Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Prep Time
5 minsCook Time
4-5 minsFree Time
to text the group chat back
Yes, we're serious: the best way to cook lobster is in the microwave. The magic combo of time (just a few minutes!) and medium heat produces succulent, juicy lobster tails brightened with lemon juice and fragrant garlic butter. Add to pasta, toss with mayo in a lobster roll, or just enjoy them pure. No need to wait for a special occasion.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (½ stick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Lemon zest of ½ lemon
- 2 lobster tails (thawed if frozen), 4-6 oz each
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Lemon juice, to taste
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Preparation
- Place the butter in the Anyday dish and soften in the microwave until the butter has the texture of soft cream cheese, about 15-30 seconds.
- Add the garlic powder, lemon zest and salt into the butter and mix until well incorporated. Transfer the butter to a side dish and set aside at room temperature.
- Cut the lobster tails in half lengthwise by laying the lobster with the belly side up and firmly cutting through the shell with a sharp knife.
- Evenly spread the garlic butter onto each cut side of the lobster and place tails in the Anyday dish, butter side up. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5for 4-5 minutes, or until the flesh of the lobster turns opaque and the butter is fully melted. Make sure not to overcook it!✕
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.
[[video-power]]
Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
- When the lobster is finished cooking, spoon some of the juices over the meat and season to taste with fresh lemon juice, hot sauce, chopped parsley, or chives.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Once cooked, remove from the shells, cut into smaller pieces, and then add to your favorite pasta dish.
- The cooked lobster also makes a delicious lobster roll filling when tossed with mayo or hot butter!
- Swap butter for ghee to make this recipe compatible with Whole30 and Paleo.
- Add chili powder or smoked paprika to the butter for a smoky touch.
- Drizzle some Worcestershire sauce on top at the end for some extra savory flavor.
Recipe notes
- If you prefer the lobster tail to remain whole, cut out the under-belly shell with a pair of sharp scissors and insert a skewer lengthwise through the center of the lobster body and cook as the recipe indicates.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
