Description
Lobster Tails Recipe – Buttery, tender, and packed with flavor. Learn how to cook perfect lobster tails at home with this easy step-by-step guide.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (approximately 8 ounces each), thawed if frozen
- 1 medium lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 5 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
If your lobster tails are frozen, place them on a plate or baking sheet and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Set your oven to 425ºF and position a rack in the middle. Pour about ¾ cup of water into a 9×13-inch baking dish, just enough to cover the bottom. This helps create steam, keeping the lobster meat juicy while baking.
Place the thawed lobster tails shell-side up on a cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut lengthwise down the top shell, starting at the thicker end and stopping just before the tail fin.
Use your fingers to carefully separate the meat from the shell by sliding your thumb between them. Gently lift the meat out while keeping it attached at the base, then rest it back on top of the shell for a beautiful presentation.
With a chef’s knife or kitchen shears, cut the lobster meat in half lengthwise where the shell was split, stopping before reaching the bottom shell. Open it slightly like a book. If needed, press down gently to flatten the tail, using a towel for safety if the shell is sharp.
Place the butterflied lobster tails flesh-side up in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
Bake for 20 to 27 minutes or until the lobster meat turns opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140ºF. The meat should be firm but not tough when pressed.
While the lobster is baking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 20 seconds, just until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and salt.
Once the lobster tails are done, transfer them to serving plates. Drizzle generously with the warm garlic butter sauce and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality frozen lobster tails for the best flavor.
- Basting with butter while cooking keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent the lobster from turning tough and rubbery.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking / Broiling
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lobster tail
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: lobster tails recipe, how to cook lobster tails, broiled lobster tails, baked lobster tails, garlic butter lobster tails, seafood recipes, easy lobster tail recipe, restaurant-style lobster, best way to cook lobster, lobster dinner ideas