Lobster tail is regarded as a luxury food particularly in fine dining restaurants, special occasion or as a celebration. Nonetheless, lobster tail is not as difficult to cook at home as most of the people might imagine. The right method combined with a small number of ingredients and quality or correctly thawed This lobster tails recipe will enable anyone to prepare a seafood meal of restaurant quality in their own kitchen.
Here you will know all the basics about cooking lobster tails including the precautionary steps of preparing lobster tails, the most appropriate ways of cooking and you are bound to make a foolproof garlic butter lobster tail recipe that will suit even the novice as well as a professional home cook.
Why Lobster Tails Are So Popular?
The lobster tail is a desired food because of its sweet tasting meat and its appealing presentation. Lobster tails are simple to prepare, cook, and serve unlike whole lobster, which takes complex preparation. They are also multifaceted and may be baked, broiled, grilled or even air-fried.
Among other reasons why lobster tail recipes are such a trend are:
- Rich, buttery flavor.
- Elegant presentation.
- Low carbohydrate high protein.
- Quick cooking time.
Ideal in case of special dinners or holidays.
Lobster tail is one dish you should continue relying on whether you are going out with your lover on a date, taking holidays or just looking to take your game to the next level with your seafood.
Selecting the Best Lobster Tails
High quality lobster tails have to be picked before placing under the stove.
Fresh vs Frozen lobster tails.
The lobster tails that the entire world buys are frozen in the near future after being harvested. This assists in saving on flavor and texture. Lobster tails are always fine so that when they are frozen, they are actually fresher than fresh ones that have been kept over a period.
Size Guide
4-6 oz: This is to be used in individual servings.
6-8 oz: Great for hearty meals.
8-12 oz: Ideal in case of a special occasion.
Do not buy lobster with black spots, strong smells and too much ice.
How to Prepare Lobster Tails?
Presentation is a measure of making sure that the meat is soft and juicy.
Thawing Lobster Tails
In case of frozen lobster tails:
- Put them in the fridge and leave overnight, or
- Dip closed tails in ice.
- Do not warm up lobster tails in warm water.
Butterfly the Lobster Tails
Butterflying aids in the even cooking of the meat and makes it have a beautiful presentation.
Steps:
- With a kitchen shear cut the center of the top of the shell.
- Slowly scrape the meat off the shell.
- Pull up the meat and put it down on the shell.
- Garlic Butter Baked Lobster Tail Recipe.
This is a simple yet tasty lobster tail dish that is just ideal when it comes to every occasion.
Lobster Tails Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (4-6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons butter without salt (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- 1 teaspoon paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Fresh parsley ( chopped, to serve on top)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Warm your oven to 425 deg F (220 deg C). Cover a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Step 2: cook the Lobster Tails.
Peel lobster tails but put them shell-side down in the baking sheet. Draw the meat a little upwards and it will be lying on the shell.
Step 3: Make Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine:
- Melted butter.
- Minced garlic.
- Lemon juice.
- Paprika.
- Salt and pepper.
Mix them well.
Step 4: Season the Lobster
Rub the lobster meat with a lot of butter that contains garlic. Ensure that all the tails are covered with more flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Place lobster tails in the oven and cook between 12-15 minutes basing on its size. Its meat must be opaque and attain a temperature of 140-145degF (60-63degC) internally.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take out of the oven, chop fresh parsley on it and serve with lemon wedges and additional melted butter.
Other Lobster Tails Cooking Techniques
Broiled Lobster Tails
- A gorgeous looking golden top is produced through broiling.
- Set oven to broil (high)
- Lobster tails should be at a distance of 5-6 inches.
- Broil between 8-10 minutes, once basted.
Grilled Lobster Tails
- Grilling adds smoky flavor.
- Split lobster tails in half.
- Brush with butter.
- Roast meat facing side up 5-6 minutes and turn it over.
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
- Quick and convenient.
- Cook at 380 (deg F)
- Air fry for 6-8 minutes.
- Brush with garlic butter half way through.
When Lobster Tells It Is Done?
Cooked lobster meat is supposed to be perfect and therefore it should:
- Opaque white.
- Firm but tender.
- Not rubbery.
The biggest mistake is overcooking and in this case the time in cooking should be closely monitored.
What to Serve With Lobster Tails?
Lobster tails go well with uninvolved sides that do not overwhelmed their taste:
- Garlic mashed potatoes.
- Asparagus (or broccoli) cooked on the stovetop.
- Buttered rice or risotto.
- Fresh garden salad.
- Crusty bread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage
- Cooked lobster tails need to be refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2 days.
Reheating
- Gently reheat in the oven 300 deg F.
- Add butter to prevent drying.
- Where it is possible, do not microwave.
Final Thoughts
The recipes of lobster tails do not have to be hard. Low ingredients and proper technique make it possible to have a high-end seafood dish at home and it will not cost the restaurant money. Lobster tails can be baked, broiled or grilled and are so versatile and elegant and surprisingly simple to cook.
When feeling at a loss as to how to impress a visitor or just are choosing to treat yourself to a thing or two, this garlic butter lobster tail recipe is a great place starting.
Happy Cooking!