting your grill to medium-high heat. If using an oven, position the rack about 6 inches from the broiler.

Next, butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the top shell with kitchen shears. Carefully pull apart the shell and lift the lobster meat slightly, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base. This technique allows for even cooking and makes the presentation look stunning.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. This sauce is what gives the lobster its rich, buttery flavor with a hint of citrus and spice.

Step 3: Brush and Cook the Lobster

Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet if broiling, or directly on the grill if grilling. Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the lobster meat, ensuring every crevice is coated for maximum flavor.

• Broiling: Place the lobster tails under the broiler and cook for about 8-10 minutes, basting with additional garlic butter halfway through. The lobster is done when the meat turns opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
• Grilling: Cook the lobster tails for about 5-7 minutes, basting with garlic butter throughout. The shells will turn bright red, and the meat should be tender and juicy.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the oven or grill and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Pair your lobster tails with a side of roasted vegetables, garlic butter asparagus, or a light salad for a well-balanced meal.

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Lobster Tails – Fresh lobster has the best texture and flavor, but frozen lobster tails work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
• Don’t Overcook – Lobster meat turns tough and rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close eye on it, and remove it from the heat as soon as it turns opaque.
• Enhance the Flavor – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a slight kick, or sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
• Try Different Cooking Methods – If you prefer, you can also bake the lobster tails at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. Just keep basting with the garlic butter for the best results.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Broiling or Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Pescatarian

Notes

• If using frozen lobster tails, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator or submerge them in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking.
• For an extra buttery flavor, drizzle additional melted butter over the lobster just before serving.
• If you’re making multiple lobster tails, broil them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know when my lobster tail is done?

Lobster meat should be opaque and white when fully cooked. If it’s still translucent, it needs more time. The internal temperature should be 140°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

2. Can I use this recipe for whole lobsters?

Yes! If using whole lobsters, split them in half, brush with the garlic butter mixture, and cook using the same method. Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of the lobster.

3. What should I serve with garlic butter lobster tails?

Lobster pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce.

4. Can I cook lobster tails in the air fryer?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 380°F and cook the lobster tails for about 5-7 minutes, basting halfway through for the best flavor.

5. How do I store leftover lobster tails?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes or gently heat them on the stovetop with a bit of melted butter.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheat: Warm them in a low-temperature oven (300°F) for 5 minutes or on the stovetop with a bit of melted butter. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meat rubbery.
• Freeze: It’s best to enjoy lobster fresh, but if needed, store cooked lobster tails in the freezer for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag.

Related Recipes

If you loved this garlic butter lobster tail, you might also enjoy:

• Costco Lobster Ravioli : A Restaurant-Worthy Dish at Home
• Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi – A Buttery, Garlicky Delight!
• Garlic Butter Lobster Tail
• Lemon Butter Lobster Risotto

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe proves that you don’t need to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy a high-end seafood dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create a meal that feels truly special. Whether you’re preparing this for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or just because you deserve something amazing, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

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