Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe

This Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe is a buttery and elegant dish, which uses fresh lobster tails and garlic butter. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in just 20 minutes.

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Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe Ingredients

• 4 lobster tails (5–6 ounces each), thawed if frozen
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional), chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How To Make Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe

1. Prepare the lobster tails:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or set your broiler to high. Using kitchen shears, cut through the top shell of each lobster tail from the base to the tip. Gently lift the meat out and rest it on top of the shell.
2. Make the butter sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Brush the lobster:
   Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush generously with the garlic butter sauce, reserving some for basting.
4. Cook the lobster tails:
   • To bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
   • To broil: Broil 6–8 inches from the heat source for 8–10 minutes, basting halfway, until lightly browned and opaque.
5. Garnish and serve:
   Brush with remaining butter sauce, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe Tips

• How to tell when lobster is done:
  The meat turns opaque and white, and the internal temp should be 140°F.
• Can I use frozen lobster tails?
  Yes, just thaw them fully in the fridge overnight or under cold water.
• How to butterfly lobster tails:
  Cut through the top shell and pull the meat up to rest it on the shell for a classic presentation.
• What if I don’t have paprika?
  You can omit it or use a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

What To Serve With Ina Garten Lobster Tail

These lobster tails pair beautifully with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini
• Wild rice pilaf
• Caesar salad
• Crusty bread with extra butter sauce

How To Store Leftover Lobster Tail

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat: Gently warm in a covered pan with a bit of butter or in the microwave at low power.

Freeze: Not recommended—texture may become rubbery when thawed and reheated.

Lobster Tail Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: ~25g
• Fat: ~18g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Cholesterol: ~130mg
• Sodium: ~500mg
• Carbohydrates: ~2g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on size of lobster and ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I grill lobster tails instead?
Yes! Grill meat-side down over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes.

Do I need to parboil the tails first?
No, baking or broiling them raw gives better flavor and texture.

Can I use compound butter instead?
Absolutely—mix softened butter with herbs and garlic and chill before using.

What’s the best lobster tail size?
5–6 oz is ideal for even cooking and portion size.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Jeffrey’s Roast Chicken Recipe
• Ina Garten Steak Sandwich Recipe
• Ina Garten Flank Steak Recipe