Print

Perfect Lobster Tail for Two Recipe Easy Garlic Butter Guide

perfect lobster tail for two - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for tender, juicy lobster tails baked with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with lemon zest and fresh parsley. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lobster tails (about 68 ounces each), fresh or thawed frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top of the lobster shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Pry the shell open gently with your fingers to expose the meat.
  3. Gently loosen the lobster meat from the shell but keep it attached at the base. Lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the parsley, lemon zest, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
  5. Generously brush the exposed lobster meat with the garlic butter mixture using a basting brush.
  6. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on size, until the meat is opaque and firm but still tender. If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
  7. Halfway through baking, brush the lobster with more garlic butter to keep it juicy and flavorful.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the lobster tails rest for a couple of minutes. Spoon any remaining garlic butter over the top before serving.

Notes

Thaw frozen lobster tails overnight in the fridge or submerge in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. Avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture. Garlic butter can be prepared ahead and warmed before use. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan margarine. Optional additions include red pepper flakes for heat or different herbs like thyme or tarragon.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster tail, garlic butter, easy lobster recipe, baked lobster, seafood dinner, special occasion meal, quick dinner for two