Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
Introduction
This garlic butter lobster tail recipe brings a restaurant-quality seafood dish right to your home kitchen. With tender, juicy lobster meat bathed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce, it’s perfect for a special dinner or whenever you want to treat yourself.

Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top of each lobster tail shell down the middle, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the meat. For a nicer presentation, gently lift the lobster meat out of the shell and rest it on top.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make the garlic butter sauce.
- Step 3: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster meat. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Step 4: Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over before eating.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra rich flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for subtle heat.
- If fresh lobster tails aren’t available, you can use frozen ones—just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Serve with crusty bread or steamed vegetables to make it a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid overcooking and toughening the meat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I grill lobster tails instead of baking them?
Yes, grilling is a great alternative. Brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce and grill over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked?
Lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for safe and perfect doneness.
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Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe offers a simple yet elegant seafood dish featuring tender lobster meat baked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight dinner, the lobster tails are enhanced with lemon, paprika, and fresh parsley, delivering a flavorful and visually stunning meal in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 2 lobster tails (about 6–8 ounces each)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top of each lobster tail shell down the middle, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the meat. If desired, gently lift the lobster meat out of the shell and place it on top for better presentation.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Bake the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster meat. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) to confirm doneness.
- Serve: Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness when eating.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lobster tails thawed completely before cooking.
- Adjust the garlic quantity to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Oven temperatures may vary; monitor the lobster closely to avoid overcooking, which can make the meat tough.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the lobster at its juiciest and most flavorful.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Butter Lobster Tail, Baked Lobster Recipe, Easy Lobster Tails, Seafood Dinner, Garlic Butter Sauce

