Garlic Butter Lobster Tails offer a luxurious and flavorful dish that is both simple to prepare and perfect for any special occasion. The succulent lobster meat is enhanced by a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a romantic dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
4 lobster tails
1/2 cup butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
- Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise, making sure not to cut through the lobster meat.
- Gently pull the shell apart and lift the lobster meat, leaving it attached at the base.
- Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet, meat side up.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Broil the lobster tails for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and fully cooked. You can check by piercing the meat with a fork—it should be firm and white.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Variations
- Add Spice: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture.
- Herb-Infused Butter: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to the garlic butter for added depth of flavor.
- Grilled Lobster Tails: Instead of broiling, you can grill the lobster tails over medium heat for 6-8 minutes, brushing with garlic butter throughout.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the lobster tails gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes, frozen lobster tails work fine. Be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before preparing. - Can I use clarified butter instead of regular butter?
Yes, clarified butter will give the lobster a richer taste, and it also won’t burn as easily under the broiler. - How can I tell when the lobster tails are fully cooked?
The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. It should also have an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. - Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm it up before brushing it on the lobster tails. - What should I serve with lobster tails?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes complement lobster tails beautifully. - Can I use a different cooking method?
Yes, you can steam the lobster tails or cook them in a skillet if you prefer not to broil. - Do I need to devein the lobster tails?
No, lobster tails typically do not require deveining, as the vein is usually removed during processing. - How do I make sure the lobster meat doesn’t dry out?
Avoid overcooking. Broil the lobster tails just until the meat is opaque and firm to ensure it remains juicy. - Can I double or halve the recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the recipe based on the number of servings you need. Just make sure the lobster tails are cooked evenly. - How do I serve the lobster tails?
Lobster tails are best served whole, with a side of dipping sauce (such as extra garlic butter or lemon wedges) for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are the ultimate indulgence, combining the sweet and delicate flavor of lobster with the rich and savory taste of garlic butter. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a fancy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple to make, yet elegant enough to feel like a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Print
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are an elegant and flavorful seafood dish that is simple to make yet impressive enough for a special occasion. Tender lobster meat is broiled to perfection and generously brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce, accented with a touch of fresh lemon juice. The result is a decadent, buttery treat that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler.
- Using kitchen shears, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise.
- Gently pull the shell open and lift the lobster meat, leaving it attached at the base.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Broil the lobster tails for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is fully cooked and opaque.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use a thermometer to check the lobster’s internal temperature, which should reach 140°F (60°C).
- For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the lobster tails just before serving.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes