Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter is a simple yet impressive dish featuring sweet, tender lobster meat bathed in rich, buttery garlic sauce. The lobster tail is beautifully cooked to bring…
Tip: save now, cook later.Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter is a simple yet impressive dish featuring sweet, tender lobster meat bathed in rich, buttery garlic sauce. The lobster tail is beautifully cooked to bring out its natural flavors while the garlic butter adds a warm, aromatic touch that makes every bite special.
I love making this dish when I want to treat myself or guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlic butter is so easy to whip up, and it really makes the lobster taste like a fancy meal, even if you’re just enjoying it at home. A little tip I follow is to baste the lobster with the garlic butter while it’s cooking to keep it juicy and full of flavor.
My favorite way to serve this is with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad, keeping things light so the lobster remains the star. It’s a great dish for celebrations or quiet weekends when I want something delicious that feels a bit luxurious but is actually simple to prepare. Plus, it always brings a smile to everyone’s face!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lobster Tails: Fresh lobster tails bring the best flavor and texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen works fine—just thaw them fully before cooking. For budget-friendly options, shrimp or scallops can be a good swap.
Butter: Unsalted butter is key here so you control the saltiness. You can use a good quality margarine or olive oil for a lighter option, but butter really gives that rich taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-minced garlic or garlic powder works too, though fresh is always my top choice for that sweet aroma and depth.
Lemon Juice & Parsley: These add bright, fresh notes that balance the richness of butter. Lime juice can substitute for lemon, and dried parsley can be used if fresh isn’t available but use less.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a lovely color. Smoked paprika is worth trying for a different twist, or you can use a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
How Do You Butterfly Lobster Tails Without Breaking the Meat?
Butterflying lobster tails is a simple technique but needs gentle handling to keep the meat intact and make a pretty presentation.
- Use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fan.
- Don’t cut through the bottom shell where the meat sits firmly; you only want to split the hard shell.
- Carefully loosen the meat from the shell by sliding your fingers underneath.
- Lift the meat gently and rest it on top of the shell for even cooking and an attractive look.
- Keep the shell connected at the tail end so it holds everything together.
This technique helps the lobster cook evenly and soak in all that flavorful garlic butter without drying out. Taking your time on this step makes a big difference in the final presentation and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Kitchen shears – perfect for safely cutting through the lobster shells without damaging the meat.
- Small saucepan – ideal for melting butter and gently cooking garlic to make the flavorful sauce.
- Basting brush – helps you spread garlic butter evenly on the lobster tails for more flavor.
- Baking sheet lined with foil – makes cleanup easy and keeps lobster tails stable while broiling.
- Tongs – handy for turning or handling lobster tails without breaking them apart.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick that warms up the dish.
- Mix in chopped fresh basil or tarragon instead of parsley for a different herb aroma that pairs well with seafood.
- Substitute half the butter with olive oil to lighten the sauce while keeping it rich and tasty.
- Top the lobster meat with grated Parmesan cheese before broiling to add a cheesy crust and extra flavor.
Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 lobster tails (about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook under the broiler, so you’re looking at a total of roughly 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and impressive dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Lobster Tails:
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise. Gently pull apart the shell and lift the lobster meat up, resting it on top of the shell—this is called butterflying and it helps the lobster cook evenly and look beautiful.
2. Making the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley.
3. Seasoning and Cooking the Lobster:
Place the lobster tails on a foil-lined baking sheet. Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter. Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the meat. Broil the lobster for 8-10 minutes, until the meat is opaque and golden on top. Around the halfway mark, baste again with the remaining garlic butter for extra flavor.
4. Serving:
Once cooked, drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the lobster tails and sprinkle with the remaining parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and enjoy the rich, buttery taste!
Can I Use Frozen Lobster Tails for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Lobster Tail?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a little extra garlic butter to keep the lobster moist.
Can I Make the Garlic Butter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Garlic butter can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat it gently before brushing on the lobster to keep it melted and flavorful.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter?
It pairs beautifully with steamed or roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad. A slice of crusty bread is also great for soaking up the extra garlic butter sauce!
