Introduction
Lobster tails with garlic butter are a classic seafood dish known for their rich flavor and elegant presentation. This recipe pairs tender, sweet lobster meat with a smooth, aromatic garlic-butter sauce, making it ideal for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal.
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Description
This recipe produces juicy, perfectly cooked lobster tails brushed with a simple yet flavorful garlic butter mixture. Broiling or baking the tails enhances their natural sweetness while giving a slight char on top. The garlic butter melts into the meat, creating a deliciously rich finish.
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Ingredients
For the lobster tails:
4 lobster tails (4–6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Paprika for coloring (optional)
For the garlic butter:
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
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Instructions
1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high. Position the oven rack 5–6 inches from the heat source.
2. Prepare the lobster tails:
Use kitchen shears to cut down the top shell, stopping at the tail fin.
Gently pull the meat upward, resting it on top of the shell.
Pat dry and lightly brush with olive oil.
Season with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of paprika.
3. Make the garlic butter:
In a small bowl combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush half of the garlic butter over the exposed lobster meat.
5. Broil the lobster tails for about 8–10 minutes, depending on size, until the meat is opaque and slightly browned on top.
6. Brush with the remaining garlic butter immediately after removing from the oven.
7. Serve hot with lemon wedges or your preferred sides.
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Tips
For more tender lobster meat, avoid overcooking; remove when the internal temperature reaches about 140°F (60°C).
If using frozen lobster tails, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Broiling gives the best color, but baking at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes works well too.
Use clarified butter for a richer, cleaner flavor.
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Variations
Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Herb Blend: Replace parsley with basil, chives, or tarragon for a different aromatic profile.
Grilled Lobster Tails: Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, brushing with garlic butter throughout.
Citrus Twist: Add orange zest along with lemon zest for a brighter, sweeter note.
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Correction
If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic to 4–5 cloves.
If the lobster browns too quickly, lower the rack or switch to baking instead of broiling.
If the butter burns under the broiler, apply only a light layer at the beginning and save most of it for finishing.
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Enjoy
Serve immediately while hot and succulent. Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of the garlic butter.