Name: Lobster Tail (Fast & Easy) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 4 10-oz Lobster tails (adjust size as needed); 1/4 cup Salted butter (melted; 1/2 stick); 2 cloves Garlic (crushed); 2 tsp Lemon juice; 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika; 1 pinch Cayenne pepper

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Introduction

Lobster tails are a quick and elegant seafood option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This fast and easy recipe brings out the rich, buttery flavor of lobster with a hint of spice and garlic, perfect for a special dinner or a simple treat.

The image shows a white plate with several grilled lobster tails arranged in a row, each lobster tail having a split shell with white, juicy meat inside, slightly charred with golden-brown grill marks and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The tails have a reddish-orange outer shell with a rough texture. At the front edge of the plate, there are two bright yellow lemon wedges with white pith visible. To the left side of the lobster tails, there is a small white bowl filled with a pale yellow sauce. Garnishing the plate are bunches of fresh, curly green parsley placed around the lobster. The whole plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 lobster tails (10 ounces each, or see instructions for other sizes)
1/4 cup salted butter (melted, about 1/2 stick)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

Step 1: If the lobster tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water on the counter for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to broil at 500°F (260°C). Position the oven rack so that the lobster tails on a baking sheet will be 4 to 5 inches from the broiler.
Step 3: Butterfly the lobster tails by cutting down the center of the shell lengthwise with kitchen shears, starting from the thick end and stopping before the tail fin. Carefully spread open the shell and gently pull the lobster meat upward, keeping it attached at the tail fin. Push the shell together underneath and place the meat on top, then set the lobster tails on the baking sheet.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Brush this flavorful butter mixture evenly over the lobster meat.
Step 5: Broil the lobster tails until the meat is opaque and lightly browned, about 1 minute per ounce of tail weight. For example, broil 10-ounce tails for 10 minutes, or 5-ounce tails for 5 minutes.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan over the lobster just before serving.
If you prefer, substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika or a pinch of Old Bay seasoning for a different spice profile.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh burst of acidity.

Storage

Store leftover cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or steam briefly to avoid drying the meat. Lobster is best enjoyed fresh, so avoid microwaving, which can make it tough.

How to Serve

Four grilled lobster tails are arranged closely on a white plate, each tail split open to reveal tender white lobster meat with a slight golden-brown grilled texture on top, sprinkled with finely chopped green parsley. The lobster shells are reddish-orange with charred edges. Around the lobster tails, there are fresh green parsley sprigs and several lemon wedges with bright yellow color. In the top center of the plate, a small white bowl contains melted butter with a light yellow hue. The whole setup is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen lobster tails directly without thawing?

It’s best to thaw lobster tails before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent the meat from becoming tough. If short on time, thawing in cold water for about 30 minutes works well.

How do I know when the lobster tails are fully cooked?

The lobster meat should turn opaque white and have a firm texture. Broil for about 1 minute per ounce to avoid overcooking, which can cause the meat to become rubbery.