Name: Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 kg lobster tails (3.3 pounds); 2 bulbs garlic; 1 cup extra virgin olive oil (250 mL); 250 g salted butter at room temp (1/2 pound); 30 g chives, roughly chopped (1 oz); 30 g parsley, roughly chopped (1 oz); 1 lemon (sliced into 4 cm rings); salt + pepper to taste

If you’re looking to impress at your next summer barbecue, this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe will do just that. It’s all about smoky, buttery seafood goodness with a touch of garlicky herb magic that makes every bite unforgettable.

A white plate holds bite-sized pieces of lobster meat with a light green herb sauce drizzled over them, showing a mix of white and light orange colors with a moist texture. Behind it, a white plate with a blue rim contains a split lobster tail, revealing white lobster meat inside bright red shells, with some green herb sauce on the meat. A grilled lemon half with charred marks sits next to the lobster tail on the same plate. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a plain white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I grilled lobster tails with this garlicky butter—it was nothing short of decadent. The slow-roasted garlic confit butter gives this dish a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky grill and a squeeze of charred lemon.

Rich Flavor: Slow roasting the garlic in olive oil creates a sweet, mellow garlic butter that complements the lobster’s natural sweetness.
Perfectly Tender Lobster: Grilling the tails over high heat locks in moisture and adds a subtle smoky char.
Bright Citrus Finish: Charred lemon slices bring a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the butter.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The garlic confit butter can be made ahead and stored, making entertaining stress-free.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive into cooking, let’s chat about the ingredients. Trust me, choosing fresh lobster tails and good quality olive oil makes a world of difference. Also, rolling your sleeves up to create the garlic confit butter is worth every minute.

Flat lay of three fresh lobster tails with vibrant reddish shells and exposed pinkish-white flesh, two whole garlic bulbs with papery skin, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden extra virgin olive oil, a simple white bowl containing a block of creamy salted butter at room temperature, a small white bowl of roughly chopped bright green chives, another small white bowl with roughly chopped fresh parsley leaves, a single fresh lemon sliced into thick 4cm rings with glossy yellow rind and juicy interior, two whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lobster tails: Fresh or thawed from frozen, these are the star of the show—look for meaty, intact shells for easy butterfly cutting.
Garlic bulbs: Fresh garlic is essential since we’ll slow roast it to infuse the butter with mellow sweetness.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one to gently confit the garlic and add richness without overpowering.
Salted butter: The butter base makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and helps the herbs cling to the lobster.
Chives: Fresh chives add a mild oniony brightness balancing the richness.
Parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and pairs beautifully with garlic.
Lemon: Sliced and charred on the grill, it adds a smoky, zesty burst of flavor.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of this Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tailor it to suit your taste buds or dietary preference, making it truly your own.

Herb Swap: I love switching up the herbs based on what’s fresh and fragrant in my garden. Sometimes I swap parsley for tarragon or dill for a slightly different herbal brightness that pairs beautifully with seafood.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of red chili flakes into the garlic butter gives the lobster a subtle smoky heat that livens up the richness wonderfully.
Lean & Light: For a lighter version, you could reduce the butter and use a bit more olive oil. It’s less indulgent but still incredibly flavorful thanks to the garlic confit.
Seasonal Twist: In warmer months, fresh lemon zest and a few chopped basil leaves stirred into the butter before grilling add a bright, fresh note that screams summer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe

A white plate with a blue pattern holds two lobster tails split open. One tail shows a smooth white lobster meat layer covered with green herb butter on top. The other tail is filled with chunky white lobster pieces mixed in with the green herb butter. Around the lobster tails are five grilled lemon halves with char marks, adding a yellow and brown contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently Slow-Roast Your Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 130°C (265°F). Separating the garlic cloves from their bulbs, give them a quick 5-minute soak in boiling water to loosen those skins – it makes peeling a breeze! Next, place the peeled cloves in an ovenproof dish and cover entirely with extra virgin olive oil. Slow roast the garlic for about 1 hour 30 minutes until the cloves are tender and the oil starts to bubble gently. This slow roasting mellows the garlic’s sharpness into sweet, buttery goodness – you’ll know it’s ready when the garlic is soft and golden, almost creamy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Butter Magic

Remove the garlic cloves from the olive oil (keep that infused oil for dressings or cooking later!). In a food processor, combine the garlic confit, softened salted butter, chopped chives, chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth and luscious. If you prefer a hands-on approach, finely chop the herbs and mash all ingredients together with a fork in a bowl until well combined. The result is a fragrant, creamy butter that’s the star of this dish.

