Here’s a delicious Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter recipe that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner at home. The garlic lemon butter adds a rich, zesty flavor that complements the sweet, tender lobster meat.
Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 lobster tails (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- If using frozen lobster tails, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight or run cold water over them for about 30 minutes.
- Using a sharp kitchen scissors or a knife, cut along the top shell of the lobster tails (lengthwise) to expose the meat. Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, but leave the base of the shell attached to act as a “boat” for the lobster meat. Optionally, you can also remove the “vein” (intestinal tract) from the meat.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
2. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the butter and sautΓ© for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the butter mixture from heat and set aside.
3. Cook the Lobster Tails:
- Preheat your ovenβs broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic lemon butter mixture, ensuring itβs well-coated.
- If using a broiler: Place the lobster tails under the broiler for about 5-7 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and the top is slightly browned. The lobster tails should be cooked through, but be careful not to overcook them.
- If using a grill: Grill the lobster tails over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the garlic lemon butter, until the meat is opaque and firm.
4. Serve:
- Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the oven or grill. Drizzle the remaining garlic lemon butter over the lobster meat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra freshness.
Tips:
- Donβt overcook the lobster: Lobster can become rubbery if overcooked, so keep an eye on it. When done, the meat should be opaque and tender.
- Grilled option: If you prefer to grill the lobster tails, simply preheat the grill and cook the tails shell-side down for 5-6 minutes, then flip them over to cook the lobster meat.
- Butter sauce variations: For added flavor, you can mix in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a teaspoon of honey, or some fresh thyme.
These Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter are sure to impress your guests or make for a special treat for yourself. The buttery garlic and zesty lemon enhance the lobsterβs natural sweetness, making this dish absolutely irresistible. Enjoy!