Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

$- 4 large lobster tails Fresh lobster tails are key to this dish. Look for tails that feel firm and smell fresh. The shells should be hard and shiny. If you can, buy them the same day you plan to cook. - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice This mixture adds rich flavor. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Fresh garlic is best, as it gives a strong taste. The lemon juice adds a bright note, balancing the butter's richness. - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges, for garnishing and serving Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. Smoked paprika adds depth and warmth. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Lemon wedges not only look nice but also add a zesty kick when served. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat will cook the lobster just right. Next, take your large lobster tails and place them on a cutting board. Use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut through the hard shell. Start from the thickest part and go down the center. Stop before you reach the tail fin. Gently pull the lobster meat out while keeping it attached at the base. Lay the meat on top of the shell for a nice look. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. After it melts, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to smell great and turn golden. Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything well. Now it’s time to bake! With a pastry brush, cover the lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture. Save a little butter for basting later. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, making sure they have space. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes. The meat should turn opaque and firm. Halfway through cooking, baste the lobster with the reserved garlic butter for extra flavor. Once done, take them out and let them rest for a minute. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh kick. Choose lobster tails that feel heavy for their size. The shells should be firm and free from cracks. Look for tails with a bright color and a clean smell. If possible, buy them from a trusted source. Freshness matters for taste and texture. To get the best garlic flavor, use fresh garlic. Mince it finely for a strong taste. Sauté it in melted butter until just golden. This prevents bitterness and brings out the sweetness. Adding smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Serve your lobster tails on a stylish platter. Drizzle the extra garlic butter over the meat. Fresh lemon wedges add brightness and zest. Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A chilled white wine also complements the dish perfectly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Lobster: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh lobster tails rather than frozen ones if possible. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the lobster while it bakes. Overcooking can make the meat tough; it should be opaque and firm to the touch. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the garlic butter for a personalized touch, such as thyme or chili flakes. Serve Immediately: Lobster is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, so serve it right away for maximum flavor and tenderness. {{image_4}} If you love heat, add some spice. Mix in red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This kick adds a new layer of flavor. You can also use chili oil for a unique twist. This variation pairs well with lemon juice for balance. Herbs can elevate your dish. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter. Mince the herbs finely and stir them in as you melt the butter. This gives a fresh taste that complements the lobster. You can mix and match herbs based on your preference. Basil and tarragon are also great options. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. If you prefer this method, prepare the lobster tails as before. Brush them with garlic butter and place them on a hot grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn them halfway through for even cooking. Baking gives a tender texture, while grilling adds that nice char. Both methods are tasty, so choose what you like best! After enjoying your garlic butter lobster tails, you may have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. Let the lobster cool to room temperature before sealing it. Place the container in the fridge. Leftover lobster tails will last for up to two days. For the best taste, eat them sooner rather than later. To reheat lobster tails, use an oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes until warm. In the microwave, place the lobster in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little butter or water to keep it moist. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking often. If you want to keep lobster tails longer, freezing is a great option. First, cool them completely. Wrap each tail tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. Frozen lobster tails can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Lobster tails are done when the meat is opaque and firm. You can check the meat's color. It should change from translucent to white. A good rule is to bake them for 12-15 minutes at 425°F. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140°F. This ensures they are safe to eat and full of flavor. Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Just make sure to thaw them first. Place the tails in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're short on time, you can run them under cold water for about 30 minutes. Once thawed, follow the same steps in the recipe. The flavor and texture will still be great. Garlic butter lobster tails pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up extra butter. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus add color and nutrition. - Rice or quinoa: These grains soak up the sauce and add heartiness. - Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! You learned about making delicious lobster tails. We covered fresh ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. You can also explore tasty variations and proper storage. My final thoughts: mastering lobster tails can impress your guests. Enjoy cooking and savoring this dish!$

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Delicious lobster tails baked with a rich garlic butter sauce.

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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 large lobster tails
0.5 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
as needed lemon wedges, for garnishing and serving

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for the lobster tails.
Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, carefully cut through the hard top shell of each lobster tail starting from the thickest part and continue down the center, stopping just before reaching the tail fin. Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell while leaving it attached at the base. Lay the meat on top of the shell for a beautiful presentation.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, watching it closely to prevent burning. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and golden.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper into the melted butter, combining until well blended.
With a pastry brush, generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the exposed lobster meat. Don’t forget to reserve a small amount for later basting during cooking!
Arrange the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced out for even cooking. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat turns opaque and firms up. Remember to baste the lobster with the reserved garlic butter halfway through cooking to maximize flavor and moisture.
Once the lobster tails are cooked, carefully remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a minute or two. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh, zesty kick.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the lobster tails on a stylish platter. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the lobster meat and garnish with fresh sprigs of parsley and lemon wedges to enhance the visual appeal and flavor profile. Enjoy!

Keyword baked, garlic butter, lobster, seafood