If you’re looking to dazzle your date with a home-cooked meal, a lobster tail slathered with garlic and salted butter will do the trick to set the mood for a romantic dinner.
Why This Is The Best Lobster Tail Recipe EVER!
There’s so much to love about this recipe, but here’s why I think it’s the BEST dinner date idea ever:
✅It’s all about taste and texture. This dish has a sweet, buttery lobster flavor with a delicate and tender texture that’s sure to impress!
✅It uses simple ingredients. You don’t need fancy ingredients to make a delicious meal. All you need are pantry staples, and you’re good to go!
✅It’s quick and beginner-friendly. Preparing for a date can be stressful, but with this recipe, there’s one less thing to worry about because the steps are straightforward and easy to follow.
✅It gives you a restaurant-quality meal at home. Skip the overpriced dishes at fancy restaurants. You can make a top-notch meal in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost.
Helpful Tips When Buying Lobster
It all starts with a great lobster. Yes, it can be pretty pricey, but knowing how to pick the best without overpaying is key. So, let me help you out.
First, opt for cold-water lobster. Avoid tails soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate, as this can give the lobster an off-putting ammonia taste.
Next, check for discoloration. Steer clear of anything with black spots, as this usually means it’s not fresh and won’t taste as great when cooked.
Last but not least, choose the right size. Smaller tails (around 3 oz.) tend to be softer and more tender, while larger ones (up to 24 oz.) are fuller and more filling.
It’s All About the Seasonings
Once you’ve picked out the freshest lobster tails for dinner, it’s time to season them! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salted butter: This adds flavor, locks in moisture, and helps with browning.
- Garlic: This recipe calls for 2 fresh, crushed garlic cloves. Don’t mince it, as it’s more likely to burn. Alternatively, you can substitute with half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Lemon juice: Not only does this pair perfectly with seafood, but it also makes the lobster meat more tender. Don’t forget to save some lemon wedges for serving later.
- Smoked paprika: I love the smoky flavor of this ingredient, but if you prefer a touch of sweetness, feel free to swap it with sweet paprika instead.
- Cayenne powder: A small pinch adds just the right amount of heat, bringing a little spice to the dish — and your date!
- Black pepper: This one’s optional, but it helps round out the flavors and adds extra depth.
Broiled Salted Butter Lobster Tails
Credit: @shellyannhayles
Ingredients
- 4 lobster tails (worth 10 oz. each)
- ¼ cup of melted salted butter (around half a stick)
- 2 crushed cloves of garlic
- 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 pinch of cayenne pepper (or more if you prefer it spicier)
- A dash of black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- If your lobster tails are frozen, thaw them overnight in the fridge. If you're short on time, seal them in a bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
- While waiting, preheat your oven to broil (about 500°F) and position the oven rack so there’s about 4-5 inches of space between the broiler and your lobster.
- Next, butterfly your tails: Use kitchen shears to cut down the center of the top shell lengthwise without cutting through the tail. You want to cut through the top shell, but not the bottom.
- Now, use your thumbs and fingers to spread the top shell open, then carefully pull the lobster meat upward, separating it from the bottom shell while keeping the end attached to the tail fin.
- Push together the empty shell underneath and lay the lobster meat on top before transferring the tails to a lined baking sheet, flesh side up. Set them aside for now.
- In the meantime, grab a small bowl and whisk together your melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and spices.
- Once they’re well-combined, generously brush the mixture over the lobster meat.
- Then, pop them in the oven to broil. You’ll know they’re ready when the meat is opaque and lightly browned. As a general rule, you should cook about 1 minute per ounce. So, if you’re working with 10 ounces, broil for 10 minutes.
- Finally, plate your lobster tails and serve them with a side of veggies, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Featured image credit to @lobsterseasoning.
