Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes lobster tails to the next level with a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce that enhances the natural sweetness of the lobster. The lobster meat stays tender and juicy, while the garlic butter adds depth and richness to every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home that will impress your guests and leave you craving more.

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
   • If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
   • Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise, exposing the lobster meat. Be careful not to cut the meat itself.
   • Gently pull the meat out of the shell, leaving the end attached, and lay it on top of the shell (this is called “piggybacking” the lobster). If desired, you can also remove the vein.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
   • Stir in the lemon juice, paprika, and dried parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Season the Lobster:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet, brushing each one generously with the garlic butter sauce.
4. Bake the Lobster Tails:
   • Place the lobster tails in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. You can check the doneness by using a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
   • Baste the lobster tails with more garlic butter halfway through the baking process for extra flavor.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the lobster tails are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Lobster Tails: Instead of baking, grill the lobster tails for a smoky flavor. Simply brush with garlic butter and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
• Add Parmesan: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the lobster tails during the last few minutes of baking.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick.
• Herb Infused Butter: Try using fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil in the butter sauce for added depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat lobster tails in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure not to overcook, as the lobster can become tough.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator before preparing them.

How do I know when the lobster tails are cooked?

Lobster meat should be opaque and firm when fully cooked. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the lobster should read 140°F (60°C).

Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before using.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce, or brush the lobster tails with a spicy marinade before baking.

Can I make this recipe without paprika?

Yes, if you don’t have paprika, you can substitute it with smoked paprika or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat.

Can I serve this with a side dish?

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails pair well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or a bed of pasta.

Can I use this garlic butter sauce for other seafood?

Absolutely! This garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with shrimp, crab legs, or fish fillets.

How do I prepare lobster tails for baking?

To prepare lobster tails for baking, use kitchen shears to cut through the top of the shell, then gently pull the lobster meat out and rest it on top of the shell. This allows the lobster meat to cook evenly and stay juicy.

How do I avoid overcooking the lobster?

Overcooking lobster can make it tough and rubbery. To avoid this, bake the lobster tails just until the meat is opaque and firm, and check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Lobster tails are best cooked fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a luxurious, mouthwatering dish that combines the sweet, tender flavor of lobster with the richness of garlic butter. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more!

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