Buttery Garlic Lobster Tail – An Easy Dinner Recipe

Ever feel like you need a fancy meal without the fuss? At Betty Cooks, I’m all about transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping dishes. This Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe is my go-to for turning an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion or creating a restaurant-worthy easy dinner recipe without the intimidating price tag. The secret? A stunningly easy recipe that relies on fresh flavors and a simple technique, letting the luxurious lobster meat be the true star.

Table of Contents

• Why This Dish is a Game Changer
• Choosing the Perfect Lobster Tails
• The Magic of Homemade Garlic Butter
• A Look at the Simple Steps
• Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
• What to Serve with Your Masterpiece
• The Recipe: Garlic Butter Lobster Tail
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

• Elegant & Easy: This restaurant-quality seafood dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for date night or a special occasion meal.
• Simple Technique: The key is butterflying the lobster tail and baking it with a rich, homemade garlic butter sauce. No complex skills required!
• Flavor is King: Quality ingredients like fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs create a deeply flavorful sauce that elevates the sweet lobster meat.
• Versatile & Impressive: It’s a baked lobster tail that works for holidays, anniversaries, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Why This Dish is a Game Changer

Let’s be honest, lobster can seem intimidating. Many people save it for restaurants, thinking it’s too complicated or expensive to make at home. I’m here to change that! This quick gourmet dinner proves that with the right guidance, creating a luxurious meal is completely achievable in your own kitchen. The satisfaction of pulling a perfectly cooked, butter-drenched lobster tail from your oven is unbeatable.

Choosing the Perfect Lobster Tails

The foundation of any great recipe is quality ingredients. For this easy dinner, I recommend using cold-water lobster tails (like Maine or Canadian), typically 6-8 ounces each. You’ll find them frozen at most well-stocked seafood counters or grocery stores—just be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Look for tails with firm, translucent meat and a vibrant, intact shell. This careful selection is the first simple step to a successful dinner recipe.

The Magic of Homemade Garlic Butter

While the lobster is the star, the sauce is the supporting actor that steals the show. This isn’t just melted butter with garlic; it’s a carefully balanced emulsion of rich unsalted butter, pungent fresh garlic, bright lemon juice, and aromatic herbs. The lemon cuts through the richness, while a hint of paprika or cayenne adds a subtle warmth. Making your own sauce ensures a fresh, vibrant flavor that no pre-made product can match and makes the entire recipe feel truly special.

A Look at the Simple Steps

The process itself is wonderfully straightforward, making this a great introduction to cooking seafood. It involves three main actions: preparing the lobster (butterflying it so the meat sits atop the shell), whisking together the simple garlic butter, and then baking. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to set the table or prepare sides. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have a stunning, aromatic dish ready to serve—a true testament to an uncomplicated yet impressive easy recipe.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

A few small details make a huge difference. First, don’t skip the step of loosening the meat from the shell—this allows the butter to seep underneath for maximum flavor and even cooking. Second, use a meat thermometer if you have one; pulling the lobster out when it reaches 140-145°F guarantees tender, juicy meat. Finally, don’t overcook! Lobster cooks quickly and becomes tough if left in the oven too long. Remembering these pointers ensures your special occasion meal is flawless.

What to Serve with Your Masterpiece

This decadent baked lobster tail pairs beautifully with simple, elegant sides that won’t compete for attention. Think of buttery mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce. For a truly memorable seafood dinner, consider starting with a light soup or a glass of chilled Chardonnay.

The Recipe: Garlic Butter Lobster Tail

Find the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below. You’ll be amazed at how this simple collection of ingredients transforms into something extraordinary.

Notes & Tips

Visit Betty Cooks for more tips, including how to store leftovers (though they’re rare!) and ideas for customizing the garlic butter sauce with different herbs. Whether it’s your first time cooking lobster or your fiftieth, this quick gourmet dinner is sure to become a treasured favorite. Happy cooking from my kitchen to yours!

Buttery Garlic Lobster Tail – An Easy Dinner Recipe

Impress your guests with this easy and delicious Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe. Juicy lobster meat is baked with a rich garlic butter sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. Perfect for date night, special occasions, or a luxurious weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time25 minutes mins

Course: Dinners

Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked lobster tail, easy dinner recipe, garlic butter lobster, quick gourmet dinner, seafood dinner, special occasion meal

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Betty

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails

• 4 (6-8 oz) lobster tails, thawed if frozen
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the tail fin. Gently pry the shell open to expose the meat. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base. Lift the meat out and rest it on top of the shell.
3. Place the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet. Brush the exposed meat lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Stir until well combined.

Bake the Lobster

1. Spoon half of the garlic butter sauce generously over the top of each lobster tail, ensuring the meat is well coated.
2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque, firm to the touch, and the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F (60-63°C). The shells will turn bright red.
3. For a golden finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Serve

1. Remove from oven and immediately spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce over the hot lobster tails.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For easier eating, you can use kitchen shears to fully cut through the bottom shell as well, making it simple to remove the meat after cooking. Do not overcook the lobster, as it will become tough and rubbery. The garlic butter sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated. For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the butter sauce.