Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Juicy, tender lobster tails drizzled with a rich garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection, this dish is the epitome of indulgence. With its buttery flavor, subtle hints of garlic and lemon, and a beautiful presentation, these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are perfect for special occasions or a luxurious meal at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant yet simple: Easy to prepare with minimal effort, but the results are restaurant-quality.
• Rich flavors: The garlic butter sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster.
• Quick preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or dinner parties.
• Customizable: Add spices or herbs to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 lobster tails (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut the top of each lobster shell lengthwise, exposing the meat.
3. Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell and rest it on top, keeping the meat attached at the base (“piggybacking” the lobster).

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Cook the Lobster Tails

1. Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat, ensuring even coverage.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque, firm to the touch, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove the lobster tails from the oven and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the meat.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 lobster tails
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a kick of heat.
• Herby: Substitute or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
• Grilled option: Instead of baking, grill the lobster tails over medium-high heat for 8–10 minutes, basting with garlic butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, or microwave in short intervals.
• Freezing: It’s best to enjoy lobster fresh, but cooked lobster can be frozen for up to 1 month.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the lobster is done?

The meat will turn opaque and firm to the touch, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

2. Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt to avoid over-salting the dish.

3. Do I need to thaw frozen lobster tails before cooking?

Yes, for even cooking, thaw frozen lobster tails in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water.

4. Can I broil instead of bake?

Yes, broil the lobster tails on high for 8–10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

5. What can I serve with lobster tails?

Serve with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a crisp green salad.

6. Can I prepare the lobster tails ahead of time?

You can prep the lobster tails and make the garlic butter sauce ahead, but cook them just before serving for the best results.

7. How do I butterfly lobster tails?

Use kitchen shears to cut down the top of the shell, then gently pull the meat out and rest it on top of the shell.

8. What type of lobster tails should I use?

Both warm-water and cold-water lobster tails work, but cold-water lobster tails are often more tender and flavorful.

9. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for its rich flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute.

10. How do I prevent the lobster from overcooking?

Keep a close eye on the oven and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are an easy yet elegant dish perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to a luxurious meal. The combination of tender lobster meat and a flavorful garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your home!

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