Lobster night always feels special, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With this Butter Garlic Baked Lobster, you’ll get tender, juicy meat infused with rich butter and aromatic garlic—all with minimal effort.
The lobster tails are split open, basted with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, and baked to golden perfection.
This method brings out the natural sweetness of the lobster while keeping the meat incredibly moist. Serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your favorite sides for a meal that looks fancy but is surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Enjoy This Butter Garlic Baked Lobster
Cooking lobster at home doesn’t have to feel intimidating—this recipe makes it approachable and rewarding.
- Restaurant-Quality with Minimal Effort – Just a handful of ingredients and a short baking time deliver a meal worthy of a fine dining experience.
- Rich and Buttery Flavor – The garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster without overpowering it.
- Perfectly Tender Every Time – Baking at the right temperature keeps the meat juicy, never rubbery.
- Pairs Well with Many Sides – Enjoy it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
Each bite is succulent, buttery, and incredibly satisfying, making this dish a go-to for any special occasion.
Ingredients for the Best Butter Garlic Baked Lobster
This dish relies on simple, high-quality ingredients to bring out the best in the lobster.
- Lobster Tails – Fresh or frozen tails work; make sure they’re thawed if frozen.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness without making the dish too salty.
- Garlic (Minced) – Provides a bold, aromatic depth to the butter sauce.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness.
- Paprika – Adds a slight smoky touch while enhancing color.
- Fresh Parsley – A vibrant finish that complements the butter and garlic.
With just a few ingredients, the lobster becomes the star, enhanced by the buttery, garlicky goodness.
How to Make Butter Garlic Baked Lobster
This recipe is quick and simple, letting the lobster shine with minimal effort.
- Prepare the Lobster Tails – Use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell of each tail, then pull the meat upward, resting it on the shell for an elegant presentation.
- Make the Garlic Butter – In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and paprika.
- Brush the Lobster with Butter – Generously coat the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake to Perfection – Place the tails on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the meat is opaque and slightly firm.
- Serve and Enjoy – Drizzle with extra butter, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
The result? Tender, juicy lobster tails with a buttery garlic finish that melts in your mouth.
Tips for the Best Baked Lobster
A few simple adjustments can make a big difference in how your lobster turns out.
- Use Fresh Lobster When Possible – Fresh lobster has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than frozen.
- Don’t Overbake – Overcooked lobster becomes tough. Bake just until the meat is opaque and slightly firm.
- Baste for More Flavor – Brushing extra garlic butter over the lobster halfway through baking keeps it extra juicy.
- Broil for a Golden Top – A quick broil for the last 1-2 minutes gives the lobster a lightly caramelized, restaurant-style finish.
Following these tips ensures perfectly cooked, buttery lobster every time.
Best Sides to Serve with Butter Garlic Baked Lobster
Lobster pairs well with light and comforting sides that enhance its richness.
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| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy texture balances the buttery lobster. |
| Steamed Asparagus | Light and fresh, adding contrast to the dish. |
| Lemon Herb Rice | Absorbs the extra garlic butter beautifully. |
| Caesar Salad | Crisp, tangy flavors complement the rich lobster. |
| Buttered Dinner Rolls | Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce. |
Each side adds variety while keeping the meal well-rounded and delicious.
How to Store & Reheat Butter Garlic Baked Lobster
Lobster is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can still be delicious when stored properly.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a low-temperature oven (300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes with a bit of butter to keep it moist.
- Avoid Microwaving: The lobster can become rubbery if reheated too fast.
Keeping the lobster moist while reheating ensures it stays tender and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole lobster instead of tails?
Yes! Adjust the cooking time slightly, as whole lobsters take longer to bake.
How do I know when the lobster is done?
The meat should turn opaque white with a slight firmness. If it’s still translucent, bake it a little longer.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter sauce and cut the tails ahead, but bake them fresh for the best texture.
Is it better to bake or broil lobster tails?
Baking keeps the lobster tender and juicy, while broiling adds a caramelized top. For the best of both, bake first, then broil at the end.
What’s the best way to serve baked lobster?
Pair it with buttery sides, fresh greens, or light citrus flavors for a complete meal.
Butter Garlic Baked Lobster
Equipment
- Baking Sheet For placing the lobster tails
- Kitchen Shears For cutting the lobster shell
- Small Saucepan For melting butter and garlic
- Pastry Brush For coating the lobster with butter
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails fresh or thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using kitchen shears, cut down the top shell of each lobster tail and gently pull the meat up while keeping it attached to the shell.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and paprika, stirring until fragrant.
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the lobster meat.
- Place the lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the meat is opaque and slightly firm.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to give the lobster a golden top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra richness, drizzle additional melted butter before serving.
- If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
- Broiling at the end adds a golden, slightly crispy finish.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
Carrie, you’ve outdone yourself with this one.
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
I followed the recipe exactly, and it turned out perfect! Thank you for sharing.