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Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter Recipe

4.5 from 88 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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