Golden, buttery, and perfectly tender, these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the ultimate treat for any seafood lover. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a luxurious weekend dinner, this dish brings restaurant-level indulgence right to your home kitchen. With a sizzling garlic herb butter slathered over sweet, succulent lobster meat, every bite melts in your mouth with rich flavor.
What makes these lobster tails even more irresistible is how quickly they come together. You don’t need to be a professional chef to serve up this impressive meal. Just a few ingredients, some clever prep, and a hot broiler transform simple seafood into a stunning showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
This recipe hits all the right notes—it’s fast, easy, and deeply satisfying. Here are just a few reasons you’ll keep coming back to it:
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Impress guests (or yourself!) with something that tastes like it came from a fine dining kitchen.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal mess.
- Customizable: Spice it up with cayenne or go citrusy with extra lemon zest.
- Elegant Yet Easy: A beautiful way to elevate a dinner without complicated steps.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving in, make sure you have the right tools on hand to streamline the process and ensure perfect results:
- Kitchen Shears: Essential for cutting through the lobster shell cleanly without damaging the meat.
- Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: Elevates the lobster tails so hot air circulates underneath for even cooking.
- Pastry Brush: Helps coat every nook of the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture.
- Meat Thermometer: Avoid overcooked or rubbery lobster by ensuring it reaches the perfect internal temperature (135°F).
- Small Saucepan: For melting and infusing your butter with garlic and herbs.
A little prep and the right gear turn lobster night from intimidating to effortless.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Lobster Tails: The star of the dish, bringing natural sweetness and luxury.
- Butter: Adds richness and serves as the base for the flavorful garlic sauce.
- Garlic: Finely minced for a bold, aromatic punch that enhances the lobster’s flavor.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and color.
- Paprika: Offers a touch of smokiness and color.
- Lemon Juice: Balances the richness of the butter with bright acidity.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every component.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell lengthwise down the center, stopping before the tail fin. Gently lift the meat out and rest it on top of the shell while keeping the base attached.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer briefly to infuse.
Step 3: Brush and Broil
Preheat your broiler. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet with a rack. Generously brush the garlic butter sauce over the meat. Broil for 8–10 minutes or until the meat is opaque and slightly golden on top.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon
Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the lobster right out of the oven. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve immediately.
How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
These lobster tails are best served hot, fresh from the broiler. Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness beautifully.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the tails in a covered dish and warm in the oven at 300°F until just heated through to avoid drying them out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat should be opaque and white, with an internal temperature of 135°F. The shell will turn bright red.
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes! Just thaw them completely in the fridge overnight before preparing.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
You can bake the lobster tails at 425°F for about 12–15 minutes, but broiling gives a better crust.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter a day in advance and reheat it before using.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default, but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat.
Want More Seafood Ideas?
If you loved these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails, you’ll definitely want to try these next:
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites Creamy Alfredo Tortellini – buttery steak meets pasta comfort.
- Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce – a crispy and creamy combo worth exploring.
- Louisiana Remoulade Sauce – perfect to drizzle on seafood.
- Jumbo Shrimp in Butter Garlic Sauce – a close cousin to today’s lobster dish.
- Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta – great if you’re craving garlic butter in another form.
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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or add your own twist? Maybe a pinch of chili or a dab of Dijon?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter!

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the ultimate luxurious seafood dinner—easy to make at home, broiled to perfection, and drenched in rich garlic herb butter. Perfect for holidays, romantic dinners, or any indulgent meal. Keywords: garlic butter lobster tails, broiled lobster tails, seafood dinner.
Ingredients
4 lobster tails
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise down the middle without cutting through the tail fin.
2. Gently lift the lobster meat and rest it on top of the shell, keeping the base attached.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Preheat broiler. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet with a wire rack.
5. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat.
6. Broil for 8–10 minutes or until the meat is opaque and slightly golden, reaching 135°F internally.
7. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the lobster tails immediately after removing from the oven.
8. Garnish with extra parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use kitchen shears to avoid breaking the shell unevenly and damaging the meat.
Always measure the internal temp to avoid overcooking—135°F is ideal.
Broiling adds a golden finish that enhances both look and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg

