Print

Perfect Lobster Tail Recipe with Lemon Herb Butter

lobster tail recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

Sweet, tender lobster tails are broiled with a luscious lemon herb butter for a gourmet dinner that’s surprisingly easy and perfect for special occasions. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for celebrations or a treat-yourself night.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), thawed if frozen
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven broiler to high and set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source.
  2. Place lobster tails on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut down the top of each shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Do not cut the meat.
  3. Gently open the shell and loosen the meat from the sides without detaching it from the base. Pull the meat upward to rest on top of the shell (butterflied).
  4. Pat the lobster meat dry with a paper towel. Brush each tail lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  5. In a small bowl, mash together the butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, chives, and paprika until smooth and creamy.
  6. Generously spread the lemon herb butter over the lobster meat using a pastry brush or spoon.
  7. Place the lobster tails on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (or directly on the sheet if no rack).
  8. Broil for 8-10 minutes, until the meat is opaque and the top edges are lightly browned. For smaller tails, check after 7 minutes.
  9. If the butter starts to burn before the meat is cooked, loosely tent the tails with foil.
  10. Check for doneness: the meat should be firm, white, and opaque. A thermometer should read 140°F in the thickest part. Broil for another 1-2 minutes if needed.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges.

Notes

For best results, use cold-water lobster tails for sweetness and texture. Always pat the meat dry before seasoning to help the butter adhere. If you prefer, grill the butterflied tails over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Swap herbs or add a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free with plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster tail, lemon herb butter, seafood, gourmet dinner, broiled lobster, easy lobster recipe, special occasion, gluten-free, holiday meal

Find it online: https://avabake.com/perfect-lobster-tail-recipe-with-lemon-herb-butter-easy-gourmet-dinner/