Garlic Butter Lobster Tails

## **Instructions**

### 1. **Prepare the Lobster Tails**
If you’re using frozen lobster tails, make sure to thaw them first by placing them in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw them under cold running water for about 30-60 minutes. Once thawed, use kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut down the top of the lobster shell, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the lobster meat out of the shell, leaving the meat attached at the base. This is called “piggybacking” the lobster meat, and it helps it cook evenly while staying tender.

### 2. **Preheat the Oven or Grill**
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or if you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Both cooking methods will yield great results, so it’s up to your personal preference.

### 3. **Make the Garlic Butter Sauce**
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. Stir in the lemon juice, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove the sauce from the heat. The garlic butter will coat the lobster perfectly and provide a rich, flavorful base.

### 4. **Prep the Lobster for Cooking**
Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet (for the oven) or on the grill. Brush the lobster meat with a generous amount of the garlic butter sauce, making sure to coat it evenly. If you’re baking, you can pour a little extra garlic butter sauce into the pan to prevent the lobster from drying out during cooking.

### 5. **Cook the Lobster Tails**
**In the oven:** Bake the lobster tails for 12-15 minutes, or until the lobster meat becomes opaque and starts to firm up. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size of the lobster tails, so be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The lobster should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

**On the grill:** Grill the lobster tails, shell side down, for 5-7 minutes, brushing with more garlic butter as they cook. Flip the lobster tails and grill for an additional 3-4 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and opaque.

### 6. **Garnish and Serve**
Once the lobster tails are cooked, remove them from the oven or grill. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter sauce over the lobster meat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness.

### 7. **Enjoy**
Serve your **Garlic Butter Lobster Tails** with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The rich garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet, tender lobster, creating an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

## **Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Lobster Tails**

### **Restaurant-Quality at Home:**
You don’t need to dine out to enjoy the decadent flavors of lobster. This recipe brings that gourmet dining experience right into your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s both impressive and delicious.

### **Rich and Flavorful:**
The garlic butter sauce is the star of this recipe. It’s flavorful, aromatic, and enhances the lobster without overpowering it. The addition of lemon juice provides a refreshing balance that complements the richness of the butter.

### **Quick and Easy:**
Despite the luxurious feel of this dish, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. The lobster only takes a few minutes to cook, making this a perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner, a date night, or a holiday feast.

### **Versatile and Elegant:**
Lobster is the ultimate special-occasion food, but it’s also versatile enough for a variety of occasions. You can serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even add it to pasta or salad for a unique twist. It’s elegant enough for a fancy dinner yet simple enough for a cozy night in.

## **Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Lobster Tails**

– **Don’t Overcook the Lobster:** Lobster is delicate, and overcooking it can make it tough and rubbery. Keep an eye on the lobster tails and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn opaque and firm up.

– **Use Fresh Lobster Tails:** If possible, use fresh lobster tails for the best texture and flavor. Frozen lobster tails work well too, but fresh lobster will give you the most succulent, tender results.

– **Customize the Garlic Butter Sauce:** Feel free to get creative with the garlic butter sauce! Add a little white wine or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra depth. For a more herbaceous flavor, try adding fresh thyme or basil to the butter mixture.

– **Serve with a Side of Sides:** Pair your lobster tails with classic sides like roasted asparagus, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette. The lightness of these dishes will complement the richness of the lobster perfectly.

## **Final Thoughts**

**Garlic Butter Lobster Tails** are the epitome of indulgence, offering a combination of succulent lobster meat and a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce that’s sure to impress anyone at the table. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a decadent meal that tastes like it came straight from a five-star restaurant.

Whether it’s for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something luxurious, this dish will elevate your meal to new heights. Give it a try, and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of these mouthwatering lobster tails!