Steamed Lobster Tails With Garlic Butter
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These Steamed Lobster Tails With Garlic Butter are tender, naturally sweet, and finished with a bright garlic-lemon butter sauce. Steaming is one of my favorite ways to cook lobster tails because it gently cooks the meat while keeping the preparation light and flavorful. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Youโll also love my Langostino Lobster Rolls and Lobster Bisque
Quick Look: Steamed Lobster Tails With Garlic Butter
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free
- Method: Stovetop steaming
- Technique: Butterfly the lobster tails, steam them in a covered pot with the water below the steamer basket, then serve with garlic-lemon butter.
- Flavor/Texture: Tender, juicy, naturally sweet, rich
A Simple Way To Cook Lobster Tails
Growing up spending summers in Sardegna, I learned to appreciate seafood preparations that let the main ingredient shine. That is exactly why I love steaming lobster tails. The gentle steam keeps the meat tender and juicy, while a warm garlic-lemon butter adds richness without overpowering the natural sweetness of the lobster. Itโs an easy method to keep in your back pocket when you want to make lobster at home without a complicated cooking process.
You will also love my Baked Lobster Tails, Lobster Ravioli Sauce, and Lobster Pasta!
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
A few fresh ingredients are all you need to steam lobster tails and make a flavorful garlic-lemon butter for serving.
- Lobster Tails: Use fresh or fully thawed lobster tails for the most even cooking.
- Butter: Creates a rich, silky sauce that complements the naturally sweet lobster.
- Fresh Garlic: Adds savory flavor to the melted butter without overpowering the lobster.
- Fresh Lemon: Brightens the butter sauce and balances its richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh herbal finish and color when serving.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Herb Sauce: Add fresh herbs to the garlic lemon butter sauce. Try parsley, thyme, or chives for a burst of herby flavors. Serve with Roasted Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic lemon butter sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning: Sprinkle seasoning on the lobster tails before steaming for a spicy, Southern-inspired twist. Old bay seasoning works excellently as well. Try my Blackened Shrimp next.
How to Steam Lobster Tails
This method for cooking lobster tails is a great option for experienced and newer cooks. Follow the step-by-step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Thaw the lobster tails if they are frozen. Butterfly the lobster tails: Cut through the top of the shell lengthwise using sharp kitchen shears, stopping at the tail.
- Gently spread the shell open to expose the meat without detaching it from the shell. This is known as โbutterflyingโ the lobster tails.
- Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and insert a steamer basket, steamer insert, or steamer rack. Bring the water to a boil. Steam lobster tails until fully cooked.
- While the lobster tails are steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant, but be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the garlic butter mixture. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Once the lobster tails are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the steaming basket.
- Place them on a serving platter. Garnish the lobster tails with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the steamed lobster tails, or dip each bite into the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Steamed Lobster Tails With Butter FAQs
Cool leftovers, store in an airtight container, and refrigerate promptly. Consume within 2 days and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
Lobster tails are fully cooked when the flesh is firm to the touch and white and opaque in color. The shells should be bright red, and the internal temperature should range from 140ยฐF to 145ยฐF in the thickest part of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.
Small to medium lobster tails generally take about 6 to 8 minutes, while larger lobster tails take about 8 to 10 minutes. Cooking time varies with the size and thickness of the tails, so use the appearance and internal temperature as additional guides.
Yes. If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before steaming. For the most even cooking, avoid steaming lobster tails while they are still frozen.
The key is to avoid overcooking. Start checking the lobster near the lower end of the recommended cooking time, especially if the tails are small. Keep the pot covered while steaming so the temperature stays consistent, and remove the lobster as soon as it reaches the desired doneness.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving steamed lobster tails with garlic butter alongside dishes that complement the sweet, delicate meat without competing with it. Try them with Creamy Risotto alla Milanese, Roasted Asparagus, or a bowl of creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup. Serve plenty of lemon wedges and extra garlic butter at the table for dipping. For dessert, I reccomend my Poppy Seed Cake with Glaze.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Take your time when butterfly-cutting the lobster tails. A precise cut ensures that the tails open up beautifully during steaming, and it promotes even cooking.
- Thaw frozen lobster tails completely before steaming so they cook evenly.
- Keep the water below the steamer basket so the lobster cooks with steam rather than sitting in water.
- Keep the pot covered while steaming to maintain consistent heat.
- Start checking for doneness early because lobster tails cook quickly and can become rubbery when overcooked.
More Flavorful Seafood Recipes
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Steamed Lobster Tails Recipe
Equipment
Ingredientsย
- 4 lobster tails, small to medium or large
- ยฝ cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Lemon slices for serving
Instructionsย
- Thaw the lobster tails if they are frozen*.
- Butterfly the lobster tails: Cut through the top of the shell lengthwise using sharp kitchen shears, stopping at the tail. Gently spread the shell open to expose the meat without detaching it from the shell. This is known as โbutterflyingโ the lobster tails.
- Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and insert a steamer insert, or steamer rack. Make sure the water doesn't touch the bottom of the basket. Place lobster tails in the steaming basket, in a single layer, shell side down. Cover the pot with a lid.
- Cook the Lobster Tails: steam lobster tails until fully cooked. This typically takes 6 to 8 minutes for small to medium lobster tails and 8 to 10 minutes for larger tails. Try not to open the lid when they are steaming!
- Tip: Lobster tails are fully cooked when the flesh is firm to the touch and white and opaque in color. The shells should be bright red, and the internal temperature should range from 140ยฐF to 145ยฐF in the thickest part of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.ย
- Prepare Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: While the lobster tails are steaming, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant, but be careful not to brown the garlic. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the garlic butter mixture. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Once the lobster tails are fully cooked, carefully remove them from the steaming basket. Place them on a serving platter. Garnish the lobster tails with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side.
- Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the steamed lobster tails, or dip each bite into the lemon garlic butter sauce (or sauce of choice!).
Notes
- Take your time when butterfly-cutting the lobster tails. A precise cut ensures that the tails open up beautifully during steaming, and it promotes even cooking.
- Thaw frozen lobster tails completely before steaming so they cook evenly.
- Keep the water below the steamer basket so the lobster cooks with steam rather than sitting in water.
- Keep the pot covered while steaming to maintain consistent heat.
- Start checking for doneness early because lobster tails cook quickly and can become rubbery when overcooked.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
THE ABSOLUTE BEST RECIPE FOR STEAMING LOBSTER. YUM!