Succulent lobster tails basted in a golden garlic butter sauce, broiled to perfection for a quick gourmet dish. This elegant yet easy recipe brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your kitchen in just 20 minutes. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving a luxurious dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes just 20 minutes.
- Restaurant-Quality: Delivers a five-star dining experience in the comfort of your home.
- Flavor-Packed: Rich garlic butter, smoky paprika, and fresh lemon juice enhance the natural sweetness of lobster.
- Low-Carb & Gluten-Free: Ideal for various dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or holiday celebration, this dish impresses every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat your oven broiler to high and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
- Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the base. Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the exposed lobster meat.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly browned. Baste with more butter halfway through.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with the remaining garlic butter, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories per Serving: 360 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for heat.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in fresh thyme or tarragon for a different herbal note.
- Grilled Option: Instead of broiling, grill the lobster tails over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top before broiling for a golden crust.
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pairing.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a bit of butter or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the lobster meat.
FAQs
How do I know when lobster tails are done?
Lobster meat turns opaque and white when fully cooked, and the shell becomes bright red. It should reach an internal temperature of 140–145°F (60–63°C).
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
What size lobster tails should I buy?
Lobster tails that are 4–6 ounces each are ideal for even cooking and portion control.
Can I make garlic butter lobster tails in advance?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use.
What should I serve with garlic butter lobster tails?
Popular sides include steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
Is broiling better than baking for lobster tails?
Broiling gives a nice caramelized finish and cooks the lobster quickly, preserving tenderness.
How do I cut lobster tails properly?
Use kitchen shears to cut the top shell lengthwise without cutting through the tail fin, then lift the meat to rest on the shell.
Can I substitute lobster with another seafood?
Shrimp or large scallops can be used as a substitute and prepared with the same garlic butter sauce.
How long can cooked lobster tails sit out?
Do not leave cooked lobster at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illness.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails offer a decadent yet approachable seafood experience that elevates any dinner occasion. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to impress without the stress. Whether it’s a romantic evening or a festive celebration, these broiled lobster tails will never disappoint.
PrintGarlic Butter Lobster Tails
Succulent lobster tails basted with a golden garlic–lemon butter and broiled until just opaque and lightly caramelized. A quick, restaurant-quality seafood main.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler to high and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
- With kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise to the base. Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the exposed lobster meat.
- Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for 8–10 minutes, basting with more butter halfway, until the meat is opaque and lightly browned (about 140°F/60°C internal temperature).
- Remove from oven, drizzle with remaining garlic butter, and sprinkle with parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Butterflying helps the tails cook evenly and makes basting easier.
- Keep tails 6–8 inches from the broiler to avoid scorching.
- Lobster is done when opaque and springy; avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
- Pairs beautifully with asparagus, risotto, or buttered pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail with butter
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 165mg