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Lobster Tail with Garlic Butter Easy Romantic Dinner for Two

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This elegant lobster tail recipe features succulent, butterflied lobster tails roasted and basted with a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with lemon and smoked paprika. Perfect for date nights or special occasions, it’s quick, easy, and restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lobster tails (5–6 oz each), fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the lobster tails: Using sharp kitchen shears, cut straight down the center of each shell (lengthwise) from the top toward the tail, stopping just before the fin. Gently pull the shell apart and lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell for a butterflied look. Pat the lobster tails dry with paper towels.
  2. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a small baking sheet or oven-safe dish with foil.
  3. Make the garlic butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer over low heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Place the butterflied lobster tails on the baking sheet. Spoon or brush the garlic butter generously over each tail, coating the meat and letting some drip into the shell. Sprinkle with extra paprika and red pepper flakes if desired.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and firm, and an instant-read thermometer reads 140–145°F in the thickest part. For extra browning, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  6. Remove from the oven and baste once more with any remaining garlic butter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and extra melted butter for dipping.

Notes

Start checking the lobster at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking. For extra flavor, let the garlic butter sit for 5 minutes before using. You can broil for the last minute or two for a golden top. Use fresh garlic for best results. This recipe is flexible—try with shrimp or scallops, or add a splash of white wine to the butter. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and gently reheated in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: lobster tail, garlic butter, romantic dinner, seafood, special occasion, easy lobster recipe, date night, baked lobster, anniversary dinner, Valentine’s Day

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/lobster-tail-with-garlic-butter-easy-romantic-dinner-for-two/