Lobster Tails with Lemon Butter

Name: Lobster Tails with Lemon Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 lobster tails; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Lobster Tails with Lemon Butter for special occasions. There's something incredibly satisfying about perfectly broiling the lobster to achieve that tender, buttery flavor. The combination of fresh lemon juice with rich butter creates a sauce that elevates the dish, making it restaurant-worthy right at home. Whether it's date night or a family gathering, this recipe has always been a favorite, and I can't wait to share the secrets of achieving the ideal texture and taste with you.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-22T15:10:28.627Z

When I first attempted cooking lobster tails at home, I was a bit intimidated. But after trying a few different methods, I found that broiling them really brings out the sweetness of the meat, while keeping them juicy. The key is to keep an eye on them and not overcook, which can make them tough. I learned to cut the shells almost through to help them cook evenly and to absorb the flavors of the butter and lemon.

Using fresh, quality ingredients is essential for achieving the best flavor. I love squeezing some extra lemon juice right at the end for a zesty finish. Each time I make this dish, it feels like a small celebration, and the compliments from family and friends always bring me joy. Let’s indulge in this simple yet luxurious recipe!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh, succulent lobster meat enriched with rich lemon butter sauce
Simple preparation that gives a gourmet feel
Perfect for impressing guests or adding a touch of elegance to your dinner

Choosing the Right Lobster Tails

When selecting lobster tails, freshness is crucial. Look for tails that are firm to the touch and have a slightly shiny, moist shell. If possible, purchase tails that are tagged with their country of origin, as some regions have stricter seafood regulations. Avoid any that have a strong fishy smell, as this can indicate spoilage. For this recipe, Maine or Canadian lobster tails are excellent choices due to their sweet flavor and tender texture.

Size matters when it comes to lobster tails; typically, 6-8 ounce tails are ideal for broiling. Larger tails may require additional cooking time, while smaller tails can cook through too quickly, risking dryness. If you can only find larger tails, simply adjust your broiling time, checking for doneness a couple of minutes earlier to avoid overcooking.

Perfecting the Broiling Technique

Broiling is a quick cooking method that can yield perfectly tender lobster tails when done correctly. Before you start, position your oven rack about six inches below the broiler element to ensure even cooking. If the rack is too close, the lobster can char and dry out too quickly. Keep an eye on your lobster tails as they broil, making sure to baste them regularly to keep the meat moist and infuse it with the flavors of the lemon butter sauce.

A telltale sign that your lobster tails are ready is the color change; they should be opaque and have a glossy finish. Using a meat thermometer can also help—lobster is ideally cooked to an internal temperature of around 140°F. If you’re broiling more than two tails, consider cooking them in batches to make sure every piece gets evenly cooked without compromising their quality.

Ingredients

Lobster Tails

2 lobster tails
1 tablespoon olive oil

Lemon Butter Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Lobster

Preheat the broiler. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail end. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the meat while leaving it attached at the base. Brush each tail with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside a tablespoon or two for basting.

Broil the Lobster Tails

Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and broil for about 10-12 minutes, basting with the lemon butter sauce halfway through. The lobster is done when the meat is opaque and firm.

Serve

Remove from the oven, drizzle with remaining lemon butter sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious lobster tails!

Pro Tips

For best results, serve the lobster tails with a glass of crisp white wine to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover lobster tails, storing them correctly is essential to maintain their freshness. Allow the lobster to cool down to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. You can keep the lobster in the refrigerator for up to two days. For longer storage, wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer; this can extend its shelf life up to three months.

To reheat leftover lobster, avoid the microwave as it can quickly overcook and dry out the meat. Instead, gently reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, drizzled with a bit of lemon butter for moisture, or briefly steam to retain its tenderness. This ensures the lobster remains succulent and flavorful, reminiscent of its original broiled state.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to customize the lemon butter sauce to suit your tastes. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can give the dish a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweet lobster meat. Alternatively, incorporating fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can add an aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile even further.

For a richer version of this dish, consider substituting half of the butter with a good-quality olive oil or even garlic-infused olive oil. The additional flavors can create a unique base for your sauce, enhancing the overall experience. Moreover, adding a splash of white wine to the sauce while it simmers can provide an extra depth of flavor that complements the lobster.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

→ How do you know when lobster is done cooking?

Lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. Overcooking can cause it to become tough.

→ What sides go well with lobster tails?

Lobster tails pair wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, or a simple green salad.

→ Can I use other types of seafood in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with shrimp or crab, adjusting cook times accordingly.