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Tender, juicy lobster tails gently cooked in warm, garlic-infused butter with a fresh hint of lemon, perfect for a quick, indulgent, and elegant meal.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
  • Lemon wedges to serve

Instructions

  1. Cut down the top shell of each lobster tail with kitchen shears and gently lift the meat out, resting it on top while keeping it attached at the base.
  2. Pat the lobster meat dry with paper towels.
  3. Place a saucepan over very low heat and slowly melt the unsalted butter.
  4. Stir minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne into the melted butter.
  5. Let the butter mixture infuse gently for 2 to 3 minutes without boiling or browning.
  6. Put the lobster tails into the butter, meat side down.
  7. Poach the tails gently for 5 to 7 minutes, spooning butter over them occasionally.
  8. Flip the tails and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until the lobster flesh is opaque and tender (135–140°F/57–60°C if using a thermometer).
  9. Lift the lobster tails out of the butter carefully.
  10. Spoon remaining butter sauce over the lobster meat.
  11. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives and add lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not overcook lobster to avoid rubbery texture; keep heat low and timing precise for tender meat., Dry lobster meat thoroughly before cooking to allow the butter to adhere and create a silky texture., Use a wider pan for easier basting and to reduce splatters., For dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternatives., To store leftovers, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and keep in an airtight container in the freezer., Reheat gently in a skillet with a bit of butter over low heat to keep lobster moist and tender.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 lobster tail with butter sauce
  • Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
  • Fat: 45 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 1 g per serving
  • Protein: 25 g per serving