Lobster Tail with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
This Lobster Tail with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce is a luxurious and decadent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The lobster is tender and perfectly cooked, while the garlic herb butter adds richness and flavor with just the right amount of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
For the Lobster Tails:
-
4 lobster tails, thawed if frozen
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
For the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
-
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
-
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (optional)
-
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
-
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if you’re baking the lobster tails. If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
-
Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the top of the lobster shell lengthwise from the top to the base (be careful not to cut all the way through to the meat).
-
Gently pull apart the shell slightly, then loosen the lobster meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base (the tail). Lift the meat out and rest it on top of the shell for a “butterflied” presentation.
-
Drizzle olive oil over the lobster meat and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Lobster Tails:
-
For Baking:
Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and firm, and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). The lobster should be tender, not rubbery. -
For Grilling:
Place the lobster tails flesh-side down on the grill for about 5-7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the meat is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Grill marks will give it a nice char.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:
-
While the lobster tails are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
-
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
-
Stir in the fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme), lemon juice, and lemon zest. If you like a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Stir the sauce well and remove from heat once everything is combined.
4. Serve:
-
Once the lobster tails are cooked, brush them generously with the garlic herb butter sauce. You can also pour some over the lobster meat and around the plate for extra flavor.
-
Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the lobster. You can also garnish with additional chopped parsley or lemon zest if desired.
Q&A:
Q: Can I use frozen lobster tails?
A: Yes, you can use frozen lobster tails, but make sure they are fully thawed before cooking. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water for about 30-60 minutes.
Q: How can I tell when the lobster tails are done cooking?
A: The lobster meat should be opaque and slightly firm to the touch when done. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should be around 140°F (60°C).
Q: Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the garlic herb butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before serving. You can also freeze it for up to a month if you want to prepare it further in advance.
Q: Can I grill the lobster tails with the shell on?
A: Yes, you can grill lobster tails with the shell on, but they will take a little longer to cook. Simply cut a slit down the top of the shell to allow heat to reach the meat, and then follow the grilling instructions.
Q: What can I serve with lobster tails?
A: Lobster tails go beautifully with side dishes like garlic mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, steamed asparagus, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with a nice crusty bread to soak up all that delicious garlic herb butter.
Tips for Success:
-
Don’t Overcook the Lobster: Lobster cooks quickly and can become tough if overdone. Keep an eye on it and check the internal temperature.
-
Butterflying the Lobster: Butterfly the lobster to allow the meat to cook evenly and to show off its beautiful presentation.
-
Make it Extra Fancy: If you want to add an extra touch of luxury, drizzle the lobster with some melted truffle butter or sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese right before serving.
This Lobster Tail with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily prepare at home. With its buttery, garlicky flavor and tender lobster, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to elevate any meal. Enjoy!