Name: Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 lobster tails; 1 1/4 teaspoon paprika, divided; 1 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, divided; 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, melted; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 3 cloves garlic, grated; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Lemon wedges

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you are a seafood lover or simply in the mood to treat yourself to something luxurious yet effortless, this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite. Picture succulent lobster meat, perfectly tender and infused with a fragrant garlic butter sauce, kissed by hints of paprika and Old Bay seasoning. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying in every bite—one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend indulgence, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality decadence right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three lobster tails placed inside a white bowl, each with a dark speckled and orange shell, arranged side by side. Below the bowl, there are six small clear glass bowls and one white square dish. The largest glass bowl is filled with bright yellow melted butter. To its right, a smaller glass bowl contains a mix of spices including black, white, and red powders in small heaps. Next to it, the white dish holds three types of spices in separate piles: brown, red, and white powders. A tiny bowl filled with light-colored minced garlic is below the white dish. On the lower left, two small glass bowls hold finely chopped green herbs and bright yellow lemon zest respectively. All the items are placed on a white marbled surface, arranged neatly and lit with soft, natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its straightforward ingredients. Each component has a purpose, from the spices layering flavor to the fresh parsley brightening every forkful. Getting these essentials right means your lobster tails will shine, simple and irresistible.

4 lobster tails: The star of the dish, fresh or thawed, providing sweet and tender seafood meat.
1 1/4 teaspoon paprika, divided: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the lobster.
1 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, divided: Classic seafood seasoning that brings savory depth with a hint of spice.
1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided: Essential to enhance all the flavors without overwhelming the natural lobster sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Complements fresh garlic by layering mild, roasted garlic notes.
1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle savory backdrop to balance the spices.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a subtle kick of heat for complexity.
1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter: The luxurious base for the garlic butter sauce that coats every bite.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Freshness and vibrant green color that brighten the dish instantly.
3 cloves garlic, grated: The star seasoning delivering bold, aromatic richness.
1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a fresh citrus punch to balance the rich butter.
Lemon wedges: Perfect for squeezing over your finished dish for extra brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F, setting the stage for perfectly cooked lobster. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the back of each lobster shell, stopping at the tail’s base to keep it intact. Gently pull the shell back and lift the meat slightly on top of the shell—it’s a neat trick to allow seasoning to penetrate and for an attractive presentation. Don’t forget to remove the black vein if it’s still present, rinsing the meat briefly under cold water if needed. This prep step ensures clean, delicate lobster ready for flavorful enhancement.

Step 2: Season the Lobster Tails

On a baking sheet fitted with a rack, place your prepared lobster tails. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the lobster meat to infuse it with a balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes. This initial seasoning grounds the flavor profile and prepares the tails for baking.

Step 3: Bake the Lobster Tails

Pop the lobster tails into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This gentle cook time allows the lobster meat to become tender and opaque without drying out. It’s important to keep an eye on the lobster so it stays juicy and soft, perfectly ready to be drenched in luscious butter.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

While baking, melt your butter and combine it with chopped parsley, freshly grated garlic, lemon zest, and the remaining spices—1 teaspoon each of paprika, Old Bay seasoning, and kosher salt. Stir well to marry all those fantastic flavors into a rich garlic butter sauce. The fresh garlic infuses the butter with irresistible aroma, while parsley and lemon zest add fresh notes that cut through the richness perfectly.

Step 5: Butter and Broil

Remove about 3 tablespoons of this garlic butter sauce and set it aside for serving later. Brush the remaining sauce over the baked lobster tails generously. Then switch your oven to broil on high for 3 minutes, giving the lobster a beautiful caramelized finish and slightly crispy edges. Finally, take the lobster out and drizzle that reserved garlic butter on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve your lobster tails hot, alongside a few wedges of fresh lemon for squeezing. This classic finishing touch adds a bright citrus zip that perfectly complements the richness of the garlic butter sauce, making every bite a blissful experience.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

The image shows four lobster tails placed in a row on a metal rack over a white marbled surface. Each lobster tail has two distinct layers: the bottom layer is the dark greenish-brown shell with rough texture and the top layer is the raw lobster meat with a pale pink color sprinkled with reddish seasoning and a light coating of white granules. The lobster meat is plump and covers most of the shell. The metal rack is gold-colored with a grid pattern, and it rests on a silver baking tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe to a whole new level. Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of color and freshness, while a few bright lemon wedges on the side invite your diners to personalize each bite with tangy acidity. For an extra special touch, scatter some finely chopped chives or a light dusting of smoked paprika for visual appeal and gentle smoky undertones.

Side Dishes

Lobster tails are rich and decadent, so pairing them with lighter sides strikes a lovely balance. Crisp green beans sautéed with garlic or a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette complement the flavors without overwhelming the palate. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf provide comforting starch, soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce left on the plate. Choose sides that either refresh or provide gentle warmth alongside the star lobster.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can make your Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe feel even more special. Try plating the lobster tails on large shells or banana leaves for a tropical touch. You could serve them atop a bed of wild rice or creamy risotto to create a stunning visual base with contrasting textures. Another fun idea is carving small slashes in the meat before broiling so the garlic butter pools inside, creating pockets of pure flavor that look beautiful too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lobster meat will keep its texture well for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed as fresh as possible. Keep the garlic butter sauce separate if you can to avoid sogginess, and reheat gently to preserve the delicate texture.

Freezing

Freezing cooked lobster tails is possible but not ideal, as lobster meat can become tough when thawed. If you must freeze, wrap the tails tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag, consuming within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to retain as much moisture as possible.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover lobster tails is low and slow. Wrap them in foil with a little extra garlic butter to keep moist, then warm in a 250°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can quickly dry out the delicate lobster meat and diminish the wonderful texture and flavor you worked so hard to create.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails for this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and a tender texture that fresh lobster offers.

How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch but still tender. It usually takes around 10 minutes of baking at 400 degrees F followed by a quick broil, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Before using, warm it gently to melt the butter and blend the flavors again for the freshest taste.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

You can create a simple mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to mimic Old Bay’s classic seafood-friendly flavor.

Is garlic butter lobster tails recipe suitable for grilling?

Definitely! Grilling adds a lovely smoky char to the lobster. Use the same prep and seasoning, then grill over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter frequently.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe that makes any meal feel like a celebration. With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that impresses without stress. So go ahead, give it a try and treat yourself or your loved ones to a restaurant-quality seafood feast from the comfort of your own kitchen. You won’t regret it!