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Perfect Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe - Ready in 20 Minutes

Master restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Lobster Tails at home in just 20 minutes. This foolproof recipe delivers tender, flavorful lobster brushed with a buttery garlic-herb sauce — perfect for date nights, holidays, or elegant weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 190
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 lobster tails fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Paprika optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Using kitchen shears, cut through the top of each lobster shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin.
  3. Gently lift lobster meat through the cut, resting it on top of the shell while keeping it attached at the base.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  5. Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture, reserving some for basting.
  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F and meat is opaque and white.
  7. Let rest for 2–3 minutes, garnish with parsley and paprika, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Avoid overcooking; lobster should reach 140°F internal temperature. Use European-style butter for richer flavor. Proper thawing (8–12 hours in fridge) ensures even cooking and tenderness.