What the heck is this?
Picture this: succulent, buttery lobster meat dripping with a luscious garlic herb butter sauce, all nestled in a perfectly cooked tail. This is lobster done right. Simple, elegant, and decadent without being over the top. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just indulging in a weeknight treat, these lobster tails bring all the luxury without all the fuss. Plus, the garlic herb butter? It’s the kind of thing you want to drizzle on just about everything. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Impressively delicious, but easy enough for a weeknight meal
Perfectly tender lobster with a garlic butter punch
Takes just 20 minutes, yet feels like a fancy restaurant experience
Perfect for date night, special occasions, or treating yourself
Totally customizable — add more herbs or spice things up with some heat
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Lobster:
4 lobster tails (about 6–8 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, halved (for serving and extra flavor)
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 tsp lemon juice (for an extra zing)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prep the Lobster
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and loosen the lobster meat, keeping it attached at the base of the tail. Pull the meat up so it rests on top of the shell (this is called “piggybacking”). Pat the lobster meat dry and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until the butter is fully infused with the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Lobster
Preheat your grill or oven to 425°F (220°C).
If grilling: Brush the lobster meat with olive oil, then place the lobster tails on the grill, meat side down. Grill for about 5–7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Brush with garlic herb butter during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
If baking: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through. During the last 2 minutes, brush the lobster meat with the garlic herb butter.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the heat and drizzle them generously with the garlic herb butter. Serve with lemon wedges for that extra burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these gorgeous lobster tails with a side of buttered asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up that garlic herb butter — it’s basically the best part.
For an extra luxe touch, pair it with a glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Switch It Up
Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your garlic butter.
Herb swap: Fresh basil or rosemary can add a unique twist to the flavor profile.
Grilled shrimp: If you’re feeling fancy, pair these lobster tails with some grilled shrimp, or swap them for shrimp if you want something quicker and easier.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the garlic herb butter a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using.
You can also prep the lobster tails (cutting and seasoning them) a few hours before cooking. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: How do I know when lobster tails are done?
A: Lobster is done when the meat turns opaque and is firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). Don’t overcook it or it’ll be tough and rubbery!
Q: Can I cook lobster tails from frozen?
A: Absolutely! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge, or if you’re in a rush, place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Q: Can I use lobster meat that’s been removed from the shell?
A: Yes, but the texture may be different. If you’re using pre-shelled lobster, you’ll need to adjust cooking times accordingly, usually less than 10 minutes depending on the size.
Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter: The Ultimate Showstopper
- Total Time: 19 minute
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Picture this: succulent, buttery lobster meat dripping with a luscious garlic herb butter sauce, all nestled in a perfectly cooked tail. This is lobster done right. Simple, elegant, and decadent without being over the top. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just indulging in a weeknight treat, these lobster tails bring all the luxury without all the fuss. Plus, the garlic herb butter? It’s the kind of thing you want to drizzle on just about everything. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for more.
Ingredients
For the Lobster:
4 lobster tails (about 6–8 oz each)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 lemon, halved (for serving and extra flavor)
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 tsp lemon juice (for an extra zing)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Lobster
Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the top of each lobster tail shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and loosen the lobster meat, keeping it attached at the base of the tail. Pull the meat up so it rests on top of the shell (this is called “piggybacking”). Pat the lobster meat dry and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well until the butter is fully infused with the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Lobster
Preheat your grill or oven to 425°F (220°C).
If grilling: Brush the lobster meat with olive oil, then place the lobster tails on the grill, meat side down. Grill for about 5–7 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Brush with garlic herb butter during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
If baking: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through. During the last 2 minutes, brush the lobster meat with the garlic herb butter.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the heat and drizzle them generously with the garlic herb butter. Serve with lemon wedges for that extra burst of freshness.
Notes
Serve these gorgeous lobster tails with a side of buttered asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up that garlic herb butter — it’s basically the best part.
For an extra luxe touch, pair it with a glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~290 kcal per serving
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~25g