There's nothing quite like the sizzling aroma of Garlic Butter Lobster Tails hitting the grill on a warm summer evening. The sweet, tender lobster meat paired with rich, garlicky butter is a luxurious treat that somehow feels both decadent and refreshingly light.

I first whipped this up during a beachside vacation when we stumbled upon a fresh seafood market. Ever since, it's been our go-to summer showstopper—perfect for celebrations or simply making an ordinary night feel special.

This recipe brings that coastal magic straight to your kitchen (or backyard grill), and trust me, your tastebuds are in for a real treat.

Why You'll Love This Summer Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

Get ready to elevate your summer seafood game. This Garlic Butter Lobster Tails recipe is not only stunning on the plate, but it also delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. From prep to plate, you’re looking at under 30 minutes—making it ideal for weeknight indulgence or spontaneous weekend dinners.

The flavor is out of this world. The garlic butter seeps into every crevice of the lobster tail, creating a rich, buttery bite with a hint of char from the grill or oven.

It feels fancy, but it’s surprisingly budget-conscious. Opting for frozen lobster tails (which are just as tasty when prepped correctly) keeps this dish accessible without sacrificing quality.

Lastly, it’s perfect for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or a romantic dinner for two, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ready to dive in? Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe shines thanks to a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Each element plays a starring role in bringing out the best in your lobster tails.

Lobster tails are obviously the star. You can use fresh or frozen, but if going with frozen, make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Medium to large tails (around 5-6 ounces each) are perfect for even cooking.

Unsalted butter is the base of the garlic butter sauce. It allows you to control the salt levels and creates a silky texture that clings beautifully to the lobster meat.

Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. Minced garlic sautéed in butter infuses the whole dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the natural sweetness of the lobster.

Fresh parsley and lemon juice add brightness and balance. The herbs give it a garden-fresh touch, while the citrus cuts through the richness of the butter.

You’ll also need a sharp pair of kitchen shears to butterfly the lobster tails, and either a grill or broiler to finish them with that irresistible caramelized finish.

How To Make This Summer Garlic Butter Lobster Tails Recipe

Making these lobster tails might sound intimidating, but it's actually quite simple when you follow the steps.

Start by prepping your lobster tails. Use kitchen shears to cut down the center of the top shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat over the shell, letting it rest on top while still attached at the base.

Next, melt your butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and chopped parsley. Set aside a small portion of this mixture for drizzling at the end.

Brush the garlic butter generously over the exposed lobster meat. Be thorough—you want the butter to seep into every crack and crevice.

Now it's time to cook. Preheat your grill to medium-high or set your oven broiler to high. Place the lobster tails shell-side down on the grill or a baking sheet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly charred at the edges. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.

Once done, drizzle with the reserved garlic butter and garnish with a little extra parsley and a wedge of lemon.

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 25-30 minutes. What you’re left with is a restaurant-quality dish ready to steal the show at any summer gathering.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them properly.

Store cooled lobster meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. Be sure to separate it from the shells for easier reheating later.

For freezing, remove the cooked lobster meat and place it in a sealed freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just note that the texture may change slightly after thawing.

To reheat, gently warm the lobster in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture. Avoid the microwave, which can overcook and toughen the delicate meat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak it in lots of ways to match your taste or what you have on hand.

Try adding a touch of crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little heat. It’s a great contrast to the rich, buttery base.

No grill? No problem. This recipe works beautifully under the oven broiler. You still get that gorgeous golden finish without needing to fire up the BBQ.

If parsley isn’t your favorite herb, swap it out for chives or dill. Both offer a fresh, summery twist that complements seafood perfectly.

Want a heartier meal? Serve your lobster tails over a bed of buttery pasta or alongside grilled corn and potatoes. It turns this into a full summer feast.

Feel free to experiment. The base of this recipe is solid and forgiving, so play around with flavors and textures to make it your own.