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My perfect lobster tail recipe brings restaurant quality luxury right to your dinner table. The succulent meat gets bathed in garlic herb butter and broiled until golden creating the most incredible special occasion dinner. The best part? It's ready in under 20 minutes yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
What Makes This Recipe Special
No need for expensive restaurant prices when you can make incredible lobster tails at home. That garlic herb butter creates pure magic in the broiler giving you perfectly tender juicy meat every time. I love making these for romantic date nights or when I want to treat my family to something extra special.
Key Ingredients for Lobster Tails
- Lobster Tails: I always choose cold water tails for the sweetest meat.
- Butter: Unsalted melted butter creates our luxurious sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds such wonderful aroma.
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough to enhance that natural sweetness.
- Paprika: Gives beautiful color and subtle smoky notes.
- Thyme and Rosemary: Fresh herbs make everything better.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of green makes it picture perfect.
How to Cook Lobster Tails
- Step 1 - Butterfly the Lobster Tails
- Get your broiler nice and hot. Cut down the middle of each shell with kitchen shears then gently lift that beautiful meat up and over. Season well.
- Step 2 - Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- Mix up your melted butter with garlic herbs and paprika then brush it all over that lovely meat.
- Step 3 - Broil the Lobster
- Pop them under the broiler about 4-5 inches from the heat. They'll need 8-10 minutes until perfectly done.
- Step 4 - Serve Immediately
- Finish with fresh parsley serve with extra melted butter and lemon wedges pure heaven.
My Best Tips
Always go for cold water lobster tails they're worth every penny. Take your time butterflying the meat it makes such a beautiful presentation. I cook about 1 minute per ounce and always use my thermometer to hit that perfect 145°F. When I'm entertaining I prep the tails ahead so they're ready to pop under the broiler.
Perfect Timing Guide
Small tails need about 7-8 minutes medium ones take 8-10 and those big beautiful ones need 10-12 minutes. For the larger tails I move the rack down a bit to prevent any burning they need a little extra care.
Other Cooking Methods
While broiling is my favorite you can also bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes grill them for amazing smoky flavor or even poach them in butter for ultimate decadence. Each method brings its own special touch to these beautiful tails.
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Make It a Meal
We love serving these with garlicky string beans crispy parmesan cauliflower or creamy mashed potatoes. Don't forget those Cheddar Bay Biscuits for the full steakhouse experience. End with something rich like Death by Chocolate Cheesecake pure celebration on a plate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I butterfly a lobster tail?
- Use kitchen shears to cut down the center of the shell, then gently pull the meat up while keeping it attached at the base.
- → How do I know when lobster is done?
- Lobster meat should be opaque and lightly browned on top, typically taking 8-10 minutes under the broiler.
- → Can I prepare these ahead?
- Lobster is best prepared and served immediately. You can mix the herb butter ahead of time.
- → What can I serve with lobster tails?
- Classic sides include drawn butter, lemon wedges, asparagus, or a simple salad.
- → Why broil instead of bake?
- Broiling provides intense top heat that creates a nicely browned top while keeping the meat tender and juicy.