Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Recipe: Perfect for a Special Occasion 🦞🧈🍋
Introduction
When it comes to celebrating a special occasion or creating a restaurant-worthy meal at home, nothing feels quite as luxurious as Garlic Butter Lobster Tails. Juicy, tender lobster meat is brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for the ultimate balance of flavor.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a holiday feast, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet incredibly impressive. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have an elegant seafood dish that rivals any fine dining experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality at home – No need to pay for overpriced lobster at a steakhouse.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor-packed – Garlic, butter, parsley, and lemon create the ultimate flavor combo.
- Perfect for special occasions – Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, holidays, or dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails 🦞
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving 🍋
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- With kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster shell, stopping just before the base.
- Gently lift the lobster meat and rest it on top of the shell, keeping it attached at the base.
✨ This “butterflied” presentation helps the lobster cook evenly and looks stunning when served.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- melted butter
- minced garlic
- chopped parsley
- lemon juice
- salt and pepper
This creates a rich, fragrant sauce.
3. Brush the Lobster Tails
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet.
- Generously brush each tail with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Bake the Lobster Tails
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the meat is opaque and tender.
- For a golden finish, switch to broil mode for the last 2–3 minutes (watch closely to avoid overcooking).
5. Serve
- Remove from oven and drizzle with remaining garlic butter.
- Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Check for doneness: Lobster meat should be opaque and firm, not translucent. Internal temp should reach 140–145°F.
- Add spice: Mix a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes into the butter for a kick.
- Herb swap: Try fresh thyme, chives, or tarragon in place of parsley.
- Grill option: Instead of baking, grill lobster tails over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, basting with garlic butter.
Important Notes
- Don’t overcook! Lobster can dry out quickly—keep a close eye, especially when broiling.
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning.
- Fresh lemon juice is essential—skip bottled juice for the best flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbs: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Q2: How do I butterfly lobster tails properly?
Use sharp kitchen shears to cut the shell lengthwise and gently lift the meat over the shell without detaching from the base.
Q3: What sides go best with lobster tails?
Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, buttery rice, or even a fresh garden salad.
Q4: Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make it a few hours in advance and reheat gently before brushing on the lobster.