Step 3: Butterfly the Lobster Tails

Grab a pair of kitchen scissors and carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise. Insert the scissors between the shell and the meat to avoid cutting through the flesh. Make sure the tail stays intact. This technique not only makes grilling easier but also creates a beautiful presentation. Season the exposed lobster meat with salt and pepper, then drizzle with some of the reserved garlic confit olive oil for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your BBQ grill to high and close the lid to reach about 200°C (390°F). This high heat is essential for achieving that perfect tender-yet-charred finish on the lobster tails. While the grill heats up, melt about half of your garlic butter in a small saucepan or microwave – you’ll use this for basting as the lobster cooks. Keep the rest chilled in the fridge; it keeps nicely for up to 4 weeks and is great for future meals or dipping bread.

Step 5: Grill and Baste to Perfection

Place the lobster tails flesh side down directly over the hot grill. Scatter the lemon slices around the lobster to get those lovely char marks and juicy caramelization. Close the lid and cook for 6 minutes until the lobster meat turns a bright pink and develops a subtle char. Flip the lobster tails and lemon slices using metal tongs, then baste the exposed lobster meat generously with the melted garlic butter. Close the lid and repeat basting every minute for the next 4 minutes. This creates a rich glaze and infuses the lobster with that irresistible garlic herb flavor. When finished, remove the lobster tails and lemon slices from the grill and let them rest briefly to lock in the juices.

Step 6: Serve with a Squeeze of Charred Lemon

Drizzle the lobster tails one last time with the remaining melted garlic butter for that ultimate glossy finish. Squeeze the smoky charred lemon slices over the top for a vibrant, citrus burst that complements the sweet, smoky lobster perfectly. Serve immediately and watch your guests savor every bite of this truly special summer barbecue treat.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master the Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe, ensuring juicy, flavorful lobster every time while making the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Slow Roast Your Garlic: Taking the time to slow roast garlic in olive oil at 130°C softens it perfectly without burning, resulting in a buttery, mellow garlic flavor that truly elevates this dish.
Use Kitchen Scissors for Butterflying: I’ve found that carefully using kitchen scissors to cut through the lobster shell lets you butterfly the tails without tearing the meat, which helps them cook evenly and look stunning when served.
Keep the Garlic Butter Handy: Reserve half your garlic confit butter for basting while grilling and keep the rest refrigerated. It keeps fresh for up to 4 weeks and is wonderful on seafood or fresh crusty bread.
Don’t Skip the Charred Lemons: Grilling the lemon slices adds a smoky brightness that balances the rich garlic butter and sweet lobster meat beautifully. It’s a small step with a big flavor payoff.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe

Two bright red lobster tails are split open on a black tray, showing a thick white meat layer topped with a green herb sauce layer. Around the lobster tails are six lemon halves with a charred, dark brown surface. Next to the tray, there is a blue bowl with a green herb sauce inside, and a wooden brush with green sauce on its bristles rests in the bowl. The background and surface around the tray and bowl are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a gorgeous, fresh presentation, sprinkle extra chopped chives and parsley over the plated lobster tails. Add a few freshly cracked black peppercorns and a final drizzle of that luscious garlic confit butter to make each serving shine. Serve with the warm, charred lemon slices ready to squeeze over for a vibrant citrus pop.

Side Dishes

Complement these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails with sides that are light and fresh to balance the rich flavors. Think grilled asparagus tossed with a touch of lemon zest, a crunchy green salad with vinaigrette, or a simple herb-infused couscous. Roasted baby potatoes or crusty artisan bread make excellent options to soak up the buttery sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cooked lobster tails into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days. Be sure to store the reserved garlic confit butter separately in a covered dish or jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked lobster tails, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat lobster tails gently in a low oven at 130°C (265°F) for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Add a fresh drizzle of the garlic butter before serving to restore their luscious richness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare the garlic confit butter in advance?

Absolutely! The garlic confit butter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks, making it convenient for spontaneous grilling sessions.

What if I don't have a barbecue grill? Can I cook this recipe indoors?

Yes, you can broil the lobster tails in your oven by placing them flesh side down on a broiler pan under high heat for 6 minutes, then flipping, basting with garlic butter, and broiling for an additional 4 minutes.

How do I know when the lobster tails are done?

Look for the lobster flesh to turn opaque pink with slight charring on the surface. It should be firm to the touch but still tender inside. Overcooking can make it tough.

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Yes, unsalted butter works fine—just be sure to adjust the seasoning by adding salt to taste when making the garlic butter for balanced flavor.

Final Thoughts

Creating these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails for Grilling Recipe is a rewarding process that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary summer feast. The slow-roasted garlic butter pairs perfectly with the smoky grilled lobster, making every bite a celebration of fresh, bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and create lasting memories around the grill. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious moment!