Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter Recipe
Introduction
This Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy succulent lobster at home. Broiled to perfection and topped with a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce, it’s a dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight treat.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (5 to 6 oz each)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (very finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the lobster tails by cutting the top shell with kitchen scissors, stopping at the base. Snip through the top portion of the meat as you go.
- Step 2: Flip the tail to the back side and crack the ribs in the center to help open the shell.
- Step 3: Carefully open the shell using your thumbs and fingers. Loosen the meat from the shell and remove the vein if present. Lift the meat, keeping it attached at the base, and rest it on top of the shell.
- Step 4: Place a rack in the upper third or center of your oven, ensuring lobster meat will be at least 6 inches from the heating element. Preheat the oven to broil on high.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, mix parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice to make the marinade.
- Step 6: Arrange the butterflied lobster tails in a roasting pan. Spoon the marinade evenly over the lobster meat. Dot each tail with 1/2 Tbsp of butter cut into small pieces.
- Step 7: Broil the lobster tails for 10-11 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and registers 145˚F on an instant read thermometer.
- Step 8: Drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp butter and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.
- Step 9: Serve the lobster tails on a platter, garnished with extra parsley. Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the lobster or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or cayenne pepper on the tails before broiling.
- Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to enjoy the delicious garlic lemon butter sauce.
- If fresh lobster tails are unavailable, frozen tails thawed overnight in the refrigerator work perfectly.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or covered skillet to keep the lobster tender. Avoid microwave reheating, as it can toughen the meat.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How do I know when lobster tails are fully cooked?
The lobster meat should be opaque and white throughout, with no translucent parts. Using an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145˚F.
Can I grill lobster tails instead of broiling?
Yes, you can grill lobster tails over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with the garlic lemon butter during cooking for delicious results.
PrintLobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter Recipe
This Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter offers an elegant and flavorful seafood dish perfect for special occasions. Broiled to perfection, the lobster tails are butterflied and topped with a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce enhanced with fresh parsley and Dijon mustard, providing a rich and tangy complement to the delicate lobster meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (5 to 6 oz each)
Marinade and Sauce
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (very finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- Prepare/Butterfly Lobster Tails: Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the base and snipping through the top portion of the meat as you go to expose the lobster meat.
- Crack the Ribs: Flip the lobster tail to the back side and gently crack the ribs in the center to help open the shell further.
- Butterfly the Meat: Open the shell carefully using your thumbs and fingers, loosen the meat from the shell (removing the vein if present). Lift the meat so it stays attached at the base, resting it on top of the shell.
- Preheat Oven for Broiling: Position an oven rack in the upper third or center of the oven so the lobster meat will be at least 6 inches from the heating element, then preheat the oven to broil on high heat.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine parsley, pressed garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice, stirring to blend evenly.
- Arrange Lobster Tails: Place the butterflied lobster tails into a roasting pan (9×13 or 8×12 inches). Evenly distribute the marinade over the lobster meat, then dot each tail with 1/2 Tbsp of unsalted butter cut into small pieces.
- Broil Lobster Tails: Broil the lobster tails on high heat for 10–11 minutes (adjusting time if needed based on tail size). Cook until the lobster meat is opaque, white in the center, and reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Prepare Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. This sauce can be poured over the lobster tails or served separately as a dipping sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the broiled lobster tails to a serving platter, garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the lobster to maintain tender and juicy meat; 145°F internal temperature is the key.
- Removing the vein from the lobster meat ensures a clean taste and presentation.
- Butterflying the lobster tails exposes more surface area for even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Keep the lobster meat attached at the base to maintain structure and presentation.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: lobster tail recipe, garlic lemon butter, broiled lobster, seafood dinner, elegant seafood, easy lobster recipe
