Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving a fancy yet easy to make seafood dish, these garlic butter lobster tails are a dream come true! Juicy, tender lobster meat bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce what’s not to love? Plus, you can make them in a pan, oven baked, or even on the grill. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe will make you feel like a gourmet chef without breaking a sweat.

This recipe is versatile, foolproof, and delivers restaurant quality results every time. Imagine tender lobster tails brushed with a buttery, garlicky sauce that melts in your mouth. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress at a dinner party.

Ingredients

To make the best garlic butter lobster tails, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Lobster tails (fresh or frozen)
Unsalted butter
Garlic (freshly minced)
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Paprika (optional, for a touch of smokiness)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Choosing the Right Lobster Tails

When selecting lobster tails, opt for fresh or high-quality frozen tails. Cold-water lobster tails tend to be sweeter and more tender compared to warm-water varieties. Aim for tails that weigh between 5 to 7 ounces for the best results.

Fresh Lobster Tails: Ideal if available look for tails that are firm, with no discoloration.
Frozen Lobster Tails: Thaw properly before cooking (overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water).

How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them overnight in the fridge or under cold running water for a quick thaw.
With kitchen shears, cut down the middle of the lobster shell (top side), stopping before the tail fin.
Gently pull the lobster meat out, resting it on top of the shell for that fancy butterfly look. This allows the meat to cook evenly while giving you a beautiful presentation.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this dish. It’s rich, fragrant, and pairs perfectly with tender lobster meat.

In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Stir in fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of paprika for extra color and a subtle smoky flavor.

3. Cook the Lobster Tails

In a Pan:

Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Place the lobster tails meat-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden.
Flip the tails, brush them generously with garlic butter, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the meat is opaque and tender.

In the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with garlic butter and bake for 10-12 minutes until the meat is opaque.

On the Grill:

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the lobster tails with olive oil and grill meat-side down for 4-5 minutes.
Flip, baste with garlic butter, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lobster Tails

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor it makes a huge difference.
Don’t overcook lobster meat turns rubbery if cooked too long. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Butterfly the tails for even cooking and beautiful presentation.
Baste generously with garlic butter throughout the cooking process for maximum flavor.
Add a smoky touch: A light sprinkle of smoked paprika enhances the buttery goodness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your garlic butter lobster tails with these tasty sides:

Buttery mashed potatoes
Lemon-garlic roasted asparagus
A fresh green salad
Garlic bread for soaking up that delicious butter sauce
Creamy risotto for a luxurious dining experience

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat: Warm them gently in a skillet with a touch of butter to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving as it can make the lobster rubbery.

Variations to Try

Lemon Garlic Lobster Tails: Add extra lemon zest for a citrusy punch.
Shrimp and Lobster in Garlic Butter Sauce: Toss shrimp with lobster tails for a seafood feast.
Oven-Baked Lobster Tails: For an easy, hands-free approach, bake the tails while basting with garlic butter.

FAQ

1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Overnight in the refrigerator is best for even thawing.

2. How do I know when lobster tails are cooked?

The meat should be opaque and white. If using a thermometer, it should reach 140°F (60°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender and juicy.

3. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but adjust the amount of added salt in the garlic butter sauce to avoid over-seasoning.

4. What other seafood can I cook with garlic butter?

Shrimp, crab legs, or scallops are amazing in this garlic butter sauce! You can even drizzle the sauce over grilled fish for a rich, buttery finish.

Enjoy these garlic butter lobster tails whether pan-seared, oven-baked, or grilled, they’re a show stopping dish that’s easier to make than you think! Impress your guests (or treat yourself) with this luxurious seafood delight.

The Best Garlic Butter Lobster Tails