Turn any dinner into a celebration with these creamy garlic butter lobster tails. Succulent lobster meat is elevated with a rich garlic butter sauce that’s simple to make yet restaurant-worthy. With minimal prep and quick cooking, this dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and elegant—ready in under 20 minutes.
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A luxurious dish that feels gourmet yet uses simple ingredients.
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Versatile—pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
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Rich garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
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Perfect for holidays, date nights, or any meal you want to make unforgettable.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the lobster:
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2 lobster tails (fresh or thawed if frozen)
For the garlic butter sauce:
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½ cup melted unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
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4 cloves garlic, minced (or garlic powder as a shortcut)
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or substitute with other fresh herbs)
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½ teaspoon dried pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (lime juice for variation)
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½ teaspoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked for best flavor)
directions
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Preheat oven to 500°F (200°C) on broil.
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Cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the last segment. Gently pull the lobster meat out, keeping it attached at the base, and rest it on top of the shell.
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In a bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, parsley, pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
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Brush lobster tails generously with garlic butter sauce.
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Place under the broiler for 6–8 minutes, until meat is opaque and internal temperature reaches 140–145°F.
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Plate and drizzle with remaining garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 2 lobster tails
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 8 minutes
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Total Time: 18 minutes
Variations
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Add grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce for richness.
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Swap parsley for dill, thyme, or tarragon for a different herb flavor.
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Drizzle with cream before serving for a decadent twist.
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Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tropical flair.
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Serve over pasta tossed in the garlic butter sauce for a heartier dish.
storage/reheating
Lobster tails are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with butter over low heat to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the lobster tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, just thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat should be opaque white and reach an internal temperature of 140–145°F.
Can I grill instead of broil?
Absolutely. Grill lobster tails over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes, basting with garlic butter.
What sides go best with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, risotto, or buttered noodles all pair beautifully.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
How do I split the lobster tails?
Use sharp kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell lengthwise, stopping at the last segment.
Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?
Yes, make it ahead and reheat gently before brushing onto the lobster.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes. Adjust or omit to taste.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine adds depth and elegance to the butter sauce.
How can I make it extra creamy?
Add a small splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce before brushing on the lobster.
Conclusion
These Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the perfect blend of luxury and simplicity. With a rich, flavorful sauce and tender lobster meat, this recipe creates an indulgent dish that’s quick to prepare yet feels special. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a romantic dinner, or just a night of self-indulgence, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Print
Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 lobster tails
Description
These Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails turn any meal into a celebration. Tender lobster meat is brushed with a luscious garlic butter sauce, broiled to perfection, and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Ready in under 20 minutes, this elegant dish is surprisingly simple yet feels like fine dining at home. Perfect for holidays, date nights, or anytime you want to impress.
Ingredients
For the Lobster
2 lobster tails (fresh or thawed if frozen)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
½ cup melted unsalted butter (or olive oil for lighter version)
4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or substitute dill, thyme, or tarragon)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or lime juice for variation)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 500°F (200°C) on broil setting.
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Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the last segment. Gently pull lobster meat out, keeping it attached at the base, and rest on top of the shell.
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In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
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Brush lobster tails generously with garlic butter sauce.
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Place under the broiler for 6–8 minutes, until the lobster meat is opaque white and reaches an internal temperature of 140–145°F.
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Plate lobster tails, drizzle with remaining garlic butter sauce, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce for extra richness.
- Serve lobster over pasta tossed in garlic butter for a heartier dish.
- Grill instead of broiling for a smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
