Indulgent, buttery, and infused with the aromatic magic of garlic, these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the perfect way to bring restaurant elegance straight into your home kitchen. Each bite bursts with juicy, tender lobster meat drizzled in golden, herby butter, making it an exquisite choice for special dinners or romantic nights in.

Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want a seafood fix, these lobster tails are remarkably simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and a broiler, you’ll have a gourmet-quality dish in under 20 minutes. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’re in for a luxurious, flavor-packed meal.
What Kind of Lobster Tails Should I Use?
Opt for cold-water lobster tails if available—they’re sweeter and more tender than warm-water varieties. Look for tails that are about 5-6 ounces each, uniform in size for even cooking. Fresh or properly thawed frozen tails will both work beautifully.
Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Lobster Tails: The star of the dish, meaty and naturally sweet.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the luscious, golden base for the garlic sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers aromatic depth and savory richness.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus enhances the lobster’s natural flavor.
- Paprika: Adds mild warmth and beautiful color to the topping.
- Fresh Parsley: For a pop of freshness and color contrast.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
How To Make the Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Step 1: Prep the Lobster Tails
Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell lengthwise to expose the meat. Gently pull the meat upward, resting it on top of the shell without detaching it completely.
Step 2: Mix the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer briefly to infuse the butter with flavor.
Step 3: Brush and Broil
Preheat your broiler. Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet. Generously brush each tail with the garlic butter mixture. Broil for about 8–10 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly golden.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Drizzle any remaining butter over the cooked lobster tails and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Serve these straight out of the oven with extra melted butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon. They’re best enjoyed hot, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Gently reheat under low broil or in a covered skillet with a touch of water to maintain moisture.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Lobster Tails?
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A velvety, buttery side that complements the richness of the lobster.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
Adds a crisp and savory crunch to balance the soft lobster texture. Try our Roasted Parmesan Green Beans recipe.
Lemon Butter Asparagus
Bright and zesty, asparagus works harmoniously with garlic butter.
Caesar Salad
A fresh, crisp salad brings a refreshing break to this decadent dish.
Garlic Bread
Use it to soak up every last drop of that divine garlic butter sauce.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Start your meal with a warm, cheesy bowl like our Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Earthy grains offer a nutty contrast to the sweet seafood.
Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?
If you’re smitten with these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails, dive into more savory seafood dishes:
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for a spicy, buttery twist.
- Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta that combines rich creaminess with bold flavors.
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus & Garlic Sauce for a hearty, fresh take.
- Shrimp Broccoli Alfredo if you crave comfort in every bite.
- Grilled Cod with Roasted Tomatoes when you want something light yet satisfying.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a spicy version? Add a splash of white wine to the butter? I love hearing your delicious variations. Ask your questions too—we’re all learning together!
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Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Sink your fork into these incredibly juicy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails, bursting with savory garlic and citrus notes in every bite. This simple yet elegant dish is broiled to perfection, bathing lobster in a golden butter sauce that’s rich, aromatic, and wildly indulgent. Ideal for an easy dinner upgrade, romantic date night, or an impressive holiday meal, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-level taste with minimal effort. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or crusty garlic bread for the ultimate seafood experience. Perfect for those looking for easy dinner ideas, healthy seafood recipes, and gourmet food ideas at home.
Ingredients
2 Lobster Tails
4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon Paprika
Salt, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
Lemon Wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell lengthwise to expose the lobster meat. Gently lift the meat above the shell without detaching.
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
3. Preheat broiler. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and brush generously with garlic butter.
4. Broil for 8–10 minutes or until lobster meat is opaque and lightly golden.
5. Drizzle remaining garlic butter over the lobster and garnish with chopped parsley.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Use cold-water lobster tails for the sweetest and most tender results.
Don’t overcook—lobster turns rubbery when overdone. Watch for opaque, white meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: lobster dinner, seafood recipe, garlic butter, quick dinner, easy seafood, romantic dinner
