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Perfect Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Dinner for Two

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A simple and elegant garlic butter lobster tail dinner that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a romantic meal for two. Tender lobster meat is enhanced with a rich garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lobster tails (about 68 ounces each, thawed if frozen)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut down the top shell lengthwise, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pry the shell apart to expose the meat, then lift the meat slightly and rest it on top of the shell for even cooking.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in lemon juice, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
  4. Brush the lobster tails generously with the garlic butter mixture.
  5. Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish, and roast in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the lobster meat is opaque, firm, and slightly golden on top. (If using a thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C.)
  6. Halfway through baking, baste the lobster tails with more garlic butter to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
  7. Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the lobster tails.
  8. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, pouring any leftover garlic butter over the meat.

Notes

Thaw lobster tails completely before cooking for even results. Use fresh garlic for best flavor and melt butter slowly to avoid burning. Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent rubbery lobster. Fresh parsley adds a fresh balance to the rich butter sauce. Variations include adding cayenne pepper for heat or using olive oil for a dairy-free option.

Nutrition

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