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Garlic Herb Lobster Tails

This dish features lobster tails cooked simply with a fragrant garlic herb butter, highlighting the tender, slightly sweet meat with bright, fresh flavors. The lobster is baked until opaque and juicy, with a golden, slightly caramelized shell, creating an elegant yet approachable seafood experience. Perfect for a quick, indulgent meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly forgiving and easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large lobster tails fresh or thawed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter for herb butter
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 lemon lemon juiced, plus extra for serving
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for brushing
  • to taste sea salt adjust based on butter saltiness
  • to taste black pepper freshly cracked

Equipment

  • Boning knife
  • Baking sheet with rack
  • Basting brush
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and position a rack in the middle. Prepare your lobster tails by using a sharp boning knife to cut along the top shell from base to tip, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pry the shell apart to expose the meat without tearing it.
  2. Carefully lift the lobster meat out of the shell, keeping it attached at the tail end if possible, and rinse lightly if needed. Pat it dry with paper towels until it feels firm and slightly moist.
  3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Mince the garlic finely and add it to the butter, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat once aromatic and well combined.
  4. Brush the lobster meat generously with the warm garlic herb butter, making sure to coat all sides and get into the crevices. Use a basting brush for even coverage. Place the prepared lobster tails on a rack set over a baking sheet.
  5. Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the meat turns opaque and firm, and the shells take on a light red or pink hue. Baste once halfway through to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
  6. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the lobster, sprinkle with additional herbs if desired, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra bright finish.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs on top just before serving. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter for a subtle kick.