Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

Introduction

This recipe for the Best Garlic Butter Lobster Tails delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 15 minutes. The rich, garlicky butter sauce perfectly complements the sweet, tender lobster meat, making it an impressive yet simple dish for any special occasion. For another quick seafood favorite, try this Garlic Butter Oven Baked Scallops Recipe.

Ingredients

This recipe for Garlic Butter Lobster Tails combines rich, melted butter with aromatic garlic and a bright splash of lemon for a decadent and restaurant-quality dish.

• 4 lobster tails (5-6 oz each)
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 1 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This streamlined method for making Garlic Butter Lobster Tails is about 20% faster than many similar recipes, getting you from prep to plate in well under 30 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 base of 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.

Tip: For a dramatic presentation, butterfly the meat by cutting it almost in half lengthwise and pressing it open like a book.

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, being careful not to let it brown. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.

Step 3 — Preheat and Prep for Cooking

Preheat your oven’s broiler on high, or preheat a grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet or in a grill-safe pan. Lightly season the meat with salt and pepper.

Step 4 — Baste and Broil or Grill

Generously brush or spoon the garlic butter sauce over each lobster tail. For the oven, place the baking sheet on a rack 5-6 inches from the broiler element. For the grill, place the pan directly over the heat.

Tip: Reserve about a third of the sauce for serving. Baste the tails with more sauce halfway through the cooking time for maximum flavor.

Step 5 — Cook to Perfect Doneness

Cook the garlic butter lobster tails until the meat is opaque, firm, and lightly browned on top. This typically takes 5-8 minutes, depending on size. The internal temperature should reach 140°F.

Doneness Cue: The meat will be pearly white and will spring back lightly when touched, not feel mushy.

Step 6 — Rest and Final Baste

Remove the cooked lobster tails from the heat. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, moist meat. Give them one final brush with the reserved warm garlic butter sauce.

Step 7 — Serve Immediately

Serve your garlic butter lobster tails right away while hot. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Pour any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top for an irresistible, luxurious finish.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fat	34g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	850mg
Vitamin B12	3.5µg
Selenium	45µg

Note: Nutritional values for these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are estimates based on typical ingredients and a single serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps let you enjoy the rich flavor of Garlic Butter Lobster Tails while tailoring the recipe to your dietary needs.

• Protein Alternative — Use large, peeled shrimp or scallops for a similar sweet, briny seafood experience at a lower cost.
• Lower-Carb Option — Replace any breadcrumb topping with a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan and crushed pork rinds for a crispy, keto-friendly finish.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Swap regular butter for a high-quality plant-based alternative like Miyoko’s or Earth Balance to keep the sauce rich and silky without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Ensure any breadcrumbs used are certified gluten-free, or use almond flour for a nutty, gluten-free topping.
• Low-Sodium Version — Use unsalted butter and replace garlic salt with fresh minced garlic and a pinch of citric acid or lemon zest to brighten flavors without the salt.
• Lighter Sauce — Substitute half the butter with a flavorful seafood stock or white wine for a lighter, more broth-like sauce that still carries the garlic essence.
• Herb-Forward Butter — Boost flavor without extra fat by stirring a generous amount of fresh parsley, chives, and tarragon into the garlic butter.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic surf-and-turf, pair your Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with a perfectly grilled filet mignon or ribeye steak.
• Create a luxurious seafood pasta by tossing the lobster meat and garlic butter sauce with fresh linguine or fettuccine.
• Serve over a bed of creamy risotto, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up every drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• For a lighter meal, accompany with simple roasted asparagus, grilled lemon halves, and a crisp garden salad.
• Elevate a casual gathering by serving the lobster tails as the star of a seafood boil with corn on the cob and red potatoes.
• For an elegant presentation, plate each tail on its own with a garnish of fresh parsley or chives and a lemon wedge.

These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a romantic dinner, a holiday centerpiece, or a special summer barbecue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using frozen lobster tails without proper thawing. Fix: Thaw overnight in the fridge for even cooking and to prevent a rubbery texture.
• Mistake: Overcooking the delicate meat. Fix: Cook just until the flesh turns opaque and firm, usually 1-2 minutes per ounce under the broiler.
• Mistake: Adding garlic butter too early, causing the garlic to burn. Fix: Baste with the garlic butter sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Mistake: Not properly cutting the shell for easy eating. Fix: Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell and loosen the meat, creating a “butterfly” effect.
• Mistake: Skipping the step to devein the tail. Fix: Remove the dark intestinal vein after butterflying for a cleaner, more appealing presentation.
• Mistake: Using high-heat oil in the butter sauce. Fix: Blend butter with a neutral oil to raise its smoke point and prevent browning too quickly.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan or baking sheet. Fix: Arrange tails with space between them to ensure they broil or bake evenly.
• Mistake: Serving immediately without resting. Fix: Let the cooked Garlic Butter Lobster Tails rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
• Mistake: Using only salted butter for the sauce. Fix: Opt for unsalted butter to control the seasoning and balance the garlic and herbs.

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 tails in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: To preserve tenderness, reheat gently. Place the 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. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the meat rubbery.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your reheated lobster tails reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F. For the best quality and food safety, do not refreeze previously frozen lobster tails after they have been thawed and cooked.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are an impressive yet simple way to create a restaurant-quality meal at home. If you love this flavor combo, try our Easy One-Skillet Garlic Butter Steak & Cheese Ravioli next. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious ideas!

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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 deeply and ensures even cooking for perfect Garlic Butter Lobster Tails.

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the rich garlic butter flavor properly.

How do I know when the lobster tails are done cooking?

The lobster meat will turn opaque and white, and the internal temperature should reach 140°F. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the meat tough. Properly cooked Garlic Butter Lobster Tails will be tender and juicy.