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Lobster with Butter Sauce

A simple and indulgent dish featuring lobster tails served with a fragrant homemade butter sauce, perfect for special occasions or cozy family meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Lobster Ingredients
  • 4 pieces lobster tails (4–6 oz each), split lengthwise
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (plus extra for finishing)
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for warmth
  • Optional garnish: lemon wedges and additional chopped parsley

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the lobster tails dry. Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut down the center of the top shell and gently lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell.
  2. Brush each tail lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Preheat Your Heat Source
  1. Grill to medium-high (about 400°F) or set oven broiler on high with the rack 6–8 inches from the heat. You can also steam or boil (see tips).
Cooking the Lobster
  1. Grill/Broil: Place tails meat-side down first for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook meat-side up for another 3–4 minutes. Total 6–8 minutes for 4–6 oz tails. Larger tails may need 8–12 minutes.
  2. Steam: Steam for 6–8 minutes (small tails) or until opaque throughout.
  3. Boil: Immerse tails in rapidly boiling salted water and cook 4–6 minutes (depending on size) until opaque.
  4. The lobster is done when the meat is pearly white and firm. If you use a thermometer, aim for an internal temp of ~140–145°F.
Make the Butter Sauce
  1. While lobster cooks, melt 4 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Stir in lemon juice and Dijon mustard, simmer gently for 30–60 seconds.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, chives (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Finish & Serve
  1. Spoon warm butter sauce generously over cooked lobster tails.
  2. Add a final squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, garlic rice, corn on the cob, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp Chardonnay. Refrigerate cooked lobster meat in an airtight container with a little melted butter for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or steam briefly. Freeze lobster meat in a butter-lined, freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.