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Cook Lobster Tail

Cook Lobster Tail

5 from 1 vote
This Cook Lobster Tail recipe is a surprisingly easy, delicious, and satisfying way to bring a touch of luxury to your dinner table. With its tender, succulent meat bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that's both elegant and incredibly flavorful, rivaling any restaurant creation. The entire process, from prep to plate, takes only about 20-25 minutes, making it perfect for a special weeknight meal or an impressive weekend dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 lobster tails
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Seafood

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Lobster Tails (6-8 ounces each) Fresh or frozen (thawed thoroughly). Look for firm, bright red shells.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Divided, for basting and finishing.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced, for aromatic richness.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice Squeezed from half a lemon, to brighten the flavors.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish and a touch of freshness.
  • Pinch Sea Salt To taste, enhances natural lobster flavor.
  • Pinch Black Pepper Freshly ground, to taste.
  • Extra lemon wedges for squeezing

Equipment

  • Kitchen Shears
  • - Baking Sheet
  • Small Microwave-Safe Bowl or Saucepan

Method
 

  1. If using frozen lobster tails, ensure they are fully thawed. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker thaw, place them in a sealed plastic bag under cold running water for 30-60 minutes.
    2 Lobster Tails (6-8 ounces each)
  2. Using kitchen shears, carefully cut down the center of the top shell, from the end closest to the tail fins, stopping just before the tail itself. Do not cut through the meat.
  3. Gently pry open the shell with your thumbs and carefully lift the meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the base of the tail fins.
  4. Place the meat on top of the shell. This is known as "butterflying" or "piggybacking" the lobster tail, which allows for even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
  5. If any dark vein (the digestive tract) is present, gently pull it out and discard.
  6. Pat the lobster meat dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
  7. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  8. In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
    4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  9. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir to combine.
    2 cloves Garlic
  10. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. This will be your basting butter.
    1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice, Pinch Sea Salt, Pinch Black Pepper
  11. Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
    2 Lobster Tails (6-8 ounces each)
  12. Brush generously with about half of the garlic butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat.
  13. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm. The internal temperature should reach 140-145°F (60-63°C). Overcooking will result in tough lobster, so keep a close eye on it. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your lobster tails. For larger tails (8 ounces or more), you might need an additional few minutes.
  14. Once cooked, remove the lobster tails from the oven.
  15. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
    4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  16. Brush the cooked lobster tails with the remaining plain melted butter for extra richness and shine.
  17. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley.
    1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
  18. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing. This Cook Lobster Tail is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
    Extra lemon wedges

Notes

To ensure your Cook Lobster Tail remains fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. Once cooked and cooled, place any leftover lobster meat in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid leaving cooked lobster at room temperature for more than 2 hours. For reheating, it's best to do so gently to prevent the lobster from becoming tough. Place the lobster meat on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little melted butter or a splash of water to keep it moist, and cover loosely with foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until just warmed through. Alternatively, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter. Freezing cooked lobster tail is not recommended as it significantly alters the texture and flavor, making it rubbery when thawed.
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