If you’re looking to impress with a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make, look no further than this Lobster Tail with Garlic Lemon Butter! Broiling the lobster tails locks in all the juicy flavors, and the garlic lemon butter adds an irresistible richness that perfectly complements the delicate lobster meat. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or any time you want to enjoy luxurious seafood at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: This lobster tail recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat.
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Restaurant-Quality: The broiling technique locks in flavor and moisture, giving you perfectly cooked lobster every time.
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Buttery & Flavorful: The garlic lemon butter is the ultimate dipping sauce, adding a rich and zesty flavor to every bite.
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Impressive Presentation: Lobster tails are naturally impressive, making them a perfect option for a fancy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails:
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4 lobster tails (5-6 oz each)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
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2 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 ½ tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
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4 tbsp butter (half to dot on lobster before broiling, and the other half for the sauce)
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Drippings from the roasted lobster tails (pan drippings)
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2 tbsp butter (for sauce)
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
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Lemon wedges (for serving)
Pro Tip:
Lobster tails often go on sale before holidays like Valentine’s Day. You can find great deals, making it more affordable to enjoy a luxurious dinner at home.
How to Butterfly Lobster Tails
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Cut the Shell: Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping just before the tail’s base. Cut through the meat as well, but don’t cut all the way through.
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Crack the Ribs: Flip the tail over and gently crack the ribs in the center to help open the shell.
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Open the Shell: Use your thumbs to pry the shell open and loosen the meat. Remove the grey vein if present.
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Position the Lobster Meat: Carefully lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell, keeping it attached at the base. This will help expose the meat and give it an elegant presentation.
How to Cook Lobster Tails
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
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Preheat the Broiler: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to broil on high heat.
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Season the Lobster: In a small bowl, combine 1 tbsp parsley, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 ½ tbsp lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir to combine. Brush the marinade over the tops of each lobster tail.
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Butter the Lobster: Dot each lobster tail with 1/2 tbsp of butter, dividing the butter evenly.
Step 2: Broil the Lobster Tails
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Broil: Place the lobster tails in a roasting pan with the flesh-side up. Broil the tails for 10-11 minutes (depending on size; see below for size guide), or until the meat is opaque, white in the center, and registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. Make sure the lobster is cooked through but not overcooked to avoid a tough texture.
Broiling Times:
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Small lobster tails (3-4 oz): 6-8 minutes
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Medium lobster tails (5-6 oz): 10-11 minutes
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Larger lobster tails (7-9 oz): 12-15 minutes (move the rack further from the broiler for larger tails)
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Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
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Make the Sauce: After removing the lobster tails from the oven, pour the pan drippings into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 2 tbsp of butter and simmer the mixture over low heat until the butter is melted and combined with the drippings.
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Finish the Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in additional lemon juice for extra brightness. Pour the sauce over the lobster tails or serve in small ramekins for dipping.
Step 4: Serve
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Garnish and Serve: Transfer the lobster tails to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus, and enjoy with your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Tips and Tricks for Success
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Bring Lobster to Room Temperature: Let your lobster tails rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure an even cook and help them sear beautifully.
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Dry the Lobster Meat: Pat the lobster tails dry before seasoning to help the marinade stick better and get a crispy finish when broiling.
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Use a Fish Spatula: If you have one, a fish spatula is perfect for flipping delicate lobster tails without breaking them.
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Low and Slow Cooking: For the garlic butter sauce, keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cream, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture.
How to Serve Lobster Tails
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With Garlic Butter: Serve the lobster with the creamy garlic lemon butter sauce for dipping.
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Pair with Vegetables: Lobster tails are perfect with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or sautéed spinach.
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Serve with Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes pairs beautifully with the buttery lobster.
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Over Pasta: For a more indulgent meal, serve the lobster tails with linguine or fettuccine, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce.
How to Store
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Storage: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
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Freezing: While lobster tails are best eaten fresh, you can freeze cooked lobster tails in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen lobster tails?
