Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Recipe

by

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.

Leave a Comment