Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter is a simple and delightful dish that brings a touch of the sea right to your plate. The tender lobster meat pairs perfectly with the rich, melted garlic butter, making every bite rich and flavorful. The garlic butter adds a warm, cozy feeling that makes this meal feel special without much fuss.
I love making this dish when I want something that feels fancy but is actually easy to prepare. All you need is fresh lobster tails, some butter, and plenty of garlic to make the sauce that drips over the lobster. I like to baste the lobster with the garlic butter as it cooks to keep it juicy and packed with flavor. It’s such a winning combo that everyone at the table always asks for seconds.
One of my favorite ways to serve this dish is with a side of lemon wedges and a simple salad or steamed vegetables. The bright lemon juice adds a fresh contrast to the buttery richness, making each bite balanced and satisfying. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night you want to treat yourself, Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter never fails to bring smiles and good memories around the dinner table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lobster Tails: Fresh is ideal, but frozen works well too—just thaw in the fridge overnight. If lobster tails aren’t available, large shrimp or langoustines can be a tasty alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. For a dairy-free option, try olive oil or vegan butter, but note the flavor will be different.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for that strong, bright flavor. You can use garlic powder if needed, but fresh will make the garlic butter sauce taste much better.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the buttery richness. Bottled lemon juice could be a backup in a pinch, but fresh is preferable.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a nice color and freshness. If you don’t have fresh, a sprinkle of dried parsley or chives can work in a pinch.
How Do You Butterfly Lobster Tails Without Breaking the Meat?
Butterflying lobster tails lets the meat cook evenly and gives a nice presentation. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use sharp kitchen shears to cut along the top of the shell, stopping before the tail fin.
- Be gentle as you pull apart the shell; don’t try to rip it open fast.
- Lift the meat carefully, keeping it attached at the tail end, and rest it on top of the shell to cook evenly.
- If the meat resists, don’t force it—cut a bit deeper or wiggle gently to loosen it.
Taking your time here means beautiful lobster tails and tender meat that soaks up the garlic butter perfectly!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Kitchen shears – perfect for cutting through the lobster shell safely and cleanly.
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl – to melt butter and gently cook garlic without burning.
- Basting brush – helps you spread the garlic butter evenly over the lobster meat.
- Baking sheet or ovenproof skillet – holds the lobster tails while they bake and collects the garlic butter.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping garlic and parsley and cutting lemon wedges.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the garlic butter for a mild smoky or spicy kick.
- Swap parsley for fresh tarragon or chives for a different herb flavor profile.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese with the garlic butter before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Try dipping the lobster meat in a lemon-garlic aioli or melted herb butter for extra richness.
How to Make Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large lobster tails (about 6-8 oz each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 12-15 minutes for baking, so you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Lobster Tails:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart slightly and lift the lobster meat, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the tail end—this is called butterflying. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet or ovenproof skillet.
2. Making the Garlic Butter:
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat, then mix in the lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Baking and Serving:
Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture, saving some for later. Bake the lobster tails in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the meat turns opaque and is fully cooked. When done, remove from the oven and spoon any leftover garlic butter over the top. Sprinkle the remaining parsley for a fresh finish. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Can I Use Frozen Lobster Tails for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a little extra butter or lemon juice to keep it moist.
Can I Make Garlic Butter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before brushing it over the lobster tails.
What’s a Good Side to Serve with Lobster Tail?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra garlic butter.
