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Make fancy restaurant-style lobster at home with my go-to tail recipe. The tender meat gets drizzled with garlicky herb butter and broiled to perfection, making an amazing dinner for special occasions. And guess what? You'll have it ready in less than 20 minutes though it tastes like you slaved away for hours.
Why You'll Love This Tasty Recipe
Skip the pricey restaurant bill and whip up stunning lobster tails in your kitchen. The magic happens when that garlicky herb butter hits the broiler, giving you juicy, tender meat that's cooked just right. These make the perfect romantic dinner or a way to surprise your family with something really fancy.
Essential Lobster Tail Ingredients
- Lobster Tails: Go for cold water options to get the sweetest flavor.
- Butter: Use melted unsalted butter as the base for our rich sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced for that incredible smell and taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a touch to bring out the natural sweetness.
- Paprika: Adds a nice color and light smoky flavor.
- Thyme and Rosemary: Fresh herbs really boost the taste.
- Parsley: A bit of green makes everything look fancy.
Lobster Tail Cooking Steps
- Step 1 - Butterfly the Lobster Tails
- Turn your broiler on high. Snip down the center of each shell with scissors, then carefully pull the meat up and lay it over the shell. Add your seasonings.
- Step 2 - Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- Combine your melted butter with the garlic, herbs and paprika, then coat all that gorgeous meat completely.
- Step 3 - Broil the Lobster
- Place them under the broiler about 4-5 inches from the heat source. They'll cook in around 8-10 minutes.
- Step 4 - Serve Immediately
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and bring to the table with extra butter and lemon wedges for the ultimate treat.
Pro Advice
Cold water lobster tails cost more but taste so much better. Don't rush the butterflying step as it really makes them look stunning. I figure about 1 minute cooking time per ounce and always check with a thermometer for 145°F. When I've got guests coming, I prep the tails early so they're all set for broiling.
Cooking Duration Advice
Tiny tails need around 7-8 minutes, average ones take 8-10, and those jumbo ones require 10-12 minutes. For bigger tails, I lower the oven rack a bit so they don't burn on top before cooking through they need a bit more attention.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Broiling works best for me, but you can also cook them in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes, throw them on the grill for amazing smoky notes, or even go fancy and poach them in butter. Each way brings something special to your lobster experience.
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Complete Your Dinner
These tails go great with garlicky green beans, crispy parmesan cauliflower or smooth mashed potatoes. Try making some Cheddar Bay Biscuits too for that steakhouse feel at home. Finish with something indulgent like Death by Chocolate Cheesecake and you've got a real celebration dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to butterfly lobster tails?
- Start by cutting along the shell’s middle with kitchen scissors. Then gently lift the meat while keeping the base intact.
- → How can I tell if lobster is cooked?
- The meat turns opaque and develops a slight brown top, which usually takes 8-10 minutes under the broiler.
- → Can I make lobster ahead of time?
- Lobster is best prepared fresh, but you can prep your herb butter in advance.
- → What should I serve alongside lobster tails?
- Go with lemon, melted butter, fresh asparagus, or a light salad as tasty companions.
- → Why is broiling better than baking?
- Broiling gives intense heat from above, browning the top nicely and keeping the inside tender.