Garlic butter lobster tail. Just saying it aloud makes my mouth water. But it’s more than just a delicious meal; for me, it evokes memories of special occasion dinners with my family gathered around a lively table. The air buzzing with laughter, the aroma of melted butter and garlic filling the room, and the pure indulgence of perfectly cooked lobster. That’s what I want to share with you today: a simple yet elegant recipe that brings those joyful memories to your table. A garlic butter lobster tail that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and guaranteed to impress.
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Why You Will Love This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
This garlic butter lobster tail recipe is pure comfort food elevated. It’s quicker than you think to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight treat or a special weekend dinner. The flavor is undeniably divine: succulent lobster bathed in rich, garlicky butter that’s good enough to drink.
What makes this particularly special is its simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or years of culinary experience. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a restaurantquality meal in your own kitchen. It’s about bringing that feeling of luxury and indulgence home. Like our favorite creamy chicken recipe, this lobster tail is easy to love.
Ingredients Needed for This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
- 4 lobster tails (68 oz each)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How to Make This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 2. Prepare the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut down the center of the lobster tail shells, starting from the top and stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pry open the shell and loosen the lobster meat from the shell, being careful not to detach the tail meat completely.
- 3. Lift the lobster meat up and over the shell, so it rests on top of the shell “saddle.” Gently squeeze the shell halves together to keep the meat elevated. This presentation looks beautiful and ensures even cooking.
- 4. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5. Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavor. Reserve the remaining garlic butter for basting.
- 6. Place the prepared lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet.
- 7. Bake for 1215 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your lobster tails, so keep a close eye on them. Baste the lobster tails with the remaining garlic butter halfway through the cooking time.
- 8. Remove the lobster tails from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
Serve your garlic butter lobster tail immediately while it’s hot and juicy. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the flavors beautifully.
Consider pairing it with a simple side salad, roasted asparagus, or creamy mashed potatoes. To add a touch of elegance, present each lobster tail on a bed of fresh greens with a lemon wedge. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up all that delicious garlic butter! For an extra special touch, melt a little extra butter and serve it in small bowls for dipping.
How to Store This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
Leftover baked lobster tail can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To ensure the lobster maintains its moisture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the lobster meat, making it rubbery.
To reheat, gently warm the lobster tail in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 510 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, but be careful not to overcook it.
Tips to Make This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
- For an even more intense garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic. The roasting process mellows out the garlic and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Don’t overcook the lobster! Overcooked lobster becomes tough and rubbery. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the perfect temperature: 140°F (60°C).
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley, but use about half the amount.
- Feel free to add other herbs to the garlic butter, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings! Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Helpful Notes for This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
The most important element of this baked lobster tail recipe is fresh lobster. When buying lobster tails, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a bright, clean smell. Avoid any tails that have a strong, fishy odor or signs of discoloration.
You can find lobster tails at most grocery stores or seafood markets. They typically come frozen, so be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
If you are using frozen lobster tails, it’s crucial to thaw them properly to prevent them from becoming waterlogged. Place the frozen tails in a bowl of cold water for about 3060 minutes, or until they are completely thawed.
Variation of This garlic butter lobster tail Recipe
For a summer variation of this garlic butter lobster tail recipe, try grilling the lobster tails instead of baking them. Prepare the lobster tails and garlic butter as directed, then grill over medium heat for 57 minutes per side, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the garlic butter.
You can also create a parmesan garlic butter lobster tail by sprinkling grated parmesan cheese over the lobster tails before baking. For those watching their sodium, you can also use a low-sodium butter.
Follow us on Pinterest for more charming recipes!How do I cook lobster tail without it being rubbery?
The key to avoiding rubbery lobster tail is to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F. Baking or broiling gently can also help maintain moisture.
What is the best way to thaw frozen lobster tails?
The best way to thaw frozen lobster tails is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. This allows them to thaw slowly and evenly, preventing them from becoming mushy. Avoid thawing at room temperature or in the microwave.
What side dishes go well with garlic butter lobster tail?
Garlic butter lobster tail pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular choices include asparagus, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, and a simple salad. Crusty bread for dipping in the garlic butter sauce is always a winner!
Can I grill garlic butter lobster tail?
Yes, you can grill garlic butter lobster tail! Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the lobster tails for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter as they cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
Conclusion
This garlic butter lobster tail recipe is your ticket to a memorable dinner, whether it’s a special celebration or a cozy night in. Simple to make yet undeniably impressive, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this decadent delight. Share your thoughts below; we’d love to know what you think about this garlic butter lobster tail!