If you’re looking to create a show-stopping dish that’s both easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these Lemon Garlic Lobster Tails are the perfect choice. Succulent, tender lobster meat paired with a zesty, herbaceous butter drizzle makes for an irresistible meal that screams luxury. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special night in, this recipe ensures you’ll deliver restaurant-quality lobster tails every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 22 minutes from start to finish.
- Bursting with Flavor: A perfect balance of zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple, fresh, and easy to find.
- Crowd-Pleaser: An elegant dish that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the Shells: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top of each lobster shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin.
- Expose the Meat: Gently pull the meat upward, ensuring it remains attached to the shell. Arrange the meat over the shell for an elegant presentation.
2. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until well combined, creating a fragrant and flavorful butter mixture.
3. Brush and Bake
- Generously brush the lobster tails with the lemon garlic butter mixture, ensuring all the meat is well coated.
- Place the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and lightly golden.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle any remaining lemon garlic butter over the top for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for a fresh citrus burst.
Pro Tips for Perfect Lobster Tails
- Fresh Lobster Tails: Use fresh, high-quality lobster tails for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the lobster while baking. Overcooked lobster can become tough and rubbery.
- Herb Substitutions: Feel free to substitute parsley with fresh dill or chives for a slightly different herbaceous note.
- Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad to round out the meal.

Nutritional Information
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Servings: 4
This dish is low in calories while rich in protein, making it a great choice for those looking for a flavorful yet light meal.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Any Occasion
- Romantic Dinners: Impress your loved one with this indulgent seafood dish.
- Holiday Feasts: A sophisticated addition to Christmas, New Year’s, or Valentine’s Day menus.
- Quick Weeknight Treat: Despite its elegance, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal.
FAQs About Cooking Lobster Tails
1. How do I know when the lobster tails are done?
Lobster meat is fully cooked when it turns opaque and white, with an internal temperature of about 140°F (60°C).
2. Can I grill these lobster tails instead?
Absolutely! Brush the lobster tails with the lemon garlic butter and grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, flipping once.
3. What wine pairs best with lobster tails?
A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the buttery and citrus flavors of the dish.
Ideas for Related Articles
- 10 Side Dishes to Pair with Lobster Tails
- How to Choose Fresh Lobster: A Seafood Lover’s Guide
- Butter-Basted Lobster: Exploring Different Cooking Methods
- Top 5 Wines to Serve with Seafood
This recipe is your ticket to a gourmet meal that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. Try these Lemon Garlic Lobster Tails tonight and treat yourself to a little slice of luxury!
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Lemon Garlic Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Succulent and tender lobster tails baked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter drizzle. This gourmet recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any special occasion or a simple weeknight treat!
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top of each lobster shell lengthwise, stopping at the tail fin. Gently pull the lobster meat upward, keeping it attached to the shell, and arrange the meat over the shell.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Generously brush the lobster meat with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
- Place the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and lightly golden.
- Serve immediately with additional lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
- Thaw frozen lobster tails completely in the refrigerator before preparing.
- For a smoky twist, try grilling the lobster tails instead of baking them.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: lemon garlic lobster tails, baked lobster tails, easy lobster recipe, seafood dinner, lemon butter lobster
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