Lobster Tail Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen scissors or sharp knife
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Small bowl (for melted butter and seasoning)
- Basting brush (optional)
- Oven or grill
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails about 5-6 oz each
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley optional, for garnish
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high.
- Prepare the Lobster
- Cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise.
- Pull the shell apart to expose the meat.
- Remove any dark vein running along the tail.
- Make the Butter Mixture
- Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Baste the Lobster
- Brush the lobster meat with the butter mixture.
- Cook the Lobster
- Baking: Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until opaque.
- Grilling: Grill lobster tails shell-side down for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Serve
- Let the lobster rest for a minute, then serve with extra butter and garnish with lemon and parsley.
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking: Lobster cooks quickly, so be sure to check for doneness once the meat becomes opaque.
- For a Charred Finish: Broil the lobster tails for the last 2-3 minutes to get a crispy top.
- Adjust for Tail Size: Larger tails may need an additional few minutes to cook, while smaller ones will cook faster.
- Butter Variations: Feel free to experiment with adding herbs like thyme, tarragon, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Lobster tails are a luxurious and tasty seafood dish perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home. With a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you can make a restaurant-quality lobster tail in the comfort of your kitchen. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the perfect lobster tail, with expert tips to enhance flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Lobster Tail Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need for a basic lobster tail recipe:
- 4 lobster tails (about 5-6 oz each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Equipment
- Sharp kitchen scissors or a knife
- Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
- Basting brush (optional)
- Small bowl for melted butter and seasonings
- Oven or grill
Instructions for Cooking Lobster Tails
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Thaw the Lobster Tails: If using frozen lobster tails, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
- Cut the Shell: Use kitchen scissors to cut down the top of the lobster shell (lengthwise), stopping at the tail. Gently pull the shell apart to expose the meat.
- Remove the Vein: Check for any dark vein running along the lobster tail (this is the digestive tract). Remove it by gently pulling it out.
3. Prepare the Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. If you prefer extra flavor, you can also add lemon zest and fresh parsley.
4. Baste the Lobster
Use a basting brush to generously coat the lobster meat with the prepared butter mixture. Ensure the meat is well-covered to keep it moist during cooking.
5. Cook the Lobster Tails
- Baking Method: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the meat is opaque and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Grilling Method: Place the lobster tails shell-side down on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the meat is opaque and the shells are bright red.
6. Serve and Garnish
Remove the lobster tails from the oven or grill and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve the lobster tails with the remaining butter mixture for dipping, and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for an extra touch of flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Lobster Tail
- Don’t Overcook: Lobster cooks quickly, so be sure not to overdo it. The meat should be opaque and firm but not rubbery.
- Broiling Option: For a slightly charred, crispy top, broil the lobster tails for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Tail Size Matters: Larger tails (7-8 oz) will need slightly longer cooking time, while smaller tails (4-5 oz) will cook faster.
- Butter Variations: For a more complex flavor, you can add herbs like thyme or tarragon to the butter mixture or substitute part of the butter with olive oil.
Why You’ll Love This Lobster Tail Recipe
Lobster tail is a delicacy that’s both impressive and simple to prepare. This recipe ensures that the lobster stays tender and juicy while adding a burst of flavor with the garlic-lemon butter mixture. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just indulging in some luxury at home, lobster tails are a surefire way to elevate any meal.
