This Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter is a decadent yet surprisingly simple dish that brings gourmet dining right to your kitchen. Perfectly cooked lobster tails, bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic lemon butter sauce, make for an unforgettable meal that’s both impressive and easy to master. This recipe is your ticket to a luxurious experience without the restaurant price tag.
Key Ingredients for Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter
- 2-4 Lobster Tails: (approximately 4-6 oz each), fresh or frozen (thawed). Look for firm, bright shells.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter: high-quality butter makes a difference in flavor.
- 4-6 cloves Garlic: (minced), adjust to your garlic preference.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice: from about half a lemon, adds a bright zing.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley: (chopped), for garnish and a touch of freshness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: (optional), for a hint of warmth and color.
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: (optional), if you like a little heat.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: to taste.
- Lemon Wedges: for serving.
How to Make Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter
This Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter is incredibly satisfying, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal fuss. Featuring plump, tender lobster steeped in a bright, savory garlic lemon butter, it’s a dish that truly stands out. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create such an elegant meal, perfect for any special occasion or a luxurious weeknight treat. From preparation to plate, this recipe takes only about 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and impressive culinary feat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: If using frozen lobster tails, ensure they are fully thawed. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell, from the thickest part to the base of the tail, being careful not to cut through the meat. Gently open the shell and, using your fingers, loosen the meat from the shell. Lift the meat up and out, resting it on top of the shell. You can also butterfly the tails by cutting the meat down the middle, but not all the way through, and opening it like a book. Pat the lobster tails dry with paper towels. This helps with browning and seasoning adherence.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Baste the Lobster Tails: Generously brush the garlic lemon butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat. Ensure each tail is thoroughly coated, allowing the butter to seep into the crevices. This will infuse the lobster with incredible flavor as it bakes.
- Bake the Lobster Tails: Place the baking sheet with the lobster tails in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your lobster tails. A good indicator of doneness is when the meat turns from translucent to white and is no longer rubbery.
- Broil (Optional for additional browning): For a slightly golden crust, you can carefully broil the lobster tails for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as broilers can be very powerful.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. A small bowl of any remaining garlic lemon butter sauce can be served alongside for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter
You’ll absolutely adore this Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter for its undeniable elegance and surprisingly straightforward preparation. The focal point is, of course, the beautifully sweet, tender lobster meat, perfectly cooked and infused with a bright, savory garlic lemon butter. It’s an ideal way to enjoy a gourmet experience in the comfort of your home, saving you a significant amount compared to dining out.
This recipe truly shines with the rich, aromatic garlic butter that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of the lobster, enhanced by a hint of fresh lemon and optionally, a touch of smoked paprika for depth. While a classic like shrimp scampi delivers similar butter-garlic delight, this lobster tail recipe elevates it to a whole new level of luxury. Don’t wait—indulge yourself and try making this magnificent dish tonight!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter, allow the lobster to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and consume within 1-2 days for the best quality and safety. Storing it in its shell can help retain moisture.
For reheating, it’s best to do so gently to prevent the lobster from becoming rubbery. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, tent loosely with foil, and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until just warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently warm the lobster meat in a skillet with a little extra butter over low heat. Freezing cooked lobster is not recommended, as it can significantly alter the texture, making it tough and dry upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter is truly a showstopper, offering a remarkably simple path to an exquisite meal. Its rich flavors and tender texture make it a perfect dish for celebrating or simply treating yourself. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and prepare to savor this luxurious creation in your own kitchen!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Lobster Tail Recipe Garlic Lemon Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using frozen lobster tails, ensure they are fully thawed. Using kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell, from the thickest part to the base of the tail, being careful not to cut through the meat. Gently open the shell and, using your fingers, loosen the meat from the shell. Lift the meat up and out, resting it on top of the shell. You can also butterfly the tails by cutting the meat down the middle, but not all the way through, and opening it like a book. Pat the lobster tails dry with paper towels. This helps with browning and seasoning adherence.2-4 Lobster Tails
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the prepared lobster tails on the baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Once melted, add the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, 4-6 cloves Garlic, 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice, 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika, Pinch Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Generously brush the garlic lemon butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat. Ensure each tail is thoroughly coated, allowing the butter to seep into the crevices. This will infuse the lobster with incredible flavor as it bakes.
- Place the baking sheet with the lobster tails in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm to the touch. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your lobster tails. A good indicator of doneness is when the meat turns from translucent to white and is no longer rubbery.
- For a slightly golden crust, you can carefully broil the lobster tails for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as broilers can be very powerful.
- Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. A small bowl of any remaining garlic lemon butter sauce can be served alongside for dipping.1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges