Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter is a simple yet impressive dish that brings the rich flavors of the sea right to your plate. The lobster tail is tender and juicy,…
Tip: save now, cook later.Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter is a simple yet impressive dish that brings the rich flavors of the sea right to your plate. The lobster tail is tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the creamy, buttery garlic sauce that adds a bold and comforting touch. It’s a classic combination that never fails to feel special.
I love making this dish when I want something elegant but not too complicated to prepare. The garlic butter sauce is easy to whip up and makes the lobster taste even more luxurious. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten it up, which never disappoints. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together fairly quickly.
This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a small celebration. I often serve it alongside a fresh salad or some roasted veggies to keep it light. Sharing lobster tails with friends or family always feels like a treat to me, and the buttery garlic flavor is something I find everyone enjoys. It’s a lovely way to make any meal feel a bit more memorable.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lobster tails: Fresh lobster tails work best for a sweet, tender bite. If fresh isn’t available, frozen can be a good choice—just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here to control salt levels. For dairy-free, use a plant-based butter or olive oil for a different but tasty flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings strong aroma and flavor. Avoid pre-minced garlic if possible, as fresh minced garlic has the most vibrant taste.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances richness. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice is okay but use sparingly to avoid bitterness.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and mild herbiness. If fresh isn’t handy, dried parsley can work, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.
Paprika: Sprinkling paprika gives a lovely color and mild warmth. Smoked paprika is a nice twist if you want a bit of smokiness.
How Do You Prepare Lobster Tails for Perfect Garlic Butter Baking?
Getting the lobster meat out while keeping it on the shell is the key to even cooking and a beautiful presentation. Here’s how:
- Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell along the middle, from the base to the tip.
- Gently pry open the shell with your fingers, careful not to break it.
- Lift the lobster meat up from the shell, keeping it attached at the base so it rests on top.
- This lets the meat cook evenly and soak up the garlic butter while showing off the shell.
- Brush generously with your garlic butter before and after broiling to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Taking time with this step makes all the difference between dry, tough lobster and tender, buttery bites. A light sprinkle of paprika just before broiling adds a nice golden touch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – provides a sturdy surface for broiling lobster tails evenly.
- Kitchen shears – make cutting through the lobster shell easy and safe.
- Small saucepan – perfect for melting and gently infusing butter with garlic.
- Basting brush – helps you spread garlic butter smoothly over the lobster meat.
- Oven mitts – essential for handling hot pans safely when broiling.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter for a spicy kick that warms the palate.
- Swap parsley for fresh basil or tarragon for a different fresh herb aroma and taste.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese with the garlic butter for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Try lemon zest in the butter along with juice to boost the citrus flavor.
Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Lobster Tails:
- 4 lobster tails (about 6 oz each)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this dish takes about 15 minutes, including prepping the lobster tails and melting the garlic butter sauce. Cooking under the broiler takes 8-10 minutes. So overall, you can have a delicious lobster tail meal ready in about 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Lobster Tails:
Start by preheating your oven’s broiler to high, with the rack set about 6 inches from the heat. Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise down the center. Gently pull the lobster meat out, resting it on top of the shell while still attached at the base.
2. Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but don’t let it brown. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Cooking the Lobster Tails and Finishing Touches:
Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush each tail generously with the garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle with paprika. Broil for 8-10 minutes, watching until the lobster meat turns opaque and gets a slight golden brown on top. Remove from the oven, brush again with the remaining garlic butter, and sprinkle with the rest of the parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Can I Use Frozen Lobster Tails for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for the best broiling results.
How Can I Store Leftover Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop, brushing with extra garlic butter to keep the meat moist.
Can I Substitute Garlic Butter with Olive Oil?
Absolutely! For a lighter option or dairy-free alternative, use good-quality olive oil infused with minced garlic. The flavor will be delicious but less rich than butter.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Lobster Tail and Garlic Butter?
This dish goes wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.