Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are a delicious, elegant dish that’s easy to make yet incredibly flavorful. The lobster tails are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, then baked to perfection, offering tender meat with a beautifully golden finish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut down the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fan. Carefully pull the shell apart slightly to expose the lobster meat.
- Gently lift the lobster meat out of the shell, leaving the base of the lobster attached to the shell. Rest the lobster meat on top of the shell.
- Use a sharp knife to make a shallow slit down the center of the lobster meat to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop.
- Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper to the melted butter. Stir to combine.
- Brush the Lobster with Garlic Butter:
- Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat the meat thoroughly. Reserve some butter sauce for later.
- Bake the Lobster Tails:
- Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). The meat should be tender and slightly firm to the touch.
- Finish with Garlic Butter:
- Remove the lobster tails from the oven and brush them with the reserved garlic butter sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Serve:
- Serve the garlic butter lobster tails immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or rice.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Add a side of crispy roasted potatoes or a caesar salad for a full, indulgent meal.
Tips:
- For added flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the lobster tails during the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- If you prefer grilled lobster tails, you can cook them on the grill for about 8-10 minutes, brushing with garlic butter as you go.
- Make sure not to overcook the lobster, as it can become tough. The meat should be slightly firm and opaque.
Enjoy these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails, a buttery, savory, and luxurious seafood dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or a treat-yourself dinner!