Pin it
Get ready for top-notch lobster tails you'd swear came from a fancy restaurant, but they're made in your own kitchen. The juicy meat gets smothered in a rich garlic herb butter mixture and cooked until golden - making an amazing dinner for special occasions. The coolest thing? You'll have this luxurious meal ready in less than 20 minutes, though everyone will think you slaved away for hours.
Why You'll Love These Luxurious Tails
You don't have to pay sky-high restaurant bills to enjoy amazing lobster tails. The butter mixture with herbs and garlic works wonders under the broiler, giving you tender, moist meat every single time. These are my go-to for romantic evenings or whenever I want to give my family a little something fancy.
What You'll Need
- Lobster Tails: Go for cold water varieties - they've got the most flavorful meat.
- Butter: Use unsalted and melted to create our decadent sauce.
- Garlic Cloves: Finely chopped fresh garlic adds incredible scent.
- Salt and Pepper: Just a bit to bring out natural flavors.
- Paprika: Adds gorgeous color and light smokiness.
- Thyme and Rosemary: Fresh herbs take everything up a notch.
- Parsley: A little green makes everything look prettier.
Simple Cooking Steps
- Step 1 - Butterfly the Lobster Tails
- Start your broiler heating up. Use scissors to cut the middle of each shell, then carefully pull the meat up and place it over the shell. Add your seasonings.
- Step 2 - Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- Combine your melted butter with the herbs, garlic and paprika, then brush it generously over the meat.
- Step 3 - Broil the Lobster
- Put them under the broiler about 4-5 inches from the heat source. They'll cook perfectly in 8-10 minutes.
- Step 4 - Serve Immediately
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with extra melted butter and lemon pieces for the best experience.
Insider Secrets
Don't skimp on quality - cold water tails are totally worth the extra money. Be patient when butterflying them for that wow-factor presentation. I figure about 1 minute cooking per ounce and always check with my thermometer for 145°F. When I've got company coming, I prep everything ahead so they're ready to cook at the last minute.
Cooking Time Guidelines
Tiny tails need just 7-8 minutes, average ones take 8-10, and those jumbo ones need 10-12 minutes. For bigger tails, I lower the rack a bit so they don't burn on top - they need a bit more TLC.
Try These Cooking Options
Though broiling's my top pick, you can also bake at 375°F for around 15 minutes, toss them on the grill for wonderful smoky notes, or even try poaching in butter for the most indulgent version. Each technique brings something special to your lobster experience.
Pin it
Tasty Pairings
We always serve these with buttery green beans, crispy parmesan-topped cauliflower or smooth mashed potatoes. Add some Cheddar Bay Biscuits for that complete steakhouse feel. Finish with something decadent like Death by Chocolate Cheesecake for a truly unforgettable dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the easiest way to butterfly lobster?
- Grab kitchen scissors to slice along the shell’s top. Lift the meat gently while leaving it attached underneath.
- → How can I tell it's cooked right?
- When the meat is no longer translucent and has a slight brown top. Broiling usually takes 8-10 minutes.
- → Can this be made in advance?
- Lobster is best cooked fresh, but you can prep the butter mix beforehand.
- → What goes well with these lobster tails?
- Try asparagus, a light salad, some lemon wedges, or classic drawn butter on the side.
- → Why’s broiling better than baking?
- The high heat from broiling browns the top and keeps the lobster meat tender.