Description
Master this lobster tail recipe for a succulent, restaurant-quality dish in just 30 minutes. Brushed with garlic butter and baked to perfection, these tender lobster tails are simple yet luxurious. Ideal for novices and seasoned cooks alike, this recipe promises rich flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (6–8 ounces each), fresh or thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika (preferably smoked for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Substitutions:
- Use ghee instead of butter for a lactose-free option.
- Substitute olive oil for butter for a lighter alternative.
- Replace smoked paprika with cayenne for a spicier variation.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Using kitchen shears, cut the top of each lobster shell lengthwise, stopping at the tail base. Gently separate the meat from the shell, keeping the tail fin intact, and lift the meat to rest atop the shell.
- Season the Lobster: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the exposed lobster meat.
- Bake to Perfection: Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the meat is opaque and reaches 140°F (60°C). Check at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Tip: Use a sharp pair of shears for a clean cut to maintain presentation quality.
- Avoid Overcooking: Monitor cooking time closely; overcooked lobster becomes rubbery.
- Thawing: If using frozen tails, thaw in cold water for 30 minutes before preparation.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or extra lemon zest for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail (6-8 ounces with butter mixture)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: lobster tail recipe, garlic butter lobster, easy seafood recipe, baked lobster tails, quick dinner