Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

$- 4 lobster tails - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving When you want to make garlic butter lobster tails, you need fresh ingredients. Start with four lobster tails. These are the star of the dish. You also need a half cup of unsalted butter. This butter will make your sauce rich and tasty. Next, grab four cloves of garlic. Minced garlic gives a strong flavor. Don’t skip this step! You will also use two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This adds a bright zest to the dish. For color and flavor, use two tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped finely. Add one teaspoon of paprika for a mild, smoky flavor. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. These simple seasonings will enhance all the flavors. Lastly, prepare some lemon wedges for serving. They will give your dish a fresh burst when squeezed over the lobster. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a dish that impresses! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to cut the lobster tails. Use kitchen scissors to cut down the top shell. Stop just before the tail fin. This cut helps you lift the meat easily. Now, gently pull the lobster meat out. Keep it attached at the base. Place the meat on top of the shell. This makes it look nice and ready for cooking. Next, let’s make the garlic butter. Take a small saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Once it melts, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not burnt. After that, stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it well for a tasty blend. Now, it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the garlic butter mixture over the lobster meat. Save some butter for basting later. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. The meat should turn opaque and fully cooked. Halfway through, baste the tails with the reserved garlic butter. This keeps them moist and adds flavor. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes. Enjoy with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty kick! - Using fresh vs. dried herbs: I love using fresh herbs in my garlic butter. Fresh parsley adds bright flavor and color. Dried herbs can work, but they may lack the same vibrancy. If you use dried, cut the amount in half. This way, you avoid overpowering the dish. - Adjusting garlic levels for flavor: Garlic gives this dish its kick, but you can adjust the amount. If you love garlic, add an extra clove or two. If you want a milder taste, cut back to just two cloves. The key is to find a balance you enjoy. - Oven vs. grill methods: Both methods work well for cooking lobster tails. Baking gives you even cooking in the oven. If you grill, you get a nice smoky flavor that many people love. Just make sure to keep an eye on the tails no matter what method you choose. - Ensuring even cooking: For even cooking, place the lobster tails on a baking sheet with space between them. Basting them halfway through also helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. This improves the final texture and ensures every bite is delicious. - Serving suggestions with garnishes: Presentation matters! After cooking, place the lobster tails on a large platter. Drizzle with extra garlic butter and add lemon wedges. This gives a pop of color and adds freshness. - Plating for an appealing look: When plating, use a large white plate to highlight the lobster's rich color. Arrange the tails in a fan shape. Sprinkle chopped parsley around for a touch of green. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Lobster: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Lobster tails can easily overcook, so check for an opaque color and firm texture after 12 minutes. Garlic Butter Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor in your garlic butter mixture. Cutting the Shell: Use kitchen scissors for a clean cut down the shell. This helps to easily lift the meat without damaging it. Basting for Flavor: Basting the lobster tails halfway through cooking ensures they stay moist and flavorful, so don't skip this step! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of garlic butter lobster tails easily. Adding spices like chili flakes gives a nice kick. Just sprinkle some on the lobster meat before baking. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or dill. These herbs add freshness and depth to the dish. Mix them into the garlic butter for a unique twist. You have choices when cooking lobster tails. Broiling gives a nice char and a smoky flavor. Simply place the lobster tails under the broiler for about 10 minutes. Baking is more gentle and keeps the meat tender. It takes about 12-15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). You can also grill lobster tails for a fun outdoor meal. Just preheat the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. Lobster pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Roasted asparagus or creamy mashed potatoes also work great. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is perfect. You can also enjoy a refreshing sparkling water with lemon. To keep your cooked lobster tails fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool first. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want the best taste, eat them sooner rather than later. For reheating, the oven is the best choice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warm. If you want to save lobster tails for later, freezing is a great option. Start by wrapping each tail tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store frozen lobster tails for up to 3 months. When you're ready to cook them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and firm. After thawing, cook them just like fresh tails for the best flavor. You can tell lobster tails are cooked when the meat turns opaque and firm. The shell will also change color to a bright red or orange. Another sign is when the meat pulls away from the shell. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be exact. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). This ensures the lobster is safe to eat and tasty. Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails! To cook them well, you need to thaw them first. The best way to thaw is to place them in the fridge overnight. If you are short on time, you can put them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, follow the same cooking steps. This will keep the flavor and texture great. Garlic butter lobster tails go well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Roasted asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed broccoli - Rice pilaf - A fresh garden salad These sides enhance the meal and bring balance to the rich taste of the lobster. Enjoy your meal! This guide has walked you through the complete process of cooking lobster tails. We began with the ingredients and then moved to the step-by-step instructions. You learned to prepare garlic butter, bake the lobster, and refine your cooking techniques. You now have tips for variations and storing leftovers. In the end, enjoy your lobster experience. It’s about delicious flavors and great presentation. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Delicious lobster tails baked with garlic butter and served with lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces lobster tails
0.5 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Use kitchen scissors to carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the middle, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently lift the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the base, and lay it on top of the shell.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper into the melted butter, mixing well.
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the lobster meat. Reserve a little for basting during cooking.
Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, until the meat is opaque and cooked through. Halfway through, baste the tails with the reserved garlic butter.
Once cooked, remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor.

Notes

Serve the lobster tails on a platter, drizzled with the remaining garlic butter and garnished with sprigs of parsley and lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Keyword baked, garlic butter, lobster, seafood