Boiled Lobster Tails with Garlic Lemon Butter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-worthy flavors: Succulent lobster meat meets warm garlic and zesty lemon butter for a luxurious taste experience.
• Quick and simple: Boiling is a fuss-free method that delivers perfect results in under 20 minutes.
• Perfect for entertaining: Impressive yet effortless, great for date nights or dinner parties.
• Minimal ingredients: Highlights the natural sweetness of lobster without overwhelming it.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lobster Tails:

• 4 lobster tails
• 8 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt

Lemon Garlic Butter Dipping Sauce:

• 1 stick salted butter
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely minced parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Prepare the boiling liquid: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt.
2. Cook the lobster tails: Using kitchen shears, cut the top shell of each tail lengthwise and gently pull the meat slightly out of the shell. Carefully lower the tails into the boiling water. Cook for about 1 minute per ounce of lobster tail (typically ~6–8 minutes for medium tails), until the shell turns red and the meat is opaque.
3. Butter sauce: While the lobster cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add black pepper, minced parsley, and lemon juice. Keep warm.
4. Serve: Remove lobster tails and let them rest for a minute. Plate and generously drizzle or serve with the hot garlic lemon butter for dipping.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Serves 4 (one tail per person)
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 6–8 minutes
• Total time: ~15 minutes

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter.
• Herb twist: Swap parsley for fresh tarragon or chives.
• Citrus punch: Mix in a splash of lime or orange juice instead of lemon.
• Mixed seafood: Add shrimp or crab legs to boil together—just adjust cooking time slightly.

storage/reheating

• Fridge: Store leftover lobster meat and butter sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
• Reheat lobster: Warm gently in the oven at 275 °F (135 °C) covered with foil for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving lobster meat—it becomes rubbery.
• Reheat sauce: Gently melt on low heat until warm, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. How do I know when lobster tails are done?

Lobster meat is cooked when it turns fully opaque (white with pink edges) and reaches an internal temperature of about 140‑145 °F (60‑63 °C).

2. Can I use frozen lobster tails?

Yes—thaw them fully in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

3. What size lobster tails should I buy?

4–6 oz tails are ideal for portion control and quick cooking; adjust cooking time by about one minute per extra ounce.

4. Do I need to devein lobster tails?

Lobster “veins” are not harmful—they’re the digestive tract. You can remove them if they’re visible, but many cooks don’t bother.

5. Can I make the butter sauce ahead?

Yes—you can melt and mix the sauce early, then gently reheat over low heat just before serving.

6. How do I serve this as a complete meal?

Pair with steamed vegetables, crusty bread, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.

7. Can I grill instead of boiling?

Absolutely—shell-on lobster tails can be brushed with sauce and grilled meat-side down over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes.

8. Is unsalted butter okay?

Yes—but if using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to taste in the sauce.

9. Can I freeze boiled lobster?

You can freeze lobster meat, but it may become slightly grainy. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently when ready.

10. What if I run out of parsley?

Fresh basil, chives, or tarragon all make excellent substitutes in the butter sauce.

Conclusion

Boiled lobster tails with garlic lemon butter are an indulgent yet easy-to-prepare dish that feels celebratory at home. With bright aromatics, buttered richness, and minimal fuss, this recipe lets the lobster shine. Enjoy a special meal with flavors that are simple, elegant, and unforgettable.

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