Introduction

Impress your guests with this simple yet luxurious recipe for The Best Garlic Butter Lobster Tails in 10 Minutes. This method delivers tender, succulent lobster meat smothered in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight treat. For another fantastic garlic butter dish, try this Easy One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli.

Ingredients

This recipe combines sweet, succulent lobster with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

• 4 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	8 minutes
Total Time	18 minutes

Context: This streamlined method for Garlic Butter Lobster Tails is about 20% faster than many similar recipes, getting you from prep to plate in under 20 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Lobster Tails

Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the tail fin. Gently pry the shell open and lift the meat out, resting it on top of the split shell. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2 — Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and cook for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant—do not let it brown. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and paprika.

Step 3 — Preheat and Prep for Cooking

Preheat your oven’s broiler on high, positioning a rack 6-8 inches from the heat element. Alternatively, preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet or in a grill-safe dish.

Step 4 — Baste and Season

Generously brush or spoon the prepared garlic butter sauce over each lobster tail, reserving some for serving. For extra flavor, season lightly with Old Bay seasoning or a simple sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Step 5 — Broil or Grill to Perfection

Broil the lobster tails for 8-10 minutes, or grill them flesh-side down for 2-3 minutes before flipping and cooking another 4-6 minutes. The meat is done when it is opaque, firm to the touch, and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.

Step 6 — Rest and Final Baste

Remove the cooked garlic butter lobster tails from the heat and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. While still warm, give them a final brush with the remaining garlic butter sauce.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Serve your garlic butter lobster tails hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and extra sauce for dipping. They pair wonderfully with simple sides like grilled asparagus, rice pilaf, or a crisp salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fat	33g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	880mg

These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a rich source of protein and provide essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. The values are estimates based on a typical serving with standard ingredients.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic recipe for Garlic Butter Lobster Tails is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing that rich, luxurious flavor.

• Protein Swap (Shrimp or Scallops) — Use jumbo shrimp or large sea scallops for a more budget-friendly or quicker-cooking option. They soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace any breadcrumb topping with finely grated Parmesan or crushed pork rinds for a crispy, keto-friendly finish.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality plant-based butter (like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance) to make these lobster tails completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — The base recipe is naturally gluten-free. For toppings, ensure any breadcrumbs or panko are certified gluten-free brands.
• Low-Sodium Version — Opt for unsalted butter and reduce or omit added salt, relying on fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a splash of white wine for deep flavor.
• Lighter Butter Sauce — Cut the butter quantity in half and supplement with a flavorful seafood stock or broth to create a lighter, broth-based garlic sauce.
• Herb-Forward Variation — Boost fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives and use a touch of olive oil for a brighter, herbaceous profile with less fat.
• Air Fryer Method — For a less oily result, cook the prepared lobster tails in an air fryer at 375°F until just opaque, then brush with the garlic butter sauce at the end.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these rich Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with a light, crisp side like a simple arugula salad or grilled asparagus to balance the meal.
• For a classic surf-and-turf experience, serve alongside a perfectly grilled filet mignon or herb-rubbed ribeye steak.
• Transform the dish into a luxurious pasta by tossing the garlic butter sauce with fresh linguine or fettuccine.
• Create an elegant appetizer by serving a single, smaller lobster tail on a bed of lemon risotto or creamy polenta.
• For a casual yet impressive summer feast, accompany the lobster tails with grilled corn on the cob and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
• Plate the Garlic Butter Lobster Tails on a warm platter, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately for the best presentation.

These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are versatile enough for a romantic dinner, a holiday centerpiece, or a special weekend treat. The key is to keep sides simple to let the succulent lobster and flavorful garlic butter shine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using pre-melted or low-quality butter. Fix: Use high-fat, unsalted butter you melt yourself for a richer, more cohesive garlic butter sauce.
• Mistake: Overcooking the lobster, making it rubbery. Fix: Cook just until the meat is opaque and firm, typically 1-2 minutes per ounce under the broiler or on the grill.
• Mistake: Not properly butterflying the tails. Fix: Use kitchen shears to cut cleanly through the top shell and gently loosen the meat to sit on top for even cooking.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic to the butter, which can burn and taste harsh. Fix: Sauté minced garlic briefly in the butter just until fragrant to mellow its flavor.
• Mistake: Skipping the baste during cooking. Fix: Spoon the garlic butter over the lobster meat repeatedly while it cooks to keep it incredibly moist and flavorful.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan or baking sheet. Fix: Arrange tails with space between them so heat circulates for perfect caramelization, not steaming.
• Mistake: Forgetting to season the meat itself. Fix: Lightly salt and pepper the exposed lobster meat before adding the garlic butter to build layers of flavor.
• Mistake: Using dried herbs instead of fresh. Fix: Fresh parsley or chives stirred into the butter at the end provide a bright, clean finish dried herbs can’t match.
• Mistake: Not preheating your cooking surface. Fix: Whether broiling or grilling, ensure your heat source is fully hot before adding the tails for a good sear and to prevent sticking.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Place leftover garlic butter lobster tails in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the lobster meat in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: To preserve tenderness, reheat gently. Place lobster tails in a baking dish with a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 275°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 10-15 minutes.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your reheated garlic butter lobster tails reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F before serving.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Lobster Tails recipe is a simple yet impressive way to enjoy a luxurious seafood dinner at home. We hope you love it as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy Seafood Lasagna with Shrimp and Crab Recipe or Easy One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli.

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Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

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Broiled or baked lobster tails brushed with a garlic-herb butter for a tender, juicy, and restaurant-style seafood entrée.

• Author: Dorothy Miller
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Method: Main
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning, divided
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to broil and position the rack in the upper third of the oven so lobster meat will be 6 inches from the heating element.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut down the top center of each lobster shell and gently lift the meat out of the shell, resting it on top while keeping the base attached (butterflying).
3. Place lobster tails meat-side up on a rimmed baking sheet or rack.
4. In a small bowl combine 6 tablespoons of the melted butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, lemon zest, and black pepper; stir until combined.
5. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the butter mixture for serving and brush the remaining mixture generously over the lobster meat.
6. Optionally sprinkle the lobster with the combined dry mix of 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for extra seasoning.
7. Broil the lobster tails for 3–8 minutes (depending on size) until meat is opaque, firm, and registers 140–145°F; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
8. Remove from oven, spoon the reserved garlic butter over the lobster, garnish with remaining parsley and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.

Notes

1) Watch the lobster closely under the broiler—cooking time varies with tail size; 2) For more garlic depth, use roasted or confit garlic in the butter; 3) To grill, baste frequently and cook over medium-high heat until opaque.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg

FAQs

What is the best way to prepare lobster tails for this recipe?

Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting through the top shell and meat, then gently lifting the meat to rest on top. This technique allows the garlic butter to penetrate the meat fully, ensuring every bite is flavorful and cooks evenly for perfect Garlic Butter Lobster Tails.

Can I bake Garlic Butter Lobster Tails instead of broiling them?

Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque. Broiling for the last minute or two is recommended to get a beautifully golden, buttery top on your lobster tails.

How can I tell when the lobster tails are fully cooked?

The lobster meat will turn opaque and white, and the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). The shells will become bright red. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the meat tough. Properly cooked Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are tender and juicy.