Indulge in restaurant-style elegance with these Spicy Butter Lobster Tails—succulent lobster bathed in a rich, spicy butter sauce, quick to prepare yet brimming with flavor. Perfect for date-night dinners or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Luxurious and bold: Combines tender lobster meat with a creamy, spicy butter sauce.
-
Simple prep, impressive result: Elegant presentation and gourmet taste with minimal effort.
-
Customizable heat: Easily control the spice by adjusting hot sauce, cayenne, and pepper flakes.
-
One-pan convenience: Bake in the oven with no frying required, minimizing cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients:
4 lobster tails (shells removed, meat cleaned and exposed)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
-
Prepare the Lobster Tails
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, slice down the top of each lobster shell to expose the meat, keeping the tail intact for presentation.
-
Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell, still attached at the base.
-
-
Make the Spicy Butter Sauce
-
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in olive oil and minced garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
-
Stir until well combined, then season with salt to taste.
-
-
Cook the Lobster Tails
-
Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased dish.
-
Pour the spicy butter sauce over the meat, ensuring it’s well coated.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until lobster meat is opaque and tender (avoid overcooking).
-
-
Serve
-
Remove from oven and drizzle with any remaining sauce.
-
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
-
Servings and timing
-
Yield: 4 lobster tails (serves 2–4 depending on portion size)
-
Preparation time: ~10 minutes
-
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
-
Total time: ~25 minutes
Variations
-
Creamy twist: Add 2 tbsp heavy cream to sauce for richness.
-
Garlic lovers: Use 3–4 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
-
Herb boost: Stir fresh thyme or tarragon into the butter sauce.
-
Wine-enhanced: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding butter.
-
Citrus aroma: Add zest of lemon or lime to the sauce for an extra bright flavor.
Storage/reheating
-
Storage: Store cooled lobster and any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
-
Reheating: Gently rewarm in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes, spoon sauce over lobster as it warms. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes—thaw overnight in the fridge and pat completely dry before preparing.
2. How do I avoid overcooking lobster?
Bake just until the meat turns opaque and springs back slightly. Overcooked lobster becomes rubbery.
3. Can I reduce the spice level?
Yes—use less hot sauce, omit cayenne or pepper flakes, or replace them with mild paprika.
4. Can I broil instead of bake?
Yes—broil for 3–4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
5. What if I don’t have hot sauce?
Use sriracha, chipotle sauce, or a pinch of red chili powder.
6. What sides pair well?
Serve with garlic butter pasta, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or steamed rice.
7. Can I prep sauce ahead?
Yes—make the butter sauce up to a day in advance, then reheat gently before use.
8. Is this gluten-free?
Yes—naturally gluten-free when using pure hot sauce and no additives.
9. Can I add cheese?
Once broiled, sprinkle with grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
10. Can I grill lobster instead?
Absolutely—brush with the spicy butter sauce and grill meat-side down for 5–7 minutes.
Conclusion
Sizzling with flavor, Spicy Butter Lobster Tails elevate any meal into a luxurious dining experience with effortless preparation. With balanced heat and rich buttery goodness, this dish is sure to impress whether you’re treating yourself or entertaining guests. Enjoy every succulent bite!
Print
Spicy Butter Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Spicy Butter Lobster Tails are the ultimate indulgence—tender, juicy lobster baked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a fiery kick. Perfect for a luxurious dinner, special occasion, or a spicy seafood feast.
Ingredients
-
4 lobster tails, shells removed and meat cleaned
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
-
1 tsp smoked paprika
-
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
-
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
-
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-
Salt, to taste
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
-
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Lobster Tails:
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Cut down the top of each lobster tail to expose the meat while keeping the tails intact.
-
Gently lift the meat and place it over the shell, keeping the tail base connected.
-
-
Make the Spicy Butter Sauce:
-
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
-
Add olive oil and garlic; sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Stir in hot sauce, paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
-
Season with salt and mix well.
-
-
Cook the Lobster Tails:
-
Place lobster tails on a parchment-lined baking sheet or greased baking dish.
-
Spoon the spicy butter sauce generously over each tail.
-
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until lobster is opaque and cooked through.
-
-
Serve:
-
Drizzle extra sauce over the cooked lobster.
-
Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
-
Notes
-
Adjust heat level to your taste by modifying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne.
-
Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American