Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter Recipe

If you want to impress someone (or honestly, just treat yourself!), this Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter is pure restaurant luxury made right at home. Tender lobster, bathed in a buttery, garlicky, lemony sauce, is the kind of meal that makes any night feel special—with surprisingly little fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the all-star lineup that makes this Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter so magical! Each ingredient plays a key role—bringing brightness, richness, or a hit of savory flavor—while keeping things wonderfully simple.

• Lobster tails (4, 5 to 6 oz each): The stars of the show! Fresh, meaty tails cook up tender and are easiest to handle for home cooks.
• Fresh parsley: Adds freshness, color, and a gorgeous finishing touch to the final dish.
• Garlic cloves: Pressed or minced, garlic infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Just a touch gives the sauce a special tang and depth—don’t skip it!
• Fine sea salt & black pepper: Season simply to let the lobster and butter shine.
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to each morsel while adding its own subtle richness.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that perfectly cuts through the richness of the butter and lobster.
• Unsalted butter: The creamy base of your sauce—choose good butter for best results!

Variations

One of the best parts about this Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter? You can truly make it your own! Try these easy twists depending on your pantry, taste preferences, or to fit special dietary needs.

• Herb Swap: Swap parsley for fresh basil, tarragon, or chives to give the sauce a fresh new flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for gentle heat or stir some smoked paprika into the marinade for depth.
• Citrus Twist: For an even brighter dish, use lime or orange zest in the sauce along with lemon!
• Dairy-Free: Use a high-quality plant-based butter if you’re keeping things dairy-free, and the results are still luscious.

How to Make Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter

Step 1: Prepare and Butterfly the Lobster Tails

Start by cutting through the top shell of each lobster tail using sharp kitchen scissors, stopping just at the base of the tail. Snip through the top portion of the meat while you’re at it for easier butterflying. Then, flip each tail over and crack the see-through ribs to help open up the shell. Gently pull apart the shell with your fingers and, using great care, loosen the meat (removing the vein if you spot one). Finally, lift the meat up and over the shell, keeping it attached at the base—this “butterfly” technique makes a stunning presentation and lets the heat and sauce reach every corner.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Marinade

In a small bowl, stir together your marinade ingredients: chopped parsley, pressed garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, olive oil, and a good splash of fresh lemon juice. Give it a good whisk so the flavors meld into a punchy, fragrant sauce that’s ready to soak into your lobster.

Step 3: Arrange and Season

Arrange the butterflied lobster tails into a roasting pan (9×13 or 8×12 works perfectly). Spoon the marinade evenly over the tops, making sure every bit of the lobster is kissed with herby, garlicky goodness. Next, dot the tops generously with half the unsalted butter, cut into little pieces—these will melt into pools of flavor as the tails broil.

Step 4: Broil to Juicy Perfection

Move an oven rack so your lobster tails will sit at least 6 inches from the broiler. Preheat your broiler on high. Slide the pan under the broiler and cook for 10–11 minutes for 5 to 6 oz tails (adjust time for smaller or larger tails). You want the meat to turn opaque and white in the thickest part, just firm and never rubbery—it’ll register 145˚F on an instant-read thermometer, if you have one. Transfer to a serving platter and shower with a little extra parsley for color.

Step 5: Whip Up the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Don’t let those precious pan drippings go to waste! Pour them into a small saucepan and add the rest of the butter. Simmer gently, remove from heat, and now you have the most luscious Garlic Lemon Butter ready for drizzling and dipping. Pour it over the lobster or serve on the side—your call, but don’t skip this final step!

How to Serve Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter

Garnishes

Top each lobster tail with a final flourish of fresh-chopped parsley or chives—this little pop of green wakes up the whole plate and adds brightness. For extra wow factor, add some lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving.

Side Dishes

Keep things classic with garlic mashed potatoes, buttery asparagus, or a simple, peppery arugula salad. For a true surf-and-turf experience, pair your Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter with a tender filet mignon or grilled steak and really go all out!

Creative Ways to Present

Embrace the drama! Serve directly in the shell on a platter with the claws for a seafood-tower vibe, or plate tails on individual dishes atop a swirl of mashed potatoes. For an elegant appetizer, slice lobster medallions and stack with avocado or citrus segments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any lobster left (lucky you!), store cooled tails in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavor only gets richer—just be sure not to overheat when you rewarm.

Freezing

For best texture and flavor, freezing is not recommended once lobster is cooked. If you must, wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and try using in lobster rolls or pasta rather than serving as-is.

Reheating

Gently reheat lobster tails by covering them loosely in foil and warming in a low oven (around 300ºF) just until heated through. Drizzle with a little extra Garlic Lemon Butter to bring back the just-cooked juiciness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about serving up Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter—every bite feels like a celebration! If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts special, simple, and wholly unforgettable, give this a try. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for memorable nights at home!

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