Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 lobster tails
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Calories
200 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter
Description
The Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter begins by preparing the lobster tails through a careful butterflying technique that exposes the meat atop the shell after cutting the top shell and loosening the meat without detaching it completely. This preparation allows the tail to cook evenly and makes the meat more accessible for eating.
The seasoned butter sauce is composed of chopped parsley, pressed garlic cloves, Dijon mustard, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and unsalted butter divided for basting and finishing. The lobster meat is broiled at close proximity to the heat source for times depending on tail size, until the meat turns opaque white and feels just firm to the touch.
This method emphasizes moist, flavorful lobster with a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce complementing its natural sweetness. Serving immediately after broiling preserves the delicate texture and buttery coating.
Broiling times vary by lobster tail size: 6-8 minutes for 3-4 oz, 10-11 minutes for 5-6 oz, and 12-15 minutes for 7-9 oz tails. Proper doneness is indicated by opaque meat and 145°F internal temperature.
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails 5 to 6 oz each
- 1 Tbsp parsley very finely chopped, plus more for garnish, fresh
- 2 garlic pressed, cloves
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 4 Tbsp butter divided, unsalted
Instructions
How to Prepare/Butterfly Lobster Tails:
- Cut the Shell: Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of the lobster tail, stopping at the base of the tail and snipping through the top portion of the meat as you go.
- Crack the Ribs: Flip the tail over to the back see-through side and crack the ribs in the center. This will help open the shell.
- Butterfly: Open the shell carefully using thumbs and fingers and loosen meat from the shell (remove vein if present). Lift the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base. Press the shell together and set the lobster meat over the top. Most of the lobster meat should be sitting on top of the shell.
How to Make Broiled Lobster Tails:
- Prep: Place rack in upper third or center of the oven so the meaty tops of your lobster tails will be at least 6 inches from the top heating element. Preheat oven to broil on high heat.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together marinade ingredients: 1 Tbsp parsley, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tsp dijon, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil and 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice.
- Arrange: Place butterflied Lobster Tails into a 9x13 or 8x12 roasting pan. Divide marinade evenly over the tops of each lobster tail and dot each tail all over with 1/2 Tbsp of butter cut into smaller pieces.
- Broil lobster tails on high heat 10-11 min (or according to the lobster tail size - see chart). When done, lobster meat should be opaque and white in the center and register 145˚F on an instant read thermometer. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with parsley if desired.
- To make the Garlic Lemon Butter: drain drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan and combine with remaining 2 Tbsp butter, bring to a simmer and remove from heat. Pour over lobster tails or divide into ramekins and use as dipping sauce.
Notes
- Broil lobster tails until meat is opaque white and firm to the touch or reaches 145°F internal temperature.
- Adjust broiling time based on lobster tail size: 6-8 minutes for small (3-4 oz), 10-11 minutes for medium (5-6 oz), and 12-15 minutes for larger tails (7-9 oz).
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4lobster tails
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
| Carbs | 1g | |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 429mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 150mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 438IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 62mg | 6% |
| Iron | 0.3mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.