Lobster tail is the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion, but it’s easier to make at home than you might think. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe delivers.
The sweet, tender lobster meat with a delicate buttery finish and a hint of garlic makes every bite feel like luxury.
I remember the first time I made lobster tail at home—it felt like a milestone in my cooking journey. The sizzle as it hit the pan, the intoxicating aroma that filled the kitchen—it was simple, but it felt like I was bringing a bit of restaurant magic into my own space.
Smoked crab legs are a great side dish for lobster tail, adding another layer of indulgence with their smoky flavor and juicy texture.
Or, if you’re craving something a bit more crispy, fried crab legs offer a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with lobster’s tenderness.
With this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate that experience, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. And trust me, once you’ve tried lobster tail this way, it’ll be hard to go back to any other method.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Fresh Lobster Tail: Using fresh lobster tail ensures a sweet, succulent flavor that’s tender to the bite.
- Searing and Butter Basting: The combination of high heat and butter basting creates a beautifully golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
- Perfect Balance of Garlic and Lemon: The addition of fresh garlic and a squeeze of lemon enhances the natural flavors of the lobster without overpowering it.
Best Ever Lobster Tail Recipe With Garlic Lemon Butter
Get ready for the only lobster tails recipe you'll ever need, and the best part? It's surprisingly easy! The broiled lobster meat is incredibly tender and juicy, with each bite bursting with tantalizing flavor, especially when dipped into the warm garlic lemon butter.
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Calories: 183kcal
Servings: 4 yields
Equipment
- Kitchen Scissors
- Small Bowl
- Roasting Pan (9×13 or 8×12)
- Oven with Broil Function
- Saucepan
- Serving Platter
- Measuring Spoons
- Instant-Read Thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 Lobster tails 5 to 6 oz each
- 2 Garlic Cloves pressed
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
Instructions
How to Prepare Butterfly Lobster Tails
- Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping at the base of the tail and snipping through the top portion of the meat as you go.
- Flip the tail over to the back see-through side and crack the ribs in the center. This will help open the shell.
- Open the shell carefully using thumbs and fingers and loosen meat from the shell (remove vein if present). Lift the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base. Press the shell together and set the lobster meat over the top. Most of the lobster meat should be sitting on top of the shell.
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails:
- Place the rack in the center of the oven so the meaty tops of your lobster tails will be at least 6 inches from the top heating element. Preheat the oven to broil on high heat.
- In a small bowl, stir together marinade ingredients: 1 Tbsp parsley, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice.
- Place butterflied Lobster Tails into a 9×13 or 8×12 roasting pan. Divide marinade evenly over the tops of each lobster tail and dot each tail all over with 1/2 Tbsp of butter cut into smaller pieces.
- Broil lobster tails on high heat for 10-11 minutes (or according to the lobster tail size – see chart). When done, lobster meat should be opaque and white in the center and register 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with parsley if desired.
To make the Garlic Lemon Butter:
- Drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan and combine with the remaining 2 Tbsp butter, bring to a simmer, and remove from heat.
- Pour over lobster tails or divide into ramekins and use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Broiling Times for Lobster Tails:
- Smaller (3 to 4 oz) lobster tail: 6 to 8 minutes
- Medium (5 to 6 oz) lobster tail: 10-11 minutes
- Larger (7 to 9 oz) lobsters tail: 12-15 minutes (with the rack in the middle of the oven)
- Broil lobster meat until opaque and white in the center, or 145˚F.
Nutrition
Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 368mg | Potassium: 260mg | Sugar: 245g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg
Expert-Level Variations to Elevate Your Lobster Tail!
- Grilled: Perfect for those who love grilling, this method involves placing the lobster tails on the grill. The heat cooks the tails evenly and quickly, adding a delightful grilled flavor to the dish.
- Poached (Butter Poaching): For a luxurious touch, try poaching the lobster tails in a layer of butter. It’s a gentle simmering process that infuses the lobster with a rich, buttery flavor.
- Broiled: This method is my favorite go-to. It’s a swift and straightforward process—just broil the lobster tails at high heat, positioning them close to the top of the oven. This ensures consistently tender lobster tails every time
- Boiled: If simplicity is your goal, boiling is the way to go. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, add the lobster tails, and let them cook for a few minutes. While this is the easiest method, the lobster may lack some of the rich, buttery herb flavors found in other cooking techniques.
- Baked: Similar to broiling, baking involves using moderate heat and a bit more time in the oven. It’s a simple approach that results in delectable lobster tails.
