Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Treat yourself (or impress someone special) with these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails a decadent, restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Juicy, tender lobster meat is drenched in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and paprika for irresistible flavor. Perfect for holidays, date nights, or whenever you feel like dining in style.

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prep the lobster tails – Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Using kitchen scissors, cut along the top shell of each lobster tail down the center, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell to reveal the meat, lifting slightly so it rests on top.
2. Make the garlic butter – In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush and bake – Place lobster tails on a baking sheet, meat side up. Generously brush with garlic butter. Bake for 12–15 minutes, basting with more garlic butter halfway through, until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
4. Serve and enjoy – Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Variation

• Herb-Infused Butter – Add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or chives to the butter for a more complex aroma and flavor. The fresh herbs infuse into the butter as it bakes, giving the lobster an elegant, garden-fresh touch.
• Spicy Kick – For those who love a bit of heat, stir a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce into the garlic butter. The subtle heat complements the sweet, delicate lobster meat without overpowering it.
• Grilled Lobster Tails – Instead of baking, grill the prepared lobster tails over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, basting with garlic butter frequently. This gives a smoky, slightly charred edge that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter.

Cooking Notes

• Don’t Overcook the Lobster – Lobster meat becomes rubbery if overcooked. Keep a close watch, and as soon as the meat turns opaque and firm, remove it from the oven.
• Room-Temperature Butter – If your butter is too cold, it can seize up when it hits the pan with garlic. Let it soften slightly before melting to ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
• Basting for Flavor – Basting halfway through cooking ensures that the meat stays juicy and absorbs every bit of that garlicky, buttery goodness.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Side of Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy, buttery potatoes soak up extra garlic butter from the lobster, making every bite indulgent.
• Paired with Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans – A light, crisp vegetable side balances the richness of the lobster for a more well-rounded meal.
• Over Pasta or Rice Pilaf – Let the garlic butter drizzle down into a bed of linguine or fluffy rice for a luxurious, sauce-soaked main course.

Tips

• Cut the Shell Carefully – Use sharp kitchen scissors and take your time when splitting the lobster shell to avoid cutting into the delicate meat underneath.
• Fresh Lemon is Key – Bottled lemon juice won’t have the same vibrant, zesty punch. Always use fresh-squeezed juice for the best flavor.
• Preheat the Oven Fully – Lobster cooks quickly, and starting in a fully preheated oven ensures even cooking and a perfect texture.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 29 g
• Sodium: 460 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
   Yes, just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and even cooking.
2. What’s the best way to reheat lobster tails?
   Gently reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C) with a little extra butter to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the meat tough.
3. Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
   Absolutely. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Melt and stir before brushing onto the lobster.
4. Do I have to remove the lobster meat from the shell?
   Not necessarily — you can cook it in the shell for presentation. Butterflying the lobster (lifting the meat on top of the shell) simply makes basting easier and looks more elegant.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Lobster Tails bring five-star dining straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Juicy, tender lobster meat paired with rich, garlicky butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon makes for a truly luxurious meal. Whether it’s a holiday celebration, romantic dinner, or a personal treat, this recipe is a sure way to impress and indulge.

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