Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a rich, elegant seafood dish featuring tender lobster meat brushed with a flavorful garlic butter sauce and baked or broiled until juicy and lightly golden. It’s a restaurant-style meal you can easily make at home for special dinners, celebrations, or date nights.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Servings: 2–4 servings
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
- Small bowl
- Brush (for butter)
- Oven or broiler
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Ingredient Notes
- Lobster tails: Fresh or thawed frozen tails work best.
- Butter: Creates a rich, silky coating.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the strongest flavor.
- Paprika: Adds color and mild smoky taste.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the richness of the butter.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or set broiler on high.
- Using kitchen scissors, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise.
- Gently pull the meat upward and rest it on top of the shell (this helps even cooking).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush lobster meat generously with garlic butter mixture.
- Place lobster tails on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or broil for 8–10 minutes, until meat is opaque and slightly golden.
- Halfway through cooking, baste again with garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Facts
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
Tips
- Do not overcook—lobster becomes tough quickly.
- Use a thermometer: internal temp should be about 140–145°F (60–63°C).
- Basting twice gives richer flavor and juicier meat.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a full meal.
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Lobster: Add chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Creamy Lobster: Drizzle with garlic cream sauce after baking.
- Parmesan Lobster: Sprinkle cheese on top before broiling.
- Grilled Version: Cook on a grill for a smoky flavor.