If you’re craving a restaurant-quality seafood treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home, you’re going to love this Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe. I absolutely love how juicy and tender the lobster meat turns out, and the warm garlic lemon butter? Pure magic. Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, and they come together to create incredible flavor.
- Quick Cooking: Lobster cooks fast, so this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Rich & Buttery Taste: The garlic lemon butter sauce gives the lobster an amazing bright, savory kick you’ll crave.
- Impress Without Stress: You get restaurant-level flavors at home without fuss or fancy equipment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work so well together — the fresh garlic, the zing of lemon, and smooth, melted butter create a luscious sauce that brings out the lobster’s natural sweetness perfectly. When picking lobster tails, fresh or thawed from frozen both work great, as long as they’re good quality.
- Lobster tails: Pick tails around 5 to 6 ounces each for ideal portion size and cooking time.
- Fresh parsley: Finely chopped to add a pop of color and fresh herbal note.
- Garlic cloves: Pressed for an intense but smooth garlic flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the butter sauce.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances the lobster’s natural flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: For a mild heat and aromatic touch.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the lobster tender when cooking under the broiler.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances out the richness of the butter.
- Unsalted butter: Divided for cooking and finishing the sauce; I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness precisely.
Variations
I love making this recipe just as is, but sometimes I like to tweak things for variety or special diets. Feel free to get creative — after all, a recipe should serve your tastes and needs!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic lemon butter for a warm, spicy zip — my family asks for this every time!
- Herb Twist: Swap parsley for fresh tarragon or dill for a different herbal note that pairs wonderfully with lobster.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter or olive oil only for a dairy-free version that still tastes rich and delicious.
- Grilled Lobster: Instead of broiling, try grilling the lobster tails for a smoky flavor — just watch closely to avoid overcooking.
How to Make Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Butterfly the Lobster Tails
I discovered this trick when I first made lobster tails — cutting the shell carefully to expose the meat makes a huge difference in both cooking evenness and presentation. Use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell and then gently pry the meat out so it sits above the shell. Try to keep it attached at the base for a nice “lifted” effect.
Step 2: Mix Your Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the pressed garlic, finely chopped parsley, dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and half of the butter. Mixing these ingredients ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. I like using fresh lemon juice for brightness, but bottled works in a pinch.
Step 3: Broil the Lobster Tails
Place your lobster tails flesh-side up on a baking sheet and brush generously with the garlic lemon butter mixture. Broil 5-7 inches from the heat, about 8-10 minutes. Watch closely — lobster meat should be opaque and slightly firm but still juicy. Overcooking can make it rubbery, something I learned the hard way (lesson: patience really pays off!).
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once broiled, drizzle the remaining melted butter over the lobster tails and garnish with extra parsley. The warm butter pooled underneath is perfect for dipping, enhancing every bite with garlicky, lemony richness.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
- Butter Temperature: Melt your butter slowly—too hot and it can separate; a gentle melt keeps the sauce silky and smooth.
- Broiler Distance: Position your oven rack 5 to 7 inches from the broiler; too close and the lobster might char; too far and it won’t cook evenly.
- Handling Lobster Tails: Use kitchen shears instead of a knife for better control when cutting the shell; it’s safer and makes the “butterflying” neat.
- Timing is Everything: Keep an eye on the lobster as it cooks; it only takes minutes and can go from perfect to overcooked quickly.
How to Serve Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley over the finished dish — it adds a lovely color contrast and fresh herbal aroma that balances the rich garlic butter perfectly. Sometimes, I add thin lemon slices or wedges on the side for an extra citrus pop just before serving.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe are simple yet complementary: buttery garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or steamed asparagus. These sides absorb some of that leftover garlic lemon butter and round out the meal beautifully without overshadowing the lobster.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to place lobster tails on a large platter lined with fresh greens like arugula or watercress, then drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce artistically. Adding edible flowers or colorful microgreens can make the presentation pop, making it feel fancy even though it’s simple to prepare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover lobster tails (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend eating them within 1-2 days for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked lobster tails before wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. It’s best eaten within a month. When thawed, the texture is still quite good, though slightly less tender than fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the lobster tails in a low oven (about 250°F) wrapped in foil to keep them from drying out. Adding a little extra melted garlic lemon butter before warming helps preserve moisture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen lobster tails for this Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen lobster tails work great—just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. Pat them dry before broiling to ensure the butter sauce sticks well.
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What’s the best way to check if my lobster tails are cooked?
Look for opaque, white lobster meat that’s firm but still juicy. It should pull away slightly from the shell and feel springy. Overcooking causes the meat to turn rubbery and dry, so keep a close eye during broiling.
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Can I prepare the garlic lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the sauce up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before brushing onto the lobster tails, then reserve some for drizzling after cooking.
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Is broiling the only way to cook lobster tails for this recipe?
Not at all! Broiling is quick and convenient, but you can also grill, bake, or steam the lobster tails. If grilling, baste often with the garlic lemon butter to keep them moist and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress without slaving in the kitchen. It’s easy enough to make any night but special enough to turn into a celebration dinner. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does—there’s truly nothing like the combo of tender lobster and that luscious garlic lemon butter. So go ahead, give it a try and treat yourself to a little homemade luxury!
Print
Garlic Lemon Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings (4 lobster tails)
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter offers a delightful seafood experience featuring tender, juicy broiled lobster tails infused with a rich and zesty garlic lemon butter sauce. Easy to prepare and impressive to serve, it’s perfect for a special dinner or seafood craving.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (5 to 6 oz each)
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (very finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare Lobster Tails: Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down to the tail, being careful not to cut the meat. Gently pry the shell apart and lift the lobster meat, placing it on top of the shell for even cooking and presentation.
- Make Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Add the pressed garlic cloves and cook gently until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, finely chopped parsley, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined.
- Broil Lobster Tails: Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the lobster meat with some of the melted butter mixture. Broil the lobster tails about 6-8 inches from the heat source for 8-10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly browned on top.
- Finish With Butter Sauce: While broiling, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once lobster tails are cooked, remove from oven and immediately drizzle with the remaining melted butter. Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra garlic lemon butter on the side for dipping. Enjoy the juicy, tender lobster meat with the flavorful, buttery sauce for a luxurious seafood meal.
Notes
- This is the only Lobster tails recipe you’ll ever need, plus it’s surprisingly easy to make!
- The broiled lobster meat remains juicy and tender with a perfectly flavored garlic lemon butter sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the lobster to prevent toughness—watch closely during broiling.
- Using fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Garnish with fresh parsley not only for flavor but for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 429 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
