Tender, juicy lobster tails brushed with a rich garlic butter sauce and broiled to perfection. This restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly simple to prepare and perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Yields4 ServingsPrep Time20 minsCook Time20 minsTotal Time40 mins
For the Lobster Tails
4lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
1tbspolive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Paprika, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
½cupunsalted butter, melted
4clovesgarlic, minced
1tbspfresh lemon juice
1tspfresh parsley, chopped
½tspsmoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
¼tspred pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Prepare the Lobster Tails
1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and set the oven rack in the middle position.
Using kitchen scissors, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the base of the tail. Avoid cutting through the meat.
Gently pull the shell apart and carefully lift the meat up, allowing it to rest on top of the shell while still attached at the base. This is known as the "butterfly" method.
Brush the lobster meat lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
2
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Remove from heat and set aside.
Broil the Lobster Tails
3
Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce, reserving some for serving.
Place the lobster tails in the oven and broil for 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
During the last 2 minutes of broiling, brush the lobster tails with additional garlic butter sauce to enhance the flavor.
Serve and Garnish
4
Remove the lobster tails from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
Drizzle with more garlic butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp salad.
Tips and Variations
5
For a Smokier Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter sauce.
Spicy Option: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Grilling Option: Grill the lobster tails over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter sauce throughout.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Make Ahead: The garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails
4lobster tails (6-8 oz each)
1tbspolive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Paprika, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
½cupunsalted butter, melted
4clovesgarlic, minced
1tbspfresh lemon juice
1tspfresh parsley, chopped
½tspsmoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
¼tspred pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Prepare the Lobster Tails
1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and set the oven rack in the middle position.
Using kitchen scissors, cut the top shell of each lobster tail lengthwise, stopping at the base of the tail. Avoid cutting through the meat.
Gently pull the shell apart and carefully lift the meat up, allowing it to rest on top of the shell while still attached at the base. This is known as the "butterfly" method.
Brush the lobster meat lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
2
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Remove from heat and set aside.
Broil the Lobster Tails
3
Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
Generously brush the lobster meat with the garlic butter sauce, reserving some for serving.
Place the lobster tails in the oven and broil for 10-12 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch.
Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
During the last 2 minutes of broiling, brush the lobster tails with additional garlic butter sauce to enhance the flavor.
Serve and Garnish
4
Remove the lobster tails from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes.
Drizzle with more garlic butter sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Serve immediately with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a crisp salad.
Tips and Variations
5
For a Smokier Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter sauce.
Spicy Option: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Grilling Option: Grill the lobster tails over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter sauce throughout.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Make Ahead: The garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated.
