Garlic Butter Lobster Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 lobster tails (fresh or frozen)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color and a bit of flavor)
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
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If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them in the fridge overnight or place them in a bowl of cold water for about 30-45 minutes.
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Using kitchen scissors, cut along the top of each lobster tail to expose the meat. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom shell.
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Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping the end of the lobster tail attached to the shell. You can leave the lobster meat sitting on top of the shell for a nice presentation.
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Use a sharp knife to cut a small slit along the back of the lobster meat and remove any dark vein (the intestinal tract).
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
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Stir in the lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Set the garlic butter aside.
3. Cook the Lobster Tails:
Option 1: Broiling
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Preheat the broiler in your oven to high.
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Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, shell-side down, and brush the meat generously with the garlic butter sauce. You can reserve some sauce for serving.
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Broil the lobster tails for about 6-8 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. The exact time depends on the size of the tails (typically about 1-1.5 minutes per ounce of lobster meat).
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Check the lobster for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the meat to ensure it’s no longer translucent.
Option 2: Pan-Seared (Stovetop)
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
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Once the oil is hot, place the lobster tails meat-side down in the pan.
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Sear for 3-4 minutes, then flip the lobster tails over. Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic butter sauce.
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Spoon the garlic butter over the lobster as it cooks, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
4. Serve:
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Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the heat and drizzle them with the remaining garlic butter.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Tips and Variations:
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Lobster Size: Depending on the size of the lobster tails, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Smaller tails (3-4 oz) will cook faster, while larger ones (6-8 oz) may need a few extra minutes.
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Flavor Boosts: For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce as it simmers or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
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Herb Variations: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the butter for a different flavor profile.
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Side Pairings: Serve the lobster with garlic bread, a side of asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad to make it a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Garlic Butter Lobster pairs wonderfully with:
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Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
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Rice or risotto for soaking up the delicious butter sauce
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A light salad for balance
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Crusty bread to dip into the leftover garlic butter sauce
Garlic Butter Lobster is a show-stopping dish that’s easy enough to make for a cozy dinner at home but fancy enough for a special celebration or holiday. The tender, juicy lobster meat with the rich, aromatic garlic butter is a combination you can’t go wrong with.
Are you planning on making this for a special occasion, or is it just a cozy dinner you’re craving? Let me know if you’d like any more tips or ideas!