Tails are a decadent and indulgent dish perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extra luxurious. The rich garlic butter sauce complements the sweet, tender lobster meat beautifully. Here’s how to make this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
4 lobster tails (fresh or thawed if frozen)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (half for the garlic butter sauce, half for cooking lobster)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, carefully cut the top of each lobster tail shell down the center, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the shell apart to expose the lobster meat.
If the lobster has a dark vein (the digestive tract), remove it with a small knife or toothpick.
Lightly season the lobster meat with salt, pepper, and paprika (optional for added color).
2. Cook the Lobster Tails:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the butter (2 tablespoons).
Once the butter is melted and sizzling, place the lobster tails in the skillet, shell-side down. Sear the lobster for about 2-3 minutes, just to get a nice golden color on the meat.
Flip the lobster tails over so the meat is facing up, and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
While the lobster is baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate small skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant and golden (be careful not to burn the garlic).
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add extra lemon juice or zest for a more citrusy flavor.
4. Combine and Serve:
Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully spoon the creamy garlic butter sauce over the lobster meat.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips:
Grill Option: If you prefer grilling, you can grill the lobster tails instead of baking them. Simply preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the lobster tails for 5-7 minutes, brushing with the garlic butter sauce during grilling.
Extra Flavor: For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on the lobster before serving, or drizzle a little extra garlic butter sauce on top.
Side Dishes: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes.
