I’ve always been a sucker for anything drenched in garlic butter—who isn’t, right? There’s just something about how it coats everything in its path with that rich, savory goodness.
And when you pair it with lobster tails, oh boy, it’s like a fancy dinner at home without the fancy price tag. Imagine a cozy evening, maybe the latest episode of your favorite show in the background, and you’re digging into these succulent bites.
It’s pure indulgence on a weeknight!
Steps
- Butterfly the Lobster Tails: Use kitchen scissors to cut along the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping before reaching the tail fin. Crack the ribs on the underside to help open the shell, then gently separate the shell with your fingers. Carefully lift the meat out, leaving it attached at the base, and rest it on top of the shell.
- Preheat the Oven: Position a rack in the center of the oven, ensuring the lobster tails will be about six inches from the broiler. Set the oven to broil on high heat to prepare for cooking.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, 2 pressed garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the Lobster Tails: Place the butterflied lobster tails in a roasting pan, flesh side up. Evenly distribute the marinade over each lobster tail, then dot them with 1/2 tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces.
- Broil the Lobster Tails: Broil the lobster tails for 10-11 minutes, or adjust the time based on size until the meat is opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145?F. Transfer the cooked lobster tails to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Pour the pan drippings into a small saucepan and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from heat. Serve the sauce over the lobster tails or in small ramekins as a dipping sauce, optionally accompanied by lemon wedges.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails, each weighing 5 to 6 ounces
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Nutritional Values
Calories: 800 kcal | Carbs: 4 g | Protein: 44 g | Fat: 68 g | Saturated Fat: 32 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: N/A | Monounsaturated Fat: N/A | Trans Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 440 mg | Sodium: 1716 mg | Potassium: 600 mg | Fiber: 0.8 g | Sugar: 0.8 g | Vitamin A: 1752 IU | Vitamin C: 16 mg | Calcium: 248 mg | Iron: 1.2 mg
FAQ
- What is the best method for cooking lobster tails?
- Broiling is considered the best method as it locks in flavor, is quick, and results in succulent, tender, and juicy lobster meat.
- How do you butterfly lobster tails?
- Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell, stopping at the base. Crack the ribs on the underside to open the shell, loosen the meat from the shell, and lift it over the top while keeping it attached at the base.
- What ingredients are needed for the lobster marinade?
- The marinade includes olive oil, parsley, garlic, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This combination enhances the flavor of the lobster tail.
- How do you make the garlic lemon butter sauce?
- Drain the drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan, add the remaining butter, bring to a simmer, and remove from heat. Pour over lobster tails or serve as a dipping sauce with lemon wedges.
- How can you tell when lobster tails are properly cooked?
- Lobster tails are done when the meat is opaque and white in the center, reaches an internal temperature of 145?F, and the shell turns bright red. Avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from becoming tough and rubbery.
Tips
- Broiling Technique: Broiling is the preferred method for cooking lobster tails as it seals in flavor and ensures a tender, juicy result. Be sure to position the oven rack so the lobster is about 6 inches from the heat source for optimal cooking.
- Butterflying Lobster Tails: Use kitchen shears to cut through the top shell and crack the ribs on the underside to easily butterfly the lobster. This technique not only enhances presentation but also helps the lobster cook evenly.
- Avoid Overcooking: Lobster meat should be opaque and firm, with an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking can result in tough, rubbery meat, so monitor closely to achieve the perfect texture.
- Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Enhance your lobster with a rich dipping sauce made by mixing pan drippings with melted butter, garlic, and lemon. This adds a burst of flavor and complements the natural sweetness of the lobster.
Equipment
- Kitchen Shears – For cutting through and butterflying the lobster tails.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – To ensure the lobster reaches the correct internal temperature.
- Roasting Pan (9×13 or 8×12) – For arranging the lobster tails during broiling.
- Small Saucepan – For making the garlic lemon butter sauce.
- Ramekins – For serving the dipping sauce.
- Baking Rack – To place inside the oven for proper broiling distance.
