Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

The Story & Intro

If there’s one dish that instantly transports me into the magic of the holidays, it’s Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails. I still remember the first time I made them snow falling outside, soft jazz playing in the background, and my tiny kitchen glowing with warm light. I wanted something elegant but simple, something that felt like a hug on a plate. Garlic butter lobster tails became that dish, and over the years, they’ve turned into a beloved tradition at my table.

And before we dive deeper bonjour my friends! 👋
I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.

This dish is special to me because it blends what I adore about both cultures: the refined charm of French cooking and the cozy American holiday spirit. Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the perfect example luxurious but not complicated, comforting yet elegant, and always a show-stopper.

Every year, when I’m preparing them, I hear my grandmother’s voice reminding me, “la cuisine doit venir du cœur” cooking must come from the heart. And trust me, these lobster tails come with a whole lot of it.

Throughout this article, I’ll guide you step-by-step in making perfect Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails tender, buttery, garlicky, and bursting with festive flavor. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or enjoying an intimate dinner, this recipe brings the warmth and magic of the holidays straight to your table.

⏱️ Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 lobster tails

🛒 Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails

• 4 lobster tails (6–8 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Paprika for color (optional but recommended)

For the Garlic Butter

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• A pinch of sea salt

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

Place your lobster tails on a clean cutting board. Using kitchen scissors, cut straight down the top of the shell without piercing the meat. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat, letting it rest on top for that classic “butterflied” presentation.

Season lightly with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.

2. Mix the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, parsley, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. The aroma alone is heavenly!

3. Brush the Lobster Meat

Using a pastry brush, generously coat the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture. Be sure to save a little for basting halfway through cooking.

4. Broil to Perfection

Preheat your oven’s broiler on high. Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil for 5–6 minutes, baste with more garlic butter, then continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes.

They’re done when the meat is opaque, firm, and lightly browned.

5. Serve Warm & Festive

Drizzle with extra melted garlic butter and a squeeze of lemon. Add fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are already a star, but pairing them well makes them unforgettable:

• Garlic mashed potatoes (soft, creamy perfection)
• Roasted asparagus with lemon zest
• Wild rice pilaf for elegant texture
• Buttery dinner rolls to soak up every drop of that garlic butter
• A glass of chilled Chardonnay or crisp Champagne 🍾

If you’re hosting a holiday feast, you can serve them alongside:

• Seared filet mignon (hello surf-and-turf!)
• Creamy lobster bisque
• A festive citrus salad

Recipe Card

Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any winter celebration!

⏱️ Time

• Prep: 10 min
• Cook: 12–15 min

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails
• Salt, pepper, paprika
• 6 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Lemon juice + zest
• Parsley

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Butterfly the lobster tails.
2. Mix garlic butter.
3. Brush lobster meat.
4. Broil 12–15 minutes, basting halfway.
5. Serve with lemon and extra butter.

📝 Notes

• Don’t overcook lobster becomes tough quickly.
• Add extra paprika for deeper color.
• Use fresh garlic only jarred garlic won’t give the same flavor.

🍽️ Nutrition (Per 1 lobster tail)

• Calories: ~290
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 2g

Notes

• If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them completely before cooking.
• For added flavor, mix a tiny splash of white wine into the garlic butter.
• To elevate presentation, tuck lemon wedges between the shells before serving.
• Broil times can vary depending on shell thickness, so watch carefully.

🍽️ Nutrition

A dish like this feels indulgent, but lobster is surprisingly lean!
A single serving of Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails offers:

• High protein
• Healthy minerals like zinc, selenium & phosphorus
• Low carbohydrates

A perfect balance of elegance and nourishment.

Conclusion

Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are more than a festive meal they’re a moment. A chance to slow down, savor richness, and share something special with the people you love. Every time I make these, I’m reminded of snowy evenings, warm kitchens, and the joy of creating something beautiful from simple ingredients.

I hope these lobster tails bring you just as much comfort, warmth, and magic this holiday season. From my French-American kitchen to yours bon appétit and happy holidays! 🎄🦞✨