Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter is a luxurious yet surprisingly simple dish that transforms any meal into a special occasion. This recipe guides you through creating perfectly cooked lobster tails bathed in an aromatic garlic herb butter, offering an exquisite dining experience right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients for Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter
To craft these irresistible Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter, you’ll need a carefully selected array of fresh ingredients. Precision in quantities ensures the perfect balance of flavors and textures, promising a gourmet result.
- 4 medium lobster tails (5-6 ounces each): Look for fresh or frozen tails, ensuring they are thawed completely if frozen. These will be butterflied for optimal cooking.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: High-quality unsalted butter is crucial for the rich flavor of the herb butter. This will be melted.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides an essential aromatic foundation. Avoid pre-minced garlic for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Fresh herbs are key. Parsley adds a bright, fresh note and a lovely green garnish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped: Chives offer a delicate oniony flavor that complements the richness of the lobster.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped: Thyme imbues the butter with an earthy, slightly floral aroma.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: This secret ingredient adds a subtle depth and warmth, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a hint of heat, these flakes provide a gentle kick.
- 1 lemon, half for juice and half for wedges (for serving): Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness, while wedges are perfect for a final squeeze.
- Salt, to taste: Fine sea salt is recommended to season the lobster and butter.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a pungent spice that enhances all other flavors.
How to Make Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter
This Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter recipe is remarkably easy, delivering an incredibly delicious and satisfying dish without a fuss. Its simplicity belies its gourmet appeal, making it perfect for both weeknight indulgence and special occasions. The rich garlic herb butter penetrates the sweet lobster meat, creating a tender and flavorful experience. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 12-15 minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping meal on the table in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Butterfly the Lobster Tails: Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top of each lobster shell lengthwise, from the tail end almost to the fan. Do not cut through the meat. Gently open the shell and, using your fingers, loosen the meat from the bottom of the shell. Carefully lift the meat out, keeping it attached at the tail end, and rest it on top of the shell. This creates a beautiful presentation and allows the butter to flavor the meat more effectively. You can also make a shallow cut lengthwise down the center of the lobster meat to help it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
- Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from half the lemon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Butter the Lobster: Place the butterflied lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the garlic herb butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat. Make sure to get some of the herbs and garlic bits onto the meat.
- Bake the Lobster: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 140-145°F (60-63°C). Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the lobster tough. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your lobster tails.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the oven. Drizzle any remaining garlic herb butter from the baking sheet over the lobster. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter
You’ll truly adore this Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter for its undeniable elegance coupled with surprising simplicity. The star of the show is, of course, the succulent lobster meat, cooked to perfection and enveloped in a fragrant, golden garlic herb butter that instantly elevates the dish. This recipe offers a luxurious dining experience often reserved for high-end restaurants, but by preparing it at home, you unlock significant cost savings without compromising on quality or flavor. Imagine savoring perfectly tender lobster without the hefty restaurant bill!
Beyond the financial benefit, the exquisite combination of fresh garlic, fragrant herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme, balanced with a hint of smoked paprika and bright lemon, creates an intoxicating aroma and flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. This isn’t just plain baked lobster; it’s a symphony of tastes that awakens the palate. While a classic lobster roll is undeniably delicious, this baked version truly lets the lobster’s natural sweetness shine, enhanced by its savory herb-butter blanket. What are you waiting for? Invite this gourmet delight into your kitchen tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Baked Lobster Tail Garlic Herb Butter remains as delicious as possible, proper storage and reheating are key. If you have any leftovers, allow the cooked lobster tails to cool completely to room temperature (this should take no more than 1-2 hours). Once cooled, transfer the lobster tails to an airtight container. You can leave them in their shells or carefully remove the meat. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beyond this timeframe, the quality and texture of cooked lobster can diminish.
For reheating, the best method to preserve tenderness and flavor is gentle heat. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the lobster tails (or just the meat) on a baking sheet, ideally with a small splash of water or a knob of butter to prevent drying. Cover the baking sheet loosely with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 5-7 minutes,
or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the lobster rubbery and tough. You can also reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a tiny bit of butter or broth. Freezing cooked lobster tails is generally not recommended as it significantly affects the texture, making the meat watery and stringy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days of preparation.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter recipe is an absolute game-changer, proving that gourmet dining can be accessible and enjoyable to create at home. With its effortless preparation and unforgettable flavors, it’s a dish that truly elevates any occasion. Don’t hesitate—give this luxurious yet simple recipe a try, and prepare to impress your taste buds!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
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Baked Lobster Tails Garlic Herb Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Using sharp kitchen shears, carefully cut through the top of each lobster shell lengthwise, from the tail end almost to the fan. Do not cut through the meat. Gently open the shell and, using your fingers, loosen the meat from the bottom of the shell. Carefully lift the meat out, keeping it attached at the tail end, and rest it on top of the shell. This creates a beautiful presentation and allows the butter to flavor the meat more effectively. You can also make a shallow cut lengthwise down the center of the lobster meat to help it cook evenly and absorb more flavor.4 medium lobster tails
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chives, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from half the lemon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.½ cup unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 lemon, Salt, Freshly ground black pepper
- Place the butterflied lobster tails on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the garlic herb butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat. Make sure to get some of the herbs and garlic bits onto the meat.4 medium lobster tails
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 140-145°F (60-63°C). Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the lobster tough. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your lobster tails.4 medium lobster tails
- Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the oven. Drizzle any remaining garlic herb butter from the baking sheet over the lobster. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.