It’s red. It’s from the ocean. It has a hard shell. It screams fancy. Yes, lobster is intimidating. At least it seems that way. For a long time the only way I enjoyed lobster — one of my favorite foods — was by eating out at overpriced seafood restaurants.
I remember walking by the meat department at my local grocery store one day and seeing how affordable lobster can actually be, if you watch the sales. For weeks I approached the counter, building up the courage to buy it. But in the end I would always chicken out.
One day, the lobster was on a killer sale and I figured this was my perfect opportunity, because if I really messed it up I wasn’t out too much money. I also bought some steaks to prepare with it as a backup. If everything worked well, I had surf ‘n turf. If it bombed, well, I still had steak.
To cut to the chase, the lobster turned out great. It turns out my fears were largely unfounded and lobster is actually one of the easiest things to prepare. So you can be the hero preparing a romantic home-cooked meal that seems like it took forever to prepare, but was actually shockingly easy. I won’t tell if you won’t.
INGREDIENTS
Lobster tails
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp parsley
PREPARATION
- Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and turn your broiler on high.
- Using kitchen shears, cut along the middle of the hard shell of the lobster tail. Start at the fleshy end and move toward the bottom of the tail.
- Carefully pull back along both sides of the cut to expose the meat (don’t cut your fingers in the process). Place the tails on the baking sheet, with the exposed meat side up.
- Combine the melted butter, garlic salt, paprika, pepper and parsley in a bowl. Pour the butter mixture over the lobster meat.
- Broil for 7-10 minutes or until the meat turns opaque. Depending on the tail, it will often turn a bright red, indicating it is done. Be careful not to overcook so it doesn’t become spongy.
- Serve with more of the melted butter mixture, if desired.
That’s it. The most challenging part of the whole meal is cutting the shell. It’s a little unnerving to feel the shell crack as you cut, but it’s not too bad. Plus, once you get a taste of the rich, buttery meat, the only thing you’ll be thinking about is how great a decision you made to make this dish.
Oh yum. I remember the first time I cooked a whole lobster. My friend, Al, told me that the lobster would scream when it touched the water. I put my fingers in my ears and closed my eyes. I have a photo of me looking terrified. Lobsters don't have vocal chords. It was a complete sham.
good on you for trying it. I cooked a live lobster once… not sure it was so much fun but it turned out okay in the end.
I just got finished with dinner and you totally have me hungry for more! The hubs would love if I made fresh lobster tail, yum!
I would love to learn how to cook a lobster. It is something that I only order when we go out. It would be a huge treat at home
I am so loving this recipe! Nothing like keeping it simple especially when it comes to seafood! Thanks for sharing this, I'm going to keep this recipe!
My favourite food! Lobester cook in butter. It can be terriying for some to cook alive lobster. I think I was calm enough when I cooked it for the first at home.
Oh I love lobster – it might be a requirement since Iive in Maine! I always steam lobsters, but this looks delicious!
Having lived in Boston for years, I am all about lobstah. I wish we had lobster rolls up here in Cleveland… but since they are not a regular here I need to make them at home in the summer! Great tips for cooking this… looks fab!
Karen | GlamKaren.com
Thank you for sharing this! I've actually never cooked Lobster tail but I've always wanted to. It has been one of those intimidating things.
I love a good lobster tail, but I was always scared to cook one at home. Thank you for showing me how.
I love lobster! That's such a great way to make it. Sometimes I'd make a lobster salad with diced green apples, some sliced grapes, ceaser dressing = yums!
| yvonnesowell.com |
Well this is good to know. I am not really a seafood fan but this looks really good
Lobster is my favorite thing to eat but we always boil it. I just read this out loud to my husband and we are going to make it this way next time. I pinned it!
I have always wondered about how to cook lobster tails. One of my kids is allergic to seafood but when he's away for dinner one night, I will definitely make it!
I've always loved eating lobster tail but I don't think that I have ever prepared it. I would love to be able to make this for Hubby and I to enjoy during date night.
We LOVE lobster tail. THey're so easy to make! The perfect date night dinner!
Lobster is just soooooo friggin' good!
This looks absolutely delicious! And perfect for a summer night on the patio after an afternoon of swimming!
Lobster is so good. I've never cooked them myself and I'm not sure why.
I saw this on your IG account, and my mouth was watering! What a delicious dinner idea, and it looks so fresh! Send some over, k?! XO
I don't eat seafood, but this looks good nonetheless. My oldest sister would love this since she loves lobster!
Omg how yummy!!! My parents made lobster everything when I was a kid. This brings me back to those dinners!
I think I might try cooking this! I love lobster, but my mom is allergic to see food so she never cooks anything like this. She only makes salmon! I think I might impress my parents and make this!
Hi Debra, this would be a lovely contribution to Food on Friday: Decadent Delights over at Carole's Chatter. Please do bring it over and add it to the collection. Cheers
Great tips! I just wish they weren't as expensive as they are up here in the mountains. 🙁 Thank you for sharing with us at the #HomeMