Dinner

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

ByMaya Arden October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Introduction

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a decadent and easy way to elevate your seafood dinner. With tender lobster meat bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and a hint of lemon, this dish is sure to impress your guests or make any meal feel special.

The image shows a close-up of four cooked lobster tails arranged on a white plate with ridged edges. Each lobster tail has a bright orange and reddish shell base with the meat on top, coated in a golden-brown buttery sauce mixed with green herb bits, giving it a textured, slightly crispy look. The lobster meat looks plump and juicy with a glossy finish from the butter sauce. Behind the lobster tails, there is a small bunch of flat-leaf parsley adding a fresh green contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

3 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon lemon zest
lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2: Use kitchen scissors to cut down the back of each lobster shell, stopping before the tail end to keep it intact.
Step 3: Gently pull the shell back and carefully lift the meat up, placing it on top of the shell. Remove any black vein and rinse if needed.

Step 4: Arrange the lobster tails on a baking sheet with a rack.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika, Old Bay seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the lobster tails.
Step 6: Bake the lobster tails for 10 minutes.

Step 7: While baking, melt the butter and stir in chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt until combined.
Step 8: Set aside 3 tablespoons of the butter mixture. Brush the remaining butter over the lobster tails.
Step 9: Switch your oven to broil on high and broil the lobster tails for 3 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle with the reserved garlic butter sauce.

Step 10: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a mild kick.
To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer; lobster meat should reach an internal temperature of 140°F.

Swap fresh parsley for chives or tarragon for a different herb profile.

Storage

Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out the meat. Avoid microwaving as it can make the lobster tough.

How to Serve

The image shows four grilled lobster tails arranged on a white plate with a slightly glossy surface. Each tail has a dark reddish-brown shell forming the base layer, with bright orange lobster meat on top, covered by a golden, slightly creamy layer of melted herb and garlic butter mixed with green parsley flakes. The butter layer looks rich and textured, slightly crisped from grilling, and garnished with additional fresh parsley leaves around the plate edges. The dish is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook lobster tails from frozen?

It’s best to thaw lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to ensure even cooking and better texture.

What can I serve with garlic butter lobster tails?

They pair wonderfully with simple sides like steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.

Maya Arden