Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

$For garlic butter lobster tails, gather these items: - 4 lobster tails - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving - Lobster Tails: Fresh is best, but frozen works too. Just thaw them first. - Unsalted Butter: This lets you control the salt levels. Use salted butter if you prefer. - Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but the taste will be different. - Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Dried parsley can substitute, but use less. - Lemon Juice: Fresh juice adds a zing. Bottled juice is okay if fresh isn't available. - Paprika: This adds color and a mild spice. You can swap it for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. - Salt and Pepper: Always adjust to your taste. Each serving of garlic butter lobster tails contains: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30g - Fat: 23g - Carbohydrates: 2g - Fiber: 0g - Sugar: 0g This dish is rich in protein and healthy fats. It’s perfect for a special meal. Enjoy it with fresh veggies or a light salad for balance. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for cooking. Next, grab some kitchen scissors. Carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail. Start from the wider end and cut down the middle. Be careful not to cut through the meat. Once you finish, gently pull apart the shell. Loosen the meat and lift it slightly. This helps the meat cook evenly. Now, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter melts, add 5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. After that, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and some salt and pepper. Mix it all well. It’s time to cook the lobster tails. Brush the garlic butter mixture over each tail. Make sure to get some in the crevices. Place the tails on a baking sheet. Drizzle any leftover butter on top. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes. The lobster meat should turn opaque, and the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C). For a nice brown finish, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. After cooking, let the tails rest for a few minutes before serving. To cut lobster tails, use kitchen scissors. Start at the wider end. Cut through the shell, but don’t cut the meat. Pull the shell apart gently. This helps the meat sit on top. It cooks better this way and looks nice. Cook lobster tails until they turn opaque. The meat should feel firm. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Aim for 145°F (63°C) inside. If you want a nice brown finish, switch to broil. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. Serve lobster tails on a big platter. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter on top. Add lemon wedges for a fresh look. You can also sprinkle more parsley for color. This makes the dish pop and looks inviting on the table. Pro Tips Choosing Fresh Lobster: Select lobster tails that are firm to the touch and have a pleasant ocean scent. Freshness makes a significant difference in flavor. Butter Temperature: Melt the butter over low heat to avoid burning the garlic. Cooking it too quickly can result in a bitter taste. Broiling Technique: When broiling, keep a close eye on the lobster tails. They can go from perfectly browned to burnt in seconds. Resting Time: Allow the lobster tails to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute for a more succulent bite. {{image_2}} You can mix up your garlic butter with fun flavors. Try adding herbs, like thyme or dill. A touch of chili flakes gives it heat. For a zesty twist, mix in lime juice instead of lemon. You can even add a splash of white wine for depth. Each option can change your dish in a tasty way. While baking works well, grilling adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the lobster tails shell-side down for a few minutes. Turn them over and brush with garlic butter. Steaming is another great option. It keeps the meat tender and juicy. Just ensure you season well to let the flavors shine. Garlic butter lobster tails pair well with many sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and balance. Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich lobster. For a light touch, serve with grilled asparagus or corn on the cob. The sides you choose can enhance the whole meal, making it even more special. After enjoying your garlic butter lobster tails, store any leftovers in a safe way. Let the lobster tails cool to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped tails in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. This keeps the lobster fresh and tasty. When you are ready to enjoy your leftover lobster, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm. You can also use the microwave, but this may dry out the meat. Heat in short bursts, checking often. You can freeze lobster tails for later use. Start by removing the meat from the shells. Cut the tails in half and store the meat in a freezer bag. Press out as much air as you can before sealing. Label the bag with the date. Frozen lobster tails can last up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. Lobster tails are fully cooked when the meat turns opaque and white. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer. If the meat is still translucent or feels soft, it needs more time. Yes, frozen lobster tails work great! They are often more affordable and can be just as tasty as fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking for best results. The best way to thaw frozen lobster tails is in the refrigerator. Place them in a bowl overnight for safe thawing. If you need them faster, you can run them under cold water for about 30 minutes. You can customize the garlic butter sauce by adding herbs, spices, or even cheese. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or dill for extra flavor. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. It is not safe to eat undercooked lobster tail meat. Undercooked seafood can harbor harmful bacteria. Always ensure that lobster tails are cooked to the proper temperature for safety. You learned how to prepare and cook lobster tails in this blog post. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great results. Now you have ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking lobster is easy with the right methods. Try different flavors and methods to make it your own. You can impress everyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy your delicious lobster tails!$

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 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces lobster tails
0.5 cup unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the middle, starting from the wider end to the tail. Be cautious not to cut through the meat.
Gently pull apart the shell, loosening the meat and lifting it slightly so it lays on top of the shell. This will help it broil evenly.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each lobster tail, making sure to get some of it into the crevices of the meat.
Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the tops.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the lobster meat is opaque and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
For extra browning, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Remove the lobster tails from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a platter with lemon wedges and extra parsley for garnish.

Keyword garlic butter, lobster, seafood