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Lobster Tail Recipe

Perfect Lobster Tails

Learn how to make restaurant-quality lobster tails at home with this easy broiling method. The tender, juicy meat is perfectly seasoned and served with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce that will make your taste buds sing. This elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something luxurious.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 4 lobster tails
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Lobster Tails
  • 4 pieces lobster tails 5-6 oz each
Marinade
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley very finely chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided

Equipment

  • Kitchen scissors
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Small Mixing Bowl
  • Small saucepan
  • Instant-Read Thermometer
  • Garlic press

Method
 

  1. Prepare the lobster tails: Use kitchen scissors to cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the base and snipping through the top portion of the meat as you go.
  2. Crack and butterfly: Flip each tail over and crack the ribs in the center to help open the shell. Carefully open the shell using your thumbs and fingers, loosening the meat from the shell. Remove any gray vein if present. Lift the meat from the shell while keeping it attached at the base, then press the shell together and set the lobster meat on top.
  3. Prep the oven: Position the oven rack in the center so lobster tails will be at least 6 inches from the heating element. Preheat oven to broil on high heat.
  4. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, combine parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
  5. Prepare for broiling: Place butterflied lobster tails in a 9x13 inch baking dish, flesh-side up. Divide the marinade evenly over the tops of each tail and dot each with 1/2 tablespoon butter cut into small pieces.
  6. Broil the lobster: Broil on high heat for 10-11 minutes (adjust time based on size - see notes). The meat should be opaque and white in the center and register 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  7. Make garlic lemon butter: Transfer lobster tails to a serving platter. Drain pan drippings into a small saucepan and combine with remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.
  8. Serve: Pour the garlic lemon butter over lobster tails or serve in small ramekins as dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Broiling Times by Size:
• Small tails (3-4 oz): 6-8 minutes
• Medium tails (5-6 oz): 10-11 minutes
• Large tails (7-9 oz): 12-15 minutes (move rack to middle of oven)
Tips for Success:
• Don't overcook - lobster becomes tough and rubbery
• Use an instant-read thermometer for best results
• Look for bright red shells and firm, opaque meat
• Keep tails at least 6 inches from broiler element
Shopping Tips:
• Look for sales before holidays like Valentine's Day
• Choose tails that are firm and free of black spots
• Fresh tails should not be slimy or have a strong fishy smell