Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Tail recipe is a luxurious and flavorful seafood dish, featuring tender lobster meat, infused with garlic butter, lemon, and fresh herbs. This restaurant-quality dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or elegant meal.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Tail?
Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Tail is a butter-basted lobster dish, where the tails are butterflied, brushed with garlic herb butter, and broiled or pan-seared until succulent and slightly charred. This method enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a juicy and flavorful bite.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Tuna Steak
- Gordon Ramsay Lobster Pasta
- Gordon Ramsay Pineapple Pizza
- Gordon Ramsay Chicken Parmigiana
Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Tail
- Tender, buttery texture – Cooked to perfection without being rubbery.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Restaurant-quality dish – Perfect for impressing guests.
- Bold flavors – Garlic, lemon, and butter enhance the lobster’s natural sweetness.
- Versatile preparation – Can be broiled, grilled, or pan-seared.
Ingredients Needed for Gordon Ramsay Lobster Tail
- 2 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay Lobster Tail
Butterfly the Lobster Tails:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) (if broiling) – Or heat a pan over medium-high heat if pan-searing.
- Cut through the shell – Using kitchen scissors cut a straight line down the top of the shell without cutting the meat.
- Pull the meat out – Gently lift the lobster meat out and rest it on top of the shell for even cooking.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Mix the ingredients – In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook the Lobster Tails:
Broiling Method:
- Place lobster tails on a baking sheet – Brush generously with garlic butter.
- Broil for 8-10 minutes – Until the meat turns opaque and slightly golden.
- Baste with more butter – Halfway through cooking, brush again for extra flavor.
Pan-Searing Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat – Add a tablespoon of butter.
- Cook flesh-side down – Sear for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
- Flip and baste – Turn the lobster, spoon the butter over it, and cook for 2 more minutes until fully opaque.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley – Add lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy with your favorite sides.

Best Sides to Serve with Gordon Ramsay Lobster Tail
- Garlic butter asparagus – Light and flavorful.
- Creamy mashed potatoes – A rich, comforting pairing.
- Lemon herb rice – Complements the citrusy butter sauce.
- Grilled vegetables – Adds smoky depth.
- Buttery dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter.
Pro Tips for the Best Gordon Ramsay Lobster Tail
- Don’t overcook – Lobster is done when it turns opaque and firm, usually around 140°F (60°C).
- Butterfly the tails properly – Ensures even cooking and better presentation.
- Use fresh lemon juice – Enhances the flavor without overpowering the lobster.
- Baste with butter frequently – Keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Let it rest for 2 minutes – Allow the juices to settle before serving.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Lobster Tail
- Make it spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Try a herbed butter mix – Use thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for added aroma.
- Grill instead of broiling – Adds a smoky, charred taste.
- Serve with a white wine sauce – Enhances the richness.
- Add Parmesan crust – Sprinkle-grated Parmesan and broil for extra crispiness.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Lobster Tail
- Store in an airtight container – Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in butter – Warm in a pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving – This can make the lobster rubbery.
- Freeze only uncooked tails – Cooked lobster doesn’t freeze well.
FAQs
How do you know when the lobster tail is fully cooked?
Lobster tail is done when the meat turns opaque white and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). The shell will also turn bright red, and the meat should be firm but not rubbery.
What is the best way to cook lobster tail for tenderness?
Broiling or butter-basting in a pan ensures juicy and tender meat. Cooking at high heat for a short time prevents overcooking, which can make the lobster tough.
Should you cut lobster tails before cooking?
Yes, butterflying the lobster tail by cutting through the shell allows for even cooking and better presentation. It also helps the meat absorb the garlic butter sauce more effectively.
Can you prepare lobster tails ahead of time?
Yes, you can butterfly and season the lobster tails a few hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook, but cook fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Tail is a decadent, buttery, and flavorful seafood dish, perfect for special occasions or an elegant dinner. With minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, this recipe ensures tender, juicy lobster every time. Try it today and bring fine dining to your home kitchen!
PrintGordon Ramsay Lobster Tail
Gordon Ramsay’s Lobster Tail is a butter-basted lobster dish, where the tails are butterflied, brushed with garlic herb butter, and broiled or pan-seared until succulent and slightly charred. This method enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a juicy and flavorful bite.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails (6–8 oz each)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Butterfly the Lobster Tails:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) (if broiling) – Or heat a pan over medium-high heat if pan-searing.
- Cut through the shell – Using kitchen scissors, cut a straight line down the top of the shell without cutting the meat.
- Pull the meat out – Gently lift the lobster meat out and rest it on top of the shell for even cooking.
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Mix the ingredients – In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook the Lobster Tails:
Broiling Method:
- Place lobster tails on a baking sheet – Brush generously with garlic butter.
- Broil for 8-10 minutes – Until the meat turns opaque and slightly golden.
- Baste with more butter – Halfway through cooking, brush again for extra flavor.
Pan-Searing Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat – Add a tablespoon of butter.
- Cook flesh-side down – Sear for 2-3 minutes until slightly charred.
- Flip and baste – Turn the lobster, spoon the butter over it, and cook for 2 more minutes until fully opaque.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley – Add lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy with your favorite sides.