Introduction

This garlic butter lobster tail recipe brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. Tender lobster meat is baked in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce, making it perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight treat.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lobster tails (about 6–8 ounces each)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top of each lobster tail shell down the middle, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the meat. For a nicer presentation, you can gently lift the lobster meat out of the shell and place it on top.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Step 4: Remove from the oven and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the lobster tails. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the lobster before eating.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture for a subtle kick.
You can broil the lobster tails for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking to get a lightly browned top, but watch closely to prevent burning.
If fresh parsley isn’t available, try using chopped chives or basil for garnish.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the lobster.

Storage

Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through to avoid overcooking. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can also be added cold to seafood salads.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?

Yes, frozen lobster tails work well. Be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even baking.

How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. An internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) is ideal. Avoid overcooking as lobster can become tough.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 72 reviews

A simple and elegant garlic butter lobster tail recipe that delivers tender, flavorful lobster meat baked to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or celebration, this dish combines the sweetness of lobster with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a hint of paprika.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Lobster Tails

2 lobster tails (about 6–8 ounces each)

Garlic Butter Sauce

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Garnish and Serving

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top of each lobster tail shell down the middle, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the meat. If desired, gently lift the lobster meat out of the shell and place it on top for better presentation.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Bake the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster meat. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the lobster tails. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the lobster before eating.