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To make savory garlic butter lobster tails, gather these ingredients: - 4 lobster tails - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon wedges for serving You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use salted butter for extra flavor. You can also add more herbs like thyme or basil instead of parsley. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder works well too. For a citrus twist, swap lemon zest with lime zest. Fresh lobster tails taste great, but frozen ones can be just as good. Frozen tails are often caught and frozen quickly. This way, they keep their flavor. When buying, check for a firm shell and a fresh scent. If you choose frozen tails, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. To start, you need to prepare the lobster tails. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, grab some kitchen shears. Carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the center. Stop just before you reach the tail. This step helps the heat reach the meat. Next, gently pull apart the shell to expose the flesh. This will make it easy to coat the meat with garlic butter later. Now, let’s make the garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but don’t let it brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will make your lobster tails taste amazing. After preparing the lobster and garlic butter, it’s time to bake. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, flesh side up. Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the meat. Make sure to cover it well. Save some butter for later. Bake the lobster tails for about 12-15 minutes. They are done when the meat is opaque and cooked through. In the last few minutes, baste the lobster with the reserved garlic butter. This adds even more flavor. Once done, let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for extra zest. Choosing fresh lobster tails is key for great flavor. Look for tails with a firm shell. They should feel heavy for their size. The meat should be slightly translucent, not cloudy. Check the color; it should be bright and vibrant. Avoid tails with a strong fishy smell. Fresh tails often have a mild ocean scent. To make the garlic butter shine, use fresh garlic. Mince the garlic finely for even flavor. Don't let it brown in the pan; you want the sweet aroma. Adding fresh parsley gives a pop of color and taste. Lemon zest adds brightness. The paprika gives warmth and a touch of spice. Mix these well into the melted butter for a balanced flavor. Cooking time can change based on the size of the lobster tails. For smaller tails, check the meat around 10 minutes. Larger tails may need up to 18 minutes. The lobster is done when it turns opaque and firm. Keep an eye on it; overcooking makes it tough. Basting with garlic butter helps keep the meat juicy. {{image_2}} You can add fresh herbs to your garlic butter. Try using basil, thyme, or dill. Just chop them finely and mix them in. This adds a fresh taste and extra color. You can use any herb you enjoy. Each adds a unique flavor. Experiment with different herbs for new twists. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add hot sauce for more spice. This gives the dish a nice kick. It balances well with the richness of the butter. A spicy version is great for those who love bold flavors. Baking lobster tails is easy and produces tender meat. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and a nice char. Both methods work well, but they offer different tastes. Baking is more hands-off, while grilling needs attention. If you want a quick meal, bake. For a fun outdoor experience, grill. Try both to find your favorite! After you enjoy your garlic butter lobster tails, store any leftovers right away. Place the tails in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. If you leave them out, they can spoil quickly. To reheat lobster tails, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. If you do, heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want to save lobster tails for later, freezing is a great option. Start by cleaning the tails and removing the meat. Wrap each tail in plastic wrap. Make sure it's tight to avoid freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped tails in a freezer bag. Squeeze out any air before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. You can tell if lobster tails are cooked by looking at the color. The meat should be opaque and white. If it is still translucent or clear, it needs more time. Also, the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cook lobster tails for about 12-15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) for best results. Basting with garlic butter helps keep them moist and adds flavor. Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted. However, you may want to reduce the salt in the recipe. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level. This allows you to adjust the taste to your liking. Salted butter can add a nice flavor, but be mindful of the overall saltiness in the dish. The best sides for garlic butter lobster tails include simple and fresh options. Here are a few great ideas: - Garlic bread for dipping in the butter - Steamed asparagus or green beans for color and crunch - A light salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness - Rice or quinoa to soak up the garlic butter - Mashed potatoes for a creamy side dish These sides complement the rich flavors of the lobster tails. Cooking garlic butter lobster tails is simple and fun. We covered each step, from choosing fresh tails to baking them to perfection. Don't forget the key tips for flavor and cooking times. You can also explore variations to suit your taste. Lastly, proper storage helps keep your meal fresh for later enjoyment. Enjoy this dish as a delightful treat or a special meal. Trust that your skills will impress everyone at the table.

Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

Indulge in the ocean's finest with this mouthwatering garlic butter lobster tails recipe! Simple yet elegant, these lobster tails are coated with a rich garlic butter blend and baked to perfection for a stunning, restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfect for date nights or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your seafood dining experience today!
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Ingredients
  

4 lobster tails

1/2 cup unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

    Prepare the Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top shell of the lobster tails down the center, stopping just before the tail. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the flesh.

      Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, paprika, and season with salt and pepper.

        Coat the Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet, flesh side up. Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the flesh of the lobster tails, ensuring even coverage. Reserve some of the butter for basting during cooking.

          Bake: Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and cooked through. During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the lobster with the reserved garlic butter for extra flavor and moisture.

            Serve: Remove from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side for drizzling.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4