Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

If you’re looking to treat yourself or impress your guests with a luxurious yet easy-to-make seafood dish, look no further than these Garlic Butter Lobster Tails. With a deliciously rich garlic butter sauce, these lobster tails are broiled to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful lobster meat that’s sure to delight any seafood lover.

Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler to high.
2. Using kitchen shears, carefully cut along the top of the lobster shell, starting from the base and moving toward the tail.
3. Gently pull the shell open and lift the lobster meat, ensuring it stays attached at the base of the tail.
4. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, shell side down.
5. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
7. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine.
8. Brush the lobster meat generously with the garlic butter mixture.
9. Broil the lobster tails for 10-12 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and fully cooked.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Herb-Infused Butter: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the garlic butter for extra flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Butter: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter mixture.
• Grilled Lobster Tails: If you prefer grilling, you can cook the lobster tails on a grill over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, brushing with the garlic butter during grilling.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place lobster tails on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can gently reheat in a microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
   • Yes, frozen lobster tails work well. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before preparing them.
2. How do I know when the lobster tails are done?
   • The lobster meat should be opaque and firm to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach 140°F (60°C).
3. Can I substitute margarine for butter?
   • While butter provides the best flavor, margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary, though it may affect the taste slightly.
4. Can I cook the lobster tails whole in the shell?
   • Yes, you can broil them in the shell, but cutting the shell and lifting the meat out makes it easier to brush with the garlic butter and ensures even cooking.
5. Can I add cheese to the lobster tails?
   • Yes, for a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on the lobster meat before broiling.
6. Do I need to devein the lobster tails?
   • It is not necessary to devein lobster tails, as they usually don’t have visible veins. However, if you notice any, you can remove them with a small knife.
7. Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it up before using.
8. Can I use this recipe for other seafood?
   • This garlic butter recipe works well for other seafood such as shrimp, scallops, or even crab legs.
9. How do I prevent the lobster tails from overcooking?
   • Broil the lobster tails for the recommended time and keep an eye on them. The high heat from the broiler cooks them quickly, so don’t leave them unattended.
10. What should I serve with garlic butter lobster tails?

• These lobster tails pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a buttery pasta.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails are an easy-to-make, elegant dish that brings the flavors of the sea right to your table. With their rich, buttery garlic sauce and tender lobster meat, they’re perfect for a special dinner or celebration. Whether you’re new to cooking lobster or a seasoned pro, this recipe will deliver a restaurant-quality meal in just over 20 minutes. Enjoy these indulgent lobster tails with your favorite sides for a truly memorable meal.

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