Lobster tails butterflied so the meat sits on top of the shell, brushed with garlic, lemon and paprika butter and broiled until just opaque. About 25 minutes; serves 4.
Lobster tails look like a splurge, but they are one of the quickest special-occasion dinners you can make. The shell is cut open and the meat is lifted up to rest on top, a method often called piggyback or butterflied. It cooks evenly under the broiler and looks impressive on the plate.
A simple butter with garlic, lemon and paprika is brushed on before broiling, and a reserved portion is served alongside for dipping. Plan on about a minute of broiling per ounce of tail.
Ingredients
4 lobster tails (5 to 6 ounces each), thawed if frozen
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges, for serving
Where to buy lobsterLobster tails shipped to your door by Lobster Anywhere, shipping fresh Maine lobster since 1999.
More picks: where to buy seafood. We may make money from the links on this page, but it doesn't affect what you pay.
Instructions
Heat the broiler. Set an oven rack about 5 inches below the broiler and heat the broiler to high.
Cut the shell. With kitchen shears, cut down the center of the top shell of each tail, stopping at the tail fan. Do not cut through the bottom shell.
Lift the meat. Gently spread the shell open. Slide your finger between the meat and the bottom shell to loosen it, then lift the meat up and rest it on top of the shell, leaving it attached at the tail end. Press the shell closed underneath it.
Make the garlic butter. Stir together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt and cayenne. Pour half into a small dish and set it aside for serving.
Brush and broil. Set the tails on a rimmed baking sheet and brush the meat generously with the remaining butter. Broil for about 1 minute per ounce, 5 to 8 minutes for 5 to 6-ounce tails, until the meat is opaque and firm all the way through, about 145°F on an instant-read thermometer.
Serve. Sprinkle with parsley and serve right away with the reserved garlic butter and lemon wedges.
Nutrition per serving (estimated)
250Calories
<1 gCarbohydrates
0 gFiber
<1 gNet carbs
20 gProtein
18 gFat
Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.
