Pin it
Home-style luxurious lobster tails just can't get any better than this. The tender meat gets slathered in a flavorful garlic herb butter mix and cooked until beautifully golden, making an amazing fancy dinner. And guess what? You'll have it on your table in less than 20 minutes though it tastes like you've been cooking all day.
Why You'll Love This Delightful Recipe
You don't need to empty your wallet at fancy restaurants when making stunning lobster tails is so easy at home. The combo of garlic and herbs with butter works wonders under the broiler, giving you juicy, tender meat every single time. These are my go-to for cozy date nights in or when I want to surprise my family with something really special.
Must-Have Ingredients for Lobster Tails
- Lobster Tails: Cold water varieties give you the most flavorful, sweet meat.
- Butter: Melted unsalted butter forms the base of our amazing sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Nothing beats the smell of freshly minced garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a touch enhances the natural lobster flavor.
- Paprika: Adds gorgeous color and a hint of smoky flavor.
- Thyme and Rosemary: These fresh herbs take everything up a notch.
- Parsley: Adds that perfect touch of green for presentation.
Preparing Your Lobster Tails
- Step 1 - Butterfly the Lobster Tails
- Turn on your broiler to get it hot. Take kitchen shears and cut along the middle of each shell, then carefully pull the meat up and lay it over the shell. Add your seasonings.
- Step 2 - Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- Combine your melted butter with the garlic, herbs, and paprika, then paint it all over that beautiful meat.
- Step 3 - Broil the Lobster
- Put them under the broiler about 4-5 inches away from the heat. They'll cook to perfection in about 8-10 minutes.
- Step 4 - Serve Immediately
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and bring to the table with extra melted butter and lemon wedges for an absolute treat.
Pro Cooking Advice
Don't skimp on getting cold water tails - they're totally worth the extra money. Be patient when butterflying them for that wow factor when serving. I find cooking them about 1 minute for each ounce works great, and I always check with my thermometer for that perfect 145°F. When we have guests, I get the tails ready beforehand so they're all set to go under the broiler.
Cooking Duration Guidelines
Tiny tails are done in about 7-8 minutes, regular ones need 8-10, and those jumbo beauties take around 10-12 minutes. For the bigger ones, I lower the rack a bit so they don't burn on top while cooking through - they need a bit more attention.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Though broiling's my top pick, you can bake them at 375°F for roughly 15 minutes, throw them on the grill for amazing smoky notes, or even simmer them in butter for the most rich experience possible. Each way brings something unique to these gorgeous tails.
Pin it
Complete Your Dinner
These pair wonderfully with buttery green beans, crispy parmesan topped cauliflower, or smooth mashed potatoes. Try adding those copycat Cheddar Bay Biscuits for a true restaurant feel at home. Finish with something indulgent like Death by Chocolate Cheesecake for a totally unforgettable meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should I butterfly a lobster tail?
- Grab kitchen scissors, snip down the center of the shell, and gently pull the meat out while leaving it attached at the bottom.
- → When's the lobster cooked perfectly?
- Look for opaque meat with a golden top. It usually cooks in 8-10 minutes under a broiler.
- → Is it ok to make these in advance?
- Lobster tastes best fresh, but you can prep the butter earlier.
- → What pairs well with lobster tails?
- Lemon wedges, asparagus, a crisp salad, or just melted butter are great sides.
- → Why should I broil instead of bake?
- Broiling gives intense heat from the top, creating a browned surface without drying out the meat.