Black Garlic Butter Lobster Tail with Thyme Glaze

Black Garlic Butter Lobster Tail with Thyme Glaze is a luxurious and flavorful seafood dish that takes classic lobster to a new level. With rich, umami-packed black garlic, herbaceous thyme, and buttery lobster meat, this elegant recipe is perfect for special occasions—or when I simply want to treat myself to something truly indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines the delicate sweetness of lobster with the deep, earthy flavor of black garlic and the fresh brightness of thyme. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare but feels like fine dining at home. Whether I’m cooking for a date night, holiday dinner, or just because, this recipe makes lobster feel fresh and exciting without being fussy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Lobster tails, split and shells slightly opened

• Black garlic cloves, mashed into a paste

• Unsalted butter

• Fresh thyme sprigs

• Lemon juice

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• Honey or maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness in the glaze)

• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.

2. I prepare the black garlic butter by mashing the black garlic into a paste and mixing it with softened butter, thyme leaves, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. I gently lift the lobster meat above the shell without detaching it, then spread the black garlic butter over the meat.

4. I place the lobster tails on the baking sheet and drizzle with a little olive oil.

5. I bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and lightly browned.

6. While the lobster bakes, I prepare the thyme glaze by warming a small amount of butter or olive oil in a saucepan with thyme sprigs, lemon juice, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. I let it infuse for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat.

7. When the lobster tails are done, I brush them generously with the thyme glaze before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 people and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking and glazing.

Variations

I sometimes add a bit of Dijon mustard or white wine to the glaze for an extra layer of flavor. If I want to elevate the presentation, I serve the lobster over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter pasta. For a smoky touch, I broil the lobster tails for the last 1–2 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the lobster in a covered dish in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F), adding a small pat of butter to keep it moist. I avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

What is black garlic?

Black garlic is fermented garlic with a sweet, mellow flavor and deep umami notes. I love using it in this dish for its rich and complex taste.

Can I use regular garlic instead?

Yes, but the flavor will be sharper and more traditional. I roast it first to mellow it out and bring some sweetness closer to black garlic’s profile.

How do I know when the lobster is done?

The meat turns opaque and firm, and the internal temperature reaches 140–145°F. I make sure not to overcook to keep it tender.

Can I grill the lobster tails instead of baking?

Yes, I often grill them over medium-high heat, shell-side down, for 8–10 minutes, brushing with garlic butter and glaze as they cook.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like to serve it with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a buttery rice pilaf. Crusty bread also helps soak up all that extra glaze.

Conclusion

Black Garlic Butter Lobster Tail with Thyme Glaze is a show-stopping dish that’s easier than it looks and bursting with gourmet flavor. I love how the black garlic and thyme work together to elevate the natural sweetness of the lobster. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want to impress or indulge—and it never disappoints.

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