Here’s a luxurious yet surprisingly easy recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Lobster Tails—perfect for a special dinner or date night. The buttery, garlicky, lemon-kissed sauce complements the sweet lobster meat beautifully, and it’s ready in about 20 minutes.
🦞 Lemon Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
🍽️ Servings: 2–4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 10–12 mins (broil or bake)
📝 Ingredients:
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4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
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1/4 cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus wedges for serving)
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Pinch of paprika (for color)
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Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
🔪 Instructions:
1. Prep the lobster tails (butterfly them):
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Using kitchen shears, cut down the top center of the shell lengthwise to the tail, without cutting through the bottom shell.
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Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base. This is the classic presentation.
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Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Make the lemon garlic butter:
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In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Brush the lobster tails:
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Place tails on a baking sheet lined with foil.
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Brush generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
🔥 Cooking Options:
To Broil:
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Preheat broiler to high (about 500°F / 260°C).
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Place lobster tails 5–6 inches from heat source.
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Broil for 8–10 minutes, depending on size, until meat is opaque and lightly browned. Baste once or twice with more butter.
To Bake:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 140–145°F (60–63°C).
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Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for added color, if desired.
🍽️ Serve With:
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Garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or lemon rice
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Extra melted lemon butter on the side
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A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc