Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter Recipe
If you’re craving a luxurious seafood meal, these Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter will surely satisfy your taste buds. The combination of tender lobster meat with rich garlic herb butter creates an unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a special treat at home, this dish will make you feel like you’re dining in a fine restaurant.
Ingredients:
For the Lobster Tails:
- 4 lobster tails (about 6-8 oz each) 🦞
- 1 tablespoon olive oil 🧴
- 1 teaspoon paprika 🌶️
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂🌶️
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) 🧈
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 🍋
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest 🍋
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 🌿
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped 🌱
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 🌶️
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Lobster Tails
- Thaw the Lobster Tails: If using frozen lobster tails, thaw them in the fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, place them in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for 30-60 minutes.
- Prep the Lobster: Using kitchen shears, cut down the top center of the lobster shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull apart the shell slightly, and lift the lobster meat while keeping it attached at the base. You can either leave the meat resting on top of the shell (for a “butterflied” look) or fully remove it and lay it on top of the shell.
- Season the Lobster: Rub each lobster tail with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful crust as it cooks.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be cautious not to burn the garlic).
- Add the fresh parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the butter mixture. Stir everything together and let the herbs and garlic infuse the butter for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Lobster Tails
Grilling:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C).
- Place the lobster tails meat-side up on the grill. Grill the lobster for about 6-8 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and slightly firm to the touch. While grilling, baste the lobster with the garlic herb butter every couple of minutes for extra flavor.
Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the oven rack in the upper third of the oven.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Spoon a little of the prepared garlic herb butter over each lobster tail.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
- Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the grill or oven.
- Drizzle with the remaining garlic herb butter and serve immediately.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the meat.
- You can also serve these lobster tails with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter:
- Rich & Flavorful: The garlic, herbs, and butter enhance the natural sweetness of the lobster, creating a mouthwatering dish. 🧄🧈🦞
- Elegant & Luxurious: Perfect for special occasions, date nights, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary. 🍽️💫
- Quick Cooking Time: Despite being a gourmet dish, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare. ⏱️
- Customizable: Adjust the herbs and spices to your liking. Add a little cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or more lemon zest for extra freshness. 🌿
- Impressive: This dish will certainly impress guests or loved ones with its gourmet presentation and rich flavors. 💖
Pro Tips for Perfect Lobster Tails:
- Don’t Overcook: Lobster cooks quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Keep an eye on the lobster, and check for opaque, firm meat to ensure perfection. 🦞
- Butterfly for Presentation: Butterfly the lobster tails for a stunning presentation, leaving the meat resting on top of the shell. It’s a nice touch for special occasions. 🎉
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary offer superior flavor compared to dried herbs. 🌱
- Baste While Cooking: Basting the lobster with garlic herb butter as it cooks adds even more flavor and keeps it moist. 🍽️
- Add a Side Sauce: For an extra rich experience, serve with a lemon-butter sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for dipping. 🍋🧄
Q/A (Questions & Answers)
Q: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
- A: Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails. Be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I cook lobster tails in a skillet?
- A: Yes, you can cook lobster tails in a skillet. Heat a little butter or olive oil over medium heat and cook the lobster for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter.
Q: How do I know when lobster is done cooking?
- A: The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature of the lobster should reach 140°F (60°C).
Q: Can I make the garlic herb butter in advance?
- A: Yes, you can make the garlic herb butter up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I serve with lobster tails?
- A: Lobster tails go great with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or lemon risotto. You can also serve it with crispy potatoes or grilled asparagus for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
Lobster Tails with Garlic Herb Butter is the epitome of indulgent seafood dining. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this dish is rich in flavor and beautifully presented. With its tender lobster meat and savory, garlicky butter, it’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. Try this recipe, and enjoy the decadence of a fine restaurant meal in the comfort of your own home! 🦞🧄💖