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Bringing fancy restaurant-style luxury to your home table is super easy with my knockout lobster tail dish. The juicy meat gets soaked in a tasty garlic herb butter mix and cooked till it's golden brown, making an amazing dinner for special occasions. And guess what? You'll have it ready in less than 20 minutes but everyone will think you slaved away for hours!
Why This Dish Stands Out
You don't have to pay those crazy restaurant prices when you can whip up amazing lobster tails right at home. The butter mixture with garlic and herbs works wonders under the broiler, giving you juicy, tender meat every single time. These are perfect for my romantic evenings or whenever I feel like my family deserves something extra fancy.
Must-Have Items for Lobster Tails
- Lobster Tails: Go for cold water ones as they've got the sweetest flavor.
- Butter: Use plain melted unsalted butter for our rich sauce base.
- Garlic Cloves: Chopped fresh garlic brings an incredible smell.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a bit to boost the natural sweetness.
- Paprika: Adds pretty color and light smoky flavor.
- Thyme and Rosemary: Everything tastes better with fresh herbs.
- Parsley: A bit of green makes your dish look awesome.
Preparing Your Lobster Tails
- Step 1 - Cut Open the Lobster Tails
- Turn your broiler on high. Snip down the center of each shell with scissors, then carefully pull the meat up and lay it over the shell. Add your seasonings.
- Step 2 - Create the Garlic Herb Butter
- Combine your melted butter with herbs, garlic and paprika, then paint it all over the meat.
- Step 3 - Cook Under the Broiler
- Place them about 4-5 inches from the heat source. They'll cook perfectly in 8-10 minutes.
- Step 4 - Get Them to the Table
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and bring them out with extra butter and lemon wedges for a real treat.
Pro Suggestions
Don't skimp on those cold water lobster tails, they're totally worth the extra money. Be patient when you're butterflying them, it really makes them look impressive. I cook them about a minute for each ounce and always check with my thermometer for 145°F. When I have friends over, I get the tails ready ahead of time so they just need to go under the broiler.
Cooking Time Chart
Tiny tails need around 7-8 minutes, regular ones take 8-10, and those jumbo ones need 10-12 minutes. For bigger tails, I put the oven rack a bit lower to keep them from burning since they need a little more attention.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Though broiling is what I like best, you can also stick them in a 375°F oven for about 15 minutes, throw them on the grill for some awesome smoky notes, or even cook them slowly in butter for something truly indulgent. Each way gives these fancy tails their own special twist.
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Complete Your Dinner
We usually pair these with garlicky green beans, crunchy parmesan cauliflower or smooth mashed potatoes. And don't miss out on making those Cheddar Bay Biscuits for the total steakhouse feel. Finish with something decadent like Death by Chocolate Cheesecake for a truly festive meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best way to butterfly lobster tails?
- Grab some kitchen shears and snip through the middle of the shell, then carefully lift the meat up while keeping the end attached at the bottom.
- → When can I tell my lobster is fully cooked?
- You'll know it's ready when the meat turns white and gets a light brown color on top, usually after about 8-10 minutes under the broiler.
- → Is it possible to make these in advance?
- Lobster really tastes best when it's cooked and eaten right away. You can get the herb butter ready ahead of time though.
- → What goes well on the side with lobster tails?
- You can't go wrong with melted butter, lemon slices, fresh asparagus, or a light green salad.
- → What makes broiling better than baking for lobster?
- The strong heat from above browns the top nicely while keeping the inside moist and tender.