Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly tender lobster, drenched in rich, garlicky butter that’s both savory and oh-so-satisfying. That’s exactly what you get with this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails recipe. It’s everything you could ask for in a seafood dish—luxurious, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking up a romantic dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or treating yourself to something fancy, this dish is guaranteed to impress. The combination of buttery goodness and a hint of garlic will have you coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making everyday moments feel like a special occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a showstopping dinner, here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a date night, a fancy dinner party, or a casual seafood feast.
Budget-Friendly: Lobster can be expensive, but this recipe makes it easy to get restaurant-quality results at home without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need a lot of time or fancy techniques to pull this off. In just a few steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked lobster tails.
Customizable: Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or your favorite herbs to make this dish your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Lobster is always a crowd favorite, and this garlicky, buttery version is sure to win over anyone at the table.
Ingredients in Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy lobster tails:
Lobster Tails: The star of the dish! Fresh or frozen lobster tails work great, and you can even buy them pre-split for easy preparation.
Butter: The foundation of the garlic butter sauce. Use unsalted butter to keep the seasoning in your control.
Garlic: The hero ingredient for that savory, aromatic depth. Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that pairs perfectly with lobster.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness and a tangy contrast to the rich butter.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous flavor that rounds out the dish.
Olive Oil: Helps cook the lobster tails to perfection while adding a bit of richness to the butter sauce.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, ensuring the lobster tails are perfectly seasoned.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat your grill to medium-high. This will ensure the lobster tails cook evenly and quickly.
Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the lobster tail shell, leaving the meat intact. Gently pull apart the shell and lift the lobster meat, but leave it attached at the base. This makes for a beautiful presentation and ensures the lobster cooks evenly.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another minute or so to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Lobster Tails: Brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce, making sure it’s generously coated. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet or grill, and bake for 12–15 minutes, or grill for about 8–10 minutes, until the lobster meat is opaque and tender. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is firm and easily flakes with a fork.
Finishing Touches: Once cooked, drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the lobster tails for extra flavor. Garnish with more fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lobster tails immediately with extra garlic butter on the side for dipping. They’re perfect with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
– Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up all that extra garlic butter sauce.
– Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the richness of the lobster.
– For a low-carb option, serve alongside sautéed spinach or a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– If using frozen lobster tails, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
– For a touch of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes into the garlic butter sauce.
– You can also broil the lobster tails for a few minutes at the end for a beautifully caramelized top.
– If you don’t have kitchen shears, a sharp knife can also work for splitting the lobster shell.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for best results.
2. Can I cook the lobster tails on the grill?
Absolutely! Grill them for about 8–10 minutes over medium-high heat for a smoky, charred flavor.
3. Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before using.
4. How do I know when the lobster is done?
The lobster meat will turn opaque and firm when fully cooked. You can also check with a fork to see if it flakes easily.
5. Can I use other herbs in the garlic butter sauce?
Yes, thyme, basil, or tarragon would all be delicious alternatives to parsley.
6. What sides go well with garlic butter lobster tails?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or garlic bread all make great pairings.
7. How do I prevent overcooking the lobster tails?
Be sure to keep a close eye on them while cooking. Lobster cooks quickly, so once the meat turns opaque, it’s done.
8. Can I serve the garlic butter sauce as a dip?
Yes! The sauce is perfect for dipping the lobster meat, or even dipping your favorite sides like bread or vegetables.
9. How long should I bake lobster tails?
Bake for 12–15 minutes at 425°F, depending on the size of the lobster tails.
10. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top of the lobster before baking adds a nice, cheesy touch.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a showstopper of a dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With tender lobster meat bathed in rich, garlicky butter and a hint of lemon, it’s the perfect combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for more. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, dive into this luxurious dish—you deserve it!
PrintGarlic Butter Lobster Tails
Succulent lobster tails drizzled with a rich garlic butter sauce and a hint of lemon, perfect for a luxurious seafood dinner.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Total Time: 25minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
– 2lobster tails (about6oz each)
– 1/2cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3cloves garlic, minced
– 1tbsp lemon juice
– 1tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top shell down to the tail to expose the meat.
3. Brush the lobster meat generously with the melted garlic butter.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and drizzle with lemon juice.
5. Grill for 5-7minutes on each side until the meat is opaque and slightly charred.
6. Remove from the grill and garnish with fresh parsley.
7. Serve immediately with extra garlic butter on the side for dipping.
Notes
– For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
– Ensure not to overcook the lobster tails to keep them tender and juicy.
– Can also be baked in the oven at 425°F for 12-15minutes as an alternative cooking method.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1lobstertail
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
