Q1: What if I don't have kitchen shears to cut the lobster shell?

If you don't have kitchen shears as listed in the Equipment, you can use a sharp, sturdy pair of scissors or even a sharp chef's knife, though shears make the job easier. Step 2 instructs you to cut through the top shell lengthwise down the center, which requires cutting through hard shell material. If using a knife, carefully insert the tip at the top of the tail and apply steady pressure while cutting away from yourself. Be cautious as the shell can be slippery, and you may want to use a kitchen towel to hold the tail steady while cutting.

Q2: How can I tell when the lobster tails are perfectly cooked without overcooking them?

Step 6 provides two key indicators: the lobster meat should be opaque (no longer translucent) and reach an internal temperature of 140°F, which is why an instant-read thermometer is listed in the Equipment. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tail meat to check. The broiling time of 8-10 minutes is a guideline, but actual cooking time depends on the size of your lobster tails—smaller tails (4-5 oz) will cook faster, while larger ones (8-10 oz) may need the full 10 minutes or slightly more. Watch carefully as instructed in Step 6, since broilers can vary in intensity and overcooked lobster becomes tough and rubbery.

Q3: Can I substitute the fresh garlic and parsley with dried versions?

While fresh ingredients provide the best flavor for this garlic butter sauce, you can substitute if needed. For the 4 cloves of fresh garlic mentioned in the ingredients, use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder (not garlic salt) mixed into the butter in Step 3. For the 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, substitute with 2 teaspoons of dried parsley, as dried herbs are more concentrated. However, keep in mind that dried garlic won't provide the same aromatic, robust flavor that minced fresh garlic offers in this recipe, and the garlic butter is the star of the dish, so fresh is highly recommended if possible.

Q4: What can I substitute for asparagus if it's not in season or I want a different vegetable?

Since Step 4 arranges the asparagus on one side of the baking sheet to cook alongside the lobster, you'll want to choose vegetables that cook in a similar 8-10 minute timeframe under the broiler. Green beans, broccolini, or trimmed Brussels sprouts halves work well and can be brushed with the garlic butter mixture as instructed in Step 5. Zucchini spears or thick slices of bell peppers are also good options. Whatever vegetable you choose, cut it into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking, and arrange them in a single layer as directed so they get tender with slightly charred edges during the broiling time.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tail & Asparagus

Indulge in restaurant-quality luxury with this stunning Garlic Butter Lobster Tail & Asparagus that brings fine dining to your home kitchen. Succulent lobster tails are butterflied and broiled to perfection, their sweet, tender meat bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances rather than masks the natural ocean flavors. Paired with crisp-tender asparagus spears that roast alongside the lobster, this dish delivers elegance without the complexity.

This recipe proves that sophisticated dining doesn't require hours of preparation or culinary school training. In less than 20 minutes from start to finish, you'll create a meal that rivals any upscale steakhouse—perfect for date nights, special celebrations, or those moments when you simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. The broiling method ensures the lobster meat stays moist and tender while developing a beautiful golden finish.

Naturally gluten-free and packed with high-quality protein, this dish fits seamlessly into health-conscious eating plans without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or satisfaction. The garlic butter, infused with fresh lemon and herbs, creates a luxurious sauce that ties everything together, while the asparagus adds a fresh, earthy counterpoint to the rich seafood. It's proof that the best meals often come from the simplest preparations using premium ingredients.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

18 minutes

None servings

485 calories

Fat 36.00g

Carbs 9.00g

Protein 34.00g

Ingredients

2 whole	lobster tails, 6-8 oz each, thawed if frozen
1 lb	asparagus, woody ends trimmed
6 tbsp	unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves	garlic, minced
2 tbsp	fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp	fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp	salt
1/4 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tsp	paprika (optional)
4 pieces	lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Equipment

Whisk

small mixing bowl

basting brush

instant-read thermometer

rimmed baking sheet

kitchen shears

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free recipe using whole food ingredients like lobster, asparagus, butter, and herbs. No gluten-containing ingredients are used, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Ketogenic Diet

Ideal for keto with its high-fat butter sauce, lean protein from lobster, and low-carb asparagus. The recipe contains virtually zero carbs and provides an excellent balance of protein and healthy fats, making it a perfect ketogenic meal.

Low-Carb Diet

Excellent low-carb option with minimal carbohydrates from asparagus, high-quality protein from lobster, and satisfying healthy fats from butter. The dish contains less than 5g of net carbs per serving, making it ideal for low-carb eating.

Mediterranean Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with Mediterranean Diet principles, featuring seafood as the primary protein, using olive oil and fresh herbs, and incorporating nutrient-rich vegetables like asparagus. The dish emphasizes whole, unprocessed ingredients and healthy cooking methods.

Paleo Diet

Fully compliant with Paleo guidelines, using wild-caught seafood, fresh vegetables, and natural fats like butter. The recipe avoids all grains, legumes, and processed ingredients, focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients that align with hunter-gatherer nutrition.

Primal Diet

Perfect Primal Diet meal featuring high-quality seafood, fresh vegetables, and natural fats like butter. The recipe uses whole, unprocessed ingredients and avoids grains, legumes, and refined foods.

Instructions

Position the oven rack 6 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler to high.

3 min

Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise down the center, stopping at the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat up and over the shell, keeping it attached at the base. Close the shell underneath and rest the meat on top.

3 min

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well combined.

1 min

Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on one side of a rimmed baking sheet. Place the butterflied lobster tails on the other side of the baking sheet, meat side up.

1 min

Brush the asparagus with about 2 tablespoons of the garlic butter mixture. Generously brush the lobster meat with half of the remaining garlic butter, reserving the rest for serving. Sprinkle paprika over the lobster meat if using.

1 min

Place the baking sheet under the broiler and broil for 8-10 minutes, until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through (internal temperature of 140°F) and the asparagus is tender with slightly charred tips. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

10 min

Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the lobster tails with the reserved garlic butter. Transfer the lobster tails and asparagus to serving plates.

Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve immediately while hot.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tail & Asparagus

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Gluten-Free Diet

Ketogenic Diet

Low-Carb Diet

Mediterranean Diet

Paleo Diet

Primal Diet

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What if I don't have kitchen shears to cut the lobster shell?

Q2: How can I tell when the lobster tails are perfectly cooked without overcooking them?

Q3: Can I substitute the fresh garlic and parsley with dried versions?

Q4: What can I substitute for asparagus if it's not in season or I want a different vegetable?