Close-up of garlic butter lobster tails garnished with parsley and lemon wedges on a white plate

Steamed Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter – Elegant, Juicy & Easy

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Buttery, tender & perfect for any occasion

Elegant, simple, and unbelievably juicy these Steamed Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter are the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special. Gently steamed for the perfect texture, then drizzled with golden melted butter infused with garlic and lemon, they’re rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. This Emma’s Cake Studio recipe is perfect for date nights, holidays, or celebratory dinners fancy enough for guests, yet simple enough for a quiet night in. Serve with lemon wedges, crusty bread, and your favorite side for a true seafood feast.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2–4

Ingredients List

For the Lobster

  • 4 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each)
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 lemon, halved

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Steamer basket or large pot with rack
  • Small saucepan (for butter sauce)
  • Tongs
  • Sharp kitchen shears
  • Serving dish

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Prepare the lobster tails:
    Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell down the middle to expose the meat. Gently lift the meat over the shell and rest it on top.
  2. Set up the steamer:
    Add about 2 inches of water and the lemon halves to a large pot. Bring to a gentle boil and place the steamer basket inside.
  3. Steam the lobster tails:
    Place the tails in the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 7–8 minutes (for 5–6 oz tails) or until the meat is opaque and tender.
  4. Make the garlic butter sauce:
    In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then stir in lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  5. Serve:
    Arrange lobster tails on a platter, drizzle with garlic butter, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot.
  6. Pro Tips
  • Don’t oversteam: Lobster cooks quickly remove it as soon as it turns opaque.
  • Shell prep matters: Cutting the shell helps the steam cook the lobster evenly and makes it easy to eat.
  • Add aromatics: Steam with herbs like thyme or bay leaf for a fragrant twist.
  • Butter upgrade: Add a dash of chili flakes or a hint of Dijon for a bold twist.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 lobster tail34032g1g23g0g0g