Easy Garlic Lobster Tails

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Transform lobster tails into a restaurant-worthy dish with this simple recipe. We butterfly the tails and baste them with garlic-lemon butter before baking to golden perfection.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:07:28 GMT
A plate of grilled lobster tails garnished with herbs and a light sauce. Pin it
A plate of grilled lobster tails garnished with herbs and a light sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Treat yourself to my favorite garlic butter lobster tails. The sauce seeps into every bite making the sweet lobster meat even more heavenly. It's pure luxury on a plate yet so simple to make perfect for date nights or when you want to feel fancy at home.

A Taste of Luxury

The magic happens when garlic and butter melt into that tender lobster meat. Add a squeeze of lemon and every bite becomes pure bliss. I love serving these when I want to make dinner feel extra special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Shopping List

  • Lobster Tails: 4 fresh beauties look for firm shells no cracks
  • Butter: 4 tbsp unsalted the good stuff makes a difference
  • Garlic: 3 cloves fresh minced
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp squeeze it fresh
  • Paprika: 1 tsp adds lovely color and warmth
  • Parsley: 1 tsp fresh chopped
  • Salt and Pepper: Just enough to taste
  • Lemon Wedges: For serving

Let's Cook

Prep Your Lobster
Heat oven to 425°F. Cut shells lengthwise pull meat up to rest on top
Make Your Sauce
Stir together melted butter garlic lemon juice and seasonings
Brush with Love
Coat that beautiful meat generously with your garlic butter
Time to Cook
Bake 10-12 minutes until opaque and golden watch carefully
The Final Touch
Sprinkle with parsley serve with lemon pure elegance
Two beautifully grilled lobster tails are served on a plate, drizzled with melted butter and garnished with herbs. Pin it
Two beautifully grilled lobster tails are served on a plate, drizzled with melted butter and garnished with herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

Worth Celebrating

These lobster tails turn any meal into something special. Whether it's date night holidays or just because they bring restaurant luxury right to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I butterfly a lobster tail?

Cut through the top shell with kitchen shears, stopping at the tail fin. Gently pull the meat up while keeping it attached at the fin, then rest it on top of the shell.

→ How can I tell when lobster is fully cooked?

The meat should be opaque white with no gray color and slightly firm. If using a thermometer, it should reach 140°F internally.

→ What size lobster tails work best?

Medium tails (4-6 oz each) work best for this recipe. Adjust cooking time for larger or smaller tails.

→ Can I grill these instead of baking?

Yes! Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, basting with butter sauce throughout cooking.

→ What should I serve with lobster tails?

Try risotto, asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad. Don't forget warm crusty bread for the extra butter sauce.

Butter Lobster Tails

Tender lobster tails basted with garlic butter and fresh lemon juice, then baked until golden. A luxurious dinner made simple.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
12 Minutes
Total Time
22 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 4 lobster tails.
02 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
03 3 cloves garlic, minced.
04 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
05 1 teaspoon paprika.
06 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley.
07 Salt and pepper to taste.
08 Lemon wedges for serving.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 425°F or set broiler to high.

Step 02

Cut top of shells lengthwise with kitchen shears, stopping at tail fin.

Step 03

Pull meat up and rest on top of shells.

Step 04

Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper.

Step 05

Place lobster tails on baking sheet and brush with butter mixture.

Step 06

Bake 10-12 minutes or broil 6-8 minutes until meat is opaque.

Step 07

Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

  1. Meat should be opaque when done.
  2. Can also grill over medium-high heat.
  3. Let butter soften before mixing.
  4. Keep shells for presentation.
  5. Watch carefully if broiling.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Kitchen shears.
  • Pastry brush.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish (lobster).
  • Dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g