Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter

Imagine the succulent, tender lobster tails, perfectly broiled to a golden finish, bathed in a luscious garlic lemon butter sauce that bursts with bright, zesty flavor. This recipe transforms a simple seafood dinner into an elegant feast that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a gourmet treat, these lobster tails with garlic lemon butter will delight your taste buds and impress your guests with every buttery, garlicky bite. Let’s dive into this decadent yet approachable dish that brings the luxury of the sea right to your table.

Serves: 4 lobster tails

Prep time:  15 minutes

Cook time; 15 minutes

Ingredients

·      4 lobster tails, 6 oz each

·      1 Tbsp fresh parsley, very finely chopped, plus more for garnish

·      2 garlic cloves, pressed

·      1 tsp Dijon mustard

·      1/4 tsp salt

·      1/8 tsp black pepper

·      1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

·      1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

·      4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided

Instructions

How to Prepare/Butterfly Lobster Tails:

1. Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping at the base of the tail and snipping through the top portion of the meat as you go.

2. Flip the tail over to the back see-through side and crack the ribs in the center. This will help open the shell.

3. Open the shell carefully using thumbs and fingers and loosen meat from the shell (remove vein if present). Lift the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base. Press the shell together and set the lobster meat over the top. Most of the lobster meat should be sitting on top of the shell.

   • Do you see green stuff when you cracked open the lobster? See what it means here.

How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails:

1. Place rack in center of oven so the meaty tops of your lobster tails will be at least 6 inches from the top heating element. Preheat oven to broil on high heat.

2. In a small bowl, stir together marinade ingredients: 1 Tbsp parsley, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp Dijon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice.

3. Place butterflied Lobster Tails into a 9×13 or 8×12 roasting pan. Divide marinade evenly over the tops of each lobster tail and dot each tail all over with 1/2 Tbsp of butter cut into smaller pieces.

4. Broil lobster tails on high heat 10-11 min (or according to the lobster tail size – see chart). When done, lobster meat should be opaque and white in the center and register 145˚F on an instant read thermometer. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with parsley if desired.

How to make the Garlic Lemon Butter

1. Drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan and combine with remaining 2 Tbsp butter, bring to a simmer and remove from heat. Pour over lobster tails or divide into ramekins and use as dipping sauce.

Chef’s Notes:

Broiling Times for Lobster Tails:

Try to avoid purchasing the smaller lobster tails as it is more difficult to prepare. opt for the medium or larger lobster tails.

1. Smaller (3 to 4 oz) lobster tail 6 to 8 minutes 

2. Medium (5 to 6 oz) lobster tail 10-11 minutes

3. Larger (7 to 9 oz) lobsters tail 12-15 minutes (with rack in middle of oven)