If you’re craving a decadent seafood dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than Garlic Butter Lobster Tail. This recipe is perfect for those special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. The succulent lobster tails, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of fresh lemon, are sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of preparing this mouthwatering dish, whether you prefer grilling or broiling your lobster tails.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Lobster Tail
Before diving into the recipe, here’s what you’ll need to create this luxurious seafood dish:
Main Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (6-8 oz each): Fresh lobster tails are the star of the dish. Choose lobster tails that are firm and bright in color for the best results.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): The butter will create the base for the garlic butter sauce, adding richness and depth to the flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds a savory kick that perfectly complements the lobster’s natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the rich garlic butter, adding a citrusy zing.
- Zest of 1 lemon: Lemon zest brings a fragrant, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped): Chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings for bringing all the flavors together.
- Lemon wedges (for serving): Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Garlic Butter Lobster Tail
Now, let’s take you through each step of this delicious recipe. Whether you choose to grill or broil your lobster tails, they will come out perfectly tender and flavorful.
Prepare the Lobster Tails
To begin, you need to prepare your lobster tails:
- Cut the Shell: Use kitchen shears to cut lengthwise through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping just before the tail fin.
- Loosen the Meat: Carefully loosen the lobster meat from the shell, lifting it slightly and resting it on top of the shell for a beautiful presentation. This method also allows the meat to cook more evenly.
Season the Lobster
Once the lobster meat is prepared:
- Season Lightly: Sprinkle the lobster meat with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its natural sweetness.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients to make the garlic butter sauce:
- Melted Butter: Pour the melted unsalted butter into the bowl.
- Garlic: Add minced garlic to the butter for a rich and aromatic flavor.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest to add a refreshing citrus note.
- Chopped Parsley: Mix in freshly chopped parsley for a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Stir all the ingredients until well combined.
Brush the Lobster Tails
Generously brush the prepared lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture. Be sure to coat the meat evenly for maximum flavor. Reserve some of the garlic butter for basting during cooking and for serving.
Cook the Lobster Tails
Now, it’s time to cook your lobster tails! You can either grill or broil the lobster tails depending on your preference:
Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Place the lobster tails, meat-side down, on the grill.
- Grill for about 4-5 minutes, then flip the lobster tails.
- Brush the lobster with more garlic butter and grill for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and tender.
Broil Method:
- Preheat your oven to broil on high.
- Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, meat-side up.
- Broil the lobster tails for 8-10 minutes, basting halfway through with the garlic butter mixture. The lobster meat should be opaque and lightly golden when done.
Serve
Once the lobster tails are cooked, drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top of the lobster meat. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for a bright burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Lobster Tail
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
Choose Fresh Lobster Tails
Always opt for fresh, not frozen, lobster tails if possible. Fresh lobster will have a firmer texture and better flavor. If you do have frozen lobster tails, be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before preparing them.
Don’t Overcook the Lobster
Lobster is best when cooked just until it’s opaque and tender. Overcooking lobster will make it tough and rubbery. Whether grilling or broiling, keep a close eye on your lobster to ensure it stays juicy and tender.
Add Extra Flavor
Feel free to customize your garlic butter sauce by adding extra seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a splash of white wine. For an even richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of parmesan cheese to the butter.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, frozen lobster tails work well for this recipe. Just be sure to fully thaw them before cooking for the best texture.
How do I know when the lobster is done?
Lobster is done when the meat turns opaque and slightly firm. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Can I cook garlic butter lobster tail in the oven?
Yes! You can broil lobster tails in the oven using the broil setting for about 8-10 minutes.
What can I serve with garlic butter lobster tail?
Garlic butter lobster tail pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or buttery mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Is there a substitute for fresh parsley?
If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley or substitute with other fresh herbs like chives or thyme.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Lobster Tail is a decadent, flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion, from date nights to family gatherings. With its succulent lobster meat and rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for more. Whether you choose to grill or broil, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavors.
Indulge in a luxurious seafood feast that takes only 20 minutes to prepare!