Description
This Lobster Tail Recipe with Garlic Lemon Butter features tender, broiled lobster tails enhanced with a flavorful marinade of garlic, lemon, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley. The process includes butterflying the lobster tails for even cooking and presentation, then broiling to a perfect opaque finish, finished with a rich garlic lemon butter sauce that can be drizzled or served on the side for dipping.
Ingredients
Lobster Tails
- 4 lobster tails (5 to 6 oz each)
Marinade
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (very finely chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Butter
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
Instructions
- How to Prepare/Butterfly Lobster Tails: Use kitchen scissors to carefully cut through the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the base and slicing through the meat partially. Flip the tail over to crack the ribs on the back side to help open the shell. Gently open the shell and loosen the lobster meat, keeping it attached at the base. Lift the meat out and lay it atop the shell so most of it rests outside the shell for even cooking.
- Preheat Oven for Broiling: Position the oven rack in the upper third or center to ensure the lobster meat will be at least 6 inches from the heating element. Preheat oven to the broil setting on high heat.
- Make the Marinade Sauce: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped parsley, pressed garlic, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Stir until well mixed.
- Arrange Lobster Tails: Place the butterflied lobster tails in a roasting pan sized 9×13 or 8×12 inches. Evenly distribute the marinade over the top of each tail. Dot each tail with half a tablespoon of butter cut into small pieces.
- Broil the Lobster Tails: Broil the tails on high for 10 to 11 minutes or adjust time based on tail size. The lobster meat should appear opaque and white in the center and reach an internal temperature of 145°F using an instant-read thermometer. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
- Prepare Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Drain the drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and bring the mixture to a simmer. Remove from heat and pour the sauce over the lobster tails or serve separately in ramekins as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook lobster tails to prevent rubbery texture; internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Butterflying the tails helps in even cooking and attractive presentation.
- Adjust broiling time based on the size of lobster tails, larger tails may need slightly longer.
- Fresh parsley used in the marinade and as garnish enhances the brightness of flavor.
- The garlic lemon butter sauce can be customized by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
