Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

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.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Product Size

  • Small Dish
  • Medium Shallow
  • Large Shallow
  • Medium Deep
  • Large Deep

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

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Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter (½ stick)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Lemon zest of ½ lemon
  • 2 lobster tails (thawed if frozen)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Lemon juice, to taste
  • Chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Preparation

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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. 
  4. 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).
  5. Cook in the microwave at Power Level 5

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    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.

    for 5-6 minutes, or until the flesh of the lobster turns opaque and the butter is fully melted. Make sure not to overcook it!
  6. 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.