This garlic butter lobster skillet is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re eating at a fancy seafood restaurant — only it takes less than 30 minutes to make right at home.
I first whipped this up on a Friday night when I wanted something indulgent without spending a fortune. I grabbed a bag of frozen lobster meat, crossed my fingers, and tossed it in butter, garlic, and a splash of cream. The first bite? Pure heaven. Since then, this skillet has become my go-to for date nights, special family dinners, or just when I need a little “treat yourself” meal.
Why You’ll Love This Lobster Skillet
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Quick and easy: On the table in under 30 minutes.
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Flexible with ingredients: Works with frozen, pre-cooked, or fresh lobster meat.
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Restaurant-quality flavor: Rich, buttery, and perfectly garlicky.
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Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for soaking up that sauce.
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Special but not complicated: A great way to make an ordinary night feel like a celebration.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Lobster
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Use what you have: Frozen or pre-cooked lobster meat works beautifully; just thaw it and pat it dry before cooking.
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Don’t skimp on the garlic: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in the depth of flavor.
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Add a splash of pasta water: If you’re tossing it with pasta, a little starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to every strand.
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Finish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley, green onions, or even cilantro brightens up the richness of the sauce.
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Taste as you go: Since lobster meat can vary in salinity, season lightly at first, then adjust.
What You’ll Need
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Lobster meat: Fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked — whatever fits your budget and access.
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Butter: Unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
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Garlic: Minced fresh cloves for bold flavor.
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Heavy cream (optional): For a richer, more luxurious sauce.
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Lemon juice: Adds brightness to balance the butter.
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Fresh herbs: Parsley, cilantro, or green onions for garnish.
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Salt and pepper: To taste.
How I Make It
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Melt the butter: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until it’s foamy.
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Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Add the lobster: Toss in the lobster meat and gently sauté until warmed through.
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Optional cream finish: Stir in a splash of cream for a velvety sauce.
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Season and serve: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, season to taste, and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Lobster
This skillet is so versatile that it works with almost anything. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
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Pasta: Toss with linguine or fettuccine for an easy lobster pasta. Don’t forget to save some pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
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Rice or risotto: Spoon the lobster and sauce over rice pilaf or creamy risotto for a comforting dinner.
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Vegetables: Pair with broccolini, roasted asparagus, or lemony green beans for a lighter, low-carb meal.
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Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that garlicky, buttery goodness.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Reheat gently: Warm over low heat to avoid overcooking the lobster.
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No freezing: The texture of lobster doesn’t hold up well after freezing once cooked.
FAQs
Can I use lobster tails?
Absolutely. Just steam or boil the tails first, remove the meat, chop it, and then follow the recipe.
What if I don’t have cream?
You can leave it out for a lighter dish, or stir in a splash of milk for a less rich version.
Can I make this with shrimp instead?
Yes! Shrimp works beautifully in this recipe — just adjust the cooking time so they don’t overcook.
Is it spicy?
Not at all, but if you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter when you sauté the garlic.
Garlic Butter Lobster Skillet
This garlic butter lobster skillet is a quick, luxurious dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lobster meat (fresh, frozen, or pre-cooked)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot (about 4 tbsp), minced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 tsp sea salt (Celtic or regular)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt half of the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and shallots, cooking gently for about 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and increase the heat to medium-high, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the lobster meat, remaining butter, lemon zest, and tarragon. Cook for about 5 minutes until the lobster is heated through and the sauce has thickened. If starting with raw lobster, it will cook through during this time.
- Season with sea salt, give it a final stir, and serve immediately with crusty bread, pasta, or over rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 340Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 11gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 148mgSodium 844mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 31g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This garlic butter lobster skillet is one of those recipes that looks and tastes like a splurge but is simple enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, scooping it onto crusty bread, or eating it straight from the skillet, every bite is rich, buttery, and completely satisfying.
Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe worth keeping on repeat — for special occasions or just because you deserve something delicious.