Yes! You can cook frozen lobster tails without thawing them first. Just increase the broiling time by 3-5 minutes and check for doneness by ensuring the lobster meat is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
How do I prevent the lobster meat from sticking to the shell?
Butterflying the lobster tail and lifting the meat over the shell helps prevent it from sticking. Make sure to broil the lobster tail with the flesh-side up to keep the meat exposed.
Can I use this recipe with other types of seafood?
Yes! This garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with shrimp, scallops, or even crab legs. Adjust the cooking times for each type of seafood accordingly.
What is the best way to know when the lobster is done cooking?
The lobster is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), the meat is opaque, and it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking lobster will result in a tough and rubbery texture.
Can I marinate the lobster tails before cooking them?
Yes! Marinating the lobster tails for 15-30 minutes before broiling enhances the flavor. Just be sure to pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can interfere with searing.
Conclusion
This Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter is a must-try for any seafood lover. With its rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly broiled lobster, this dish is sure to impress your guests or make any dinner feel special. It’s easy, quick, and absolutely mouthwatering, making it the perfect recipe for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. Enjoy the tender, juicy lobster with that irresistible garlic butter dip!
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Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 lobster tails
Description
Learn how to make restaurant-quality lobster tails at home with this easy garlic butter lobster tail recipe! Broiled lobster tails are paired with a rich, flavorful garlic lemon butter sauce that’s perfect for dipping. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a succulent, tender, and juicy lobster dinner that’s perfect for a special occasion or a luxurious meal at home.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails: 4 lobster tails, about 5-6 oz each
Olive Oil: 1 1/2 Tbsp (for the marinade)
Fresh Parsley: 1 Tbsp chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp
Lemon Juice: 1 1/2 Tbsp
Salt: 1/4 tsp
Black Pepper: 1/8 tsp
Butter: 4 Tbsp (half for topping the lobster, half for the garlic butter sauce)
Lemon Wedges: For serving
Fresh Parsley: For garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Butterfly the Lobster Tails
Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting through the top shell with kitchen shears. Stop at the base and cut along the meat.
Loosen the lobster meat from the shell, leaving it attached at the base. Rest the meat over the top of the shell.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chopped parsley, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Brush the lobster tails with the marinade, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Dot the lobster meat with small pieces of butter (2 Tbsp).
Step 3: Broil the Lobster Tails
Preheat your oven to broil on high and place the rack in the center of the oven (around 6 inches from the broiler).
Place the lobster tails in a baking dish with the flesh-side up.
Broil for 10-11 minutes (depending on the size) until the lobster meat is opaque and registers 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer. The shell will be bright red, and the meat should feel firm.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the lobster is broiling, drain the pan drippings into a small saucepan.
Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter and simmer the drippings and butter together until the butter is melted.
Pour the garlic butter sauce over the lobster tails or serve in small ramekins for dipping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish the lobster tails with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Enjoy with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
How Long to Broil Lobster Tails:
Small Lobster Tails (3-4 oz): Broil for 6-8 minutes
Medium Lobster Tails (5-6 oz): Broil for 10-11 minutes
Large Lobster Tails (7-9 oz): Broil for 12-15 minutes
Make sure the lobster meat is opaque and white, and the internal temperature reaches 145˚F.
Helpful Tips:
Preheat the oven to ensure the lobster tails cook evenly.
Don’t overcook the lobster. It should be firm and opaque, but not tough or rubbery.
Use fresh, high-quality lobster tails for the best flavor.
Butterfly the tails for an impressive presentation and to ensure even cooking.
Make extra garlic butter! It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or serving alongside your meal.
Storage and Leftovers:
Store any leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350˚F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
FAQ:
Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails, just make sure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Can I cook lobster tails on the grill instead of broiling?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, place the lobster tails flesh-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the meat is opaque.
How do I know when lobster is done?
The lobster should be opaque and white in the center with a firm texture. You can also check the internal temperature—it should reach 145˚F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
