Take your taste buds on an adventure with our Cowboy Butter Lobster Tails. This recipe combines the rich, succulent flavor of lobster with the bold, zesty kick of cowboy butter, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. With its vibrant blend of herbs, spices, and a hint of citrus, the cowboy butter elevates the natural sweetness of the lobster, making every bite an unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into this luxurious and easy-to-prepare dish!
Ingredients
For the Lobster Tails:
- 4 lobster tails
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Cowboy Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Lobster Tails: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Using kitchen shears, carefully cut the top shell of each lobster tail down the center, stopping just before the tail fin. Gently pull the meat out of the shell and place it on top, still attached at the tail fin. Drizzle the lobster meat with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Cowboy Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chopped parsley, chives, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bake the Lobster Tails: Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet. Brush generously with the cowboy butter mixture, ensuring the meat is well-coated. Reserve some of the cowboy butter for serving. Bake the lobster tails in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the meat is opaque and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the lobster tails from the oven and brush with a little more cowboy butter. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and the remaining cowboy butter on the side for dipping.
How to Prepare
The key to these delectable Cowboy Butter Lobster Tails is the rich and flavorful cowboy butter. Combining melted butter with garlic, mustard, lemon juice, herbs, and spices creates a sauce that perfectly complements the sweet, tender lobster meat. Preparing the lobster tails by cutting the shell and pulling the meat out ensures even cooking and an impressive presentation. Brushing the lobster tails with cowboy butter before baking infuses them with flavor, while a final brush after baking keeps them moist and delicious. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright, tangy finish.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: About 30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen lobster tails? Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
- What can I serve with Cowboy Butter Lobster Tails? This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes.
- Can I grill the lobster tails instead of baking them? Absolutely. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the lobster tails for about 5-7 minutes on each side, basting with cowboy butter as they cook.
- Can I make the cowboy butter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cowboy butter up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
- What other seafood can I use with cowboy butter? Cowboy butter is versatile and delicious with shrimp, scallops, or even a firm white fish like cod or halibut.