Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter and Lemon

Introduction

When you think of an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish, Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter and Lemon immediately comes to mind. This recipe is all about indulgence and sophistication, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender, juicy lobster tails are broiled or baked until perfectly cooked, then drizzled with a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with a bright squeeze of lemon. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible—decadent, savory, and fresh all at once.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself to something luxurious, this dish is a showstopper. It looks impressive, tastes incredible, and makes any meal feel like fine dining in the comfort of your home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together simplicity and sophistication in the best way possible. Cooking lobster at home might sound intimidating, but this method ensures tender, juicy meat without the stress. The garlic butter adds richness, while the lemon keeps everything light and balanced.

It’s also highly versatile—you can serve it with pasta, risotto, roasted veggies, or even just a crisp salad and warm bread. Every bite feels like a special treat, and yet the entire dish can be ready in under 30 minutes. That’s why it’s one of my go-to choices for celebrations, holidays, or date nights.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Restaurant Quality at Home: Skip the high prices and impress guests with a gourmet dish.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in 25 minutes, no complex techniques needed.
• Elegant & Luxurious: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or festive occasions.
• Balanced Flavor: Rich butter sauce meets zesty lemon and savory garlic for a perfect bite.

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: American / Seafood
• Course: Main Course / Dinner
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 (2 lobster tails per serving if small, 1 if large)
• Calories: ~300–350 calories per lobster tail (depends on size & butter used)

Ingredients

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each, fresh or thawed if frozen)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the broiler on high.
2. Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise to the tail end.
3. Gently pull apart the shell and loosen the lobster meat, lifting it slightly above the shell while keeping the base attached (this is called the “butterfly” method).
4. Brush the lobster meat with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Lobster Tails

1. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil.
2. Spoon some garlic butter over the lobster meat.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or broil for 8–10 minutes, until the meat is opaque and firm (internal temperature should reach 140–145°F / 60–63°C).

Step 4: Serve

1. Drizzle remaining garlic butter over cooked lobster tails.
2. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

How to Serve

• Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or steamed asparagus.
• Serve alongside a light pasta dish or risotto for a more filling meal.
• Complement with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Always thaw frozen lobster tails in the fridge overnight before cooking.
• Don’t overcook lobster—this is the most common mistake. Keep an eye on it.
• For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

Variations

1. Spicy Lobster Tails: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the butter sauce.
2. Herb Butter Lobster: Swap parsley for dill, thyme, or tarragon.
3. Grilled Lobster Tails: Instead of baking, grill the tails over medium-high heat for a smoky flavor.
4. Cheesy Lobster Tails: Sprinkle parmesan on top before broiling.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked lobster in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with butter to prevent drying out.
• Freezer: Not recommended for cooked lobster as texture may change. If necessary, freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Kitchen shears (to butterfly lobster tails)
• Baking sheet
• Basting brush (for butter)
• Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)

Conclusion

Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter and Lemon is a timeless, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The tender lobster meat paired with the richness of garlic butter and the freshness of lemon creates a flavor combination that’s both luxurious and comforting. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a holiday celebration, or simply a night of self-indulgence, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and delight.

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Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter and Lemon

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Seafood

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 350 calories

Description

When you think of an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish, Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter and Lemon immediately comes to mind. This recipe is all about indulgence and sophistication, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 lobster tails (about 5–6 oz each, fresh or thawed if frozen)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails : Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set the broiler on high.Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise to the tail end.Gently pull apart the shell and loosen the lobster meat, lifting it slightly above the shell while keeping the base attached (this is called the “butterfly” method).Brush the lobster meat with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce : In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.Stir in lemon juice and parsley. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Cook the Lobster Tails : Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with foil.Spoon some garlic butter over the lobster meat.Bake for 12–15 minutes, or broil for 8–10 minutes, until the meat is opaque and firm (internal temperature should reach 140–145°F / 60–63°C).
4. Step 4: Serve : Drizzle remaining garlic butter over cooked lobster tails.Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.

Keywords: Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter and Lemon