Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

The Story & Intro

If there’s one dish that makes my heart flutter every holiday season, it’s holiday garlic butter lobster tails. There’s just something magical about the moment when those ruby-red shells hit the table, glistening with melted butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It feels luxurious, celebratory, and just a little bit indulgent which is exactly what this time of year is all about.

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.

Back in France, lobster wasn’t something we ate often it was reserved for New Year’s feasts or the rare fancy celebration. But when I moved to the US, I discovered how beautifully accessible lobster tails are. Suddenly, the idea of preparing holiday garlic butter lobster tails didn’t feel intimidating at all. And let me tell you… the first time I broiled them with a swirl of garlicky butter and a squeeze of lemon? Oh là là, pure heaven.

Now every December, I make these for friends who gather at my home for what we call “Le Petit Réveillon,” our cozy French-American holiday dinner. The moment I bring out a platter of sizzling, fragrant holiday garlic butter lobster tails, everyone goes silent then cheers. And that’s exactly why this recipe is so close to my heart.

If you want a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, that turns any winter evening into an occasion, and that packs buttery-garlic bliss into every bite, you’re in the right place. Let’s make some culinary magic together. ✨🦞💛

⏱️ Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 10–12 minutes
• Total: 20–22 minutes

Perfect for a holiday dinner that looks like you spent hours even though you didn’t.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails

• 4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for color)

For the Garlic Butter

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
• Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes for heat

For Serving

• Lemon wedges
• Extra melted butter
• Fresh herbs for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails

Place your lobster tails on a cutting board. With kitchen shears, cut straight down the shell but don’t slice into the meat. Gently pull the meat upward, letting it rest on top of the shell like a little pillow. This is called “butterflying,” and it helps the tails cook evenly while looking beautiful.

2. Season

Drizzle each tail with a bit of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. The paprika gives that iconic golden holiday glow once broiled.

3. Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell like a holiday market in Paris.

4. Brush Generously

Using a pastry brush, coat the lobster meat with your garlic butter mixture. Don’t be shy every crevice should glisten!

5. Broil to Perfection

Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Broil on high for 9–12 minutes, depending on their size. The meat should be opaque, firm, and lightly browned at the edges.

6. Finish with More Butter

Once out of the oven, drizzle with remaining garlic butter. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.

7. Serve Warm

Garnish with herbs and serve immediately these beauties wait for no one.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your holiday garlic butter lobster tails alongside:
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Herb-buttered green beans
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Garlic parmesan risotto
  • A bright citrus salad for contrast
• Pair with:
  • A crisp Sauvignon Blanc
  • Sparkling wine (my favorite!)
  • Or a light Chardonnay

This dish screams holiday celebration rich, vibrant, and festive.

📝 Notes

• If your lobster tails curl while cooking, you can insert a wooden skewer to keep them straight.
• For a richer flavor, brown the butter before adding the garlic.
• Frozen lobster tails should be thawed overnight in the fridge.
• Don’t overcook lobster becomes tough if baked too long.

🍽️ Nutrition (per lobster tail)

• Calories: ~230
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g

Recipe Card

Holiday Garlic Butter Lobster Tails 🦞✨

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails
• Salt, pepper, smoked paprika
• 6 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves
• Lemon juice & zest
• Parsley & thyme

Instructions

1. Butterfly the lobster tails.
2. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Mix garlic butter ingredients.
4. Brush onto lobster tails.
5. Broil 9–12 minutes.
6. Finish with lemon and herbs.

Enjoy your festive feast! 🎄💛

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably magical about preparing holiday garlic butter lobster tails the aromas, the simplicity, the elegance, and that moment when you take the first buttery bite. This dish has become a cherished tradition in my home, something that reminds me of my Parisian roots while celebrating the warmth and abundance of American holidays.

Whether you’re hosting a grand Christmas dinner or treating someone you love to a cozy winter meal, this recipe brings joy, comfort, and a little sparkle to the table. And from my kitchen to yours, I hope it becomes a holiday tradition you’ll treasure too. 💛✨🦞