Garlic Butter Lobster Tails
Indulge in a cozy, luxurious dinner with garlic butter lobster tails, ready in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe combines buttery, garlicky flavors with tender lobster for an elegant and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces lobster tails (6 to 8 ounces each) fresh or thawed frozen, split down the back for easy seasoning
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter gives silkiness and carries the garlic flavor
- 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced bright and aromatic
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice wakes up the richness
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds gentle warmth and color
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color and a fresh finish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Use kitchen shears to cut the top of each lobster shell lengthwise and gently lift the meat up so it rests on top of the shell.
Make the garlic butter
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
- Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, half the parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Season the tails
- Brush the garlic butter generously over the lobster meat, getting into every crevice. Reserve a tablespoon or two for finishing.
Cook the lobster
- Oven method: Place the tails on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the meat is opaque and registers 135°F to 140°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Skillet method: Melt a little butter in the pan and sear the lobster meat-side down for 2 minutes, then flip and finish for another 3 to 4 minutes, spooning butter over the meat as it cooks.
Finish and serve
- Remove from heat, brush with reserved butter, and sprinkle with remaining parsley.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a spicy twist, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the butter. You can also swap parsley for tarragon or chives for a different herbaceous note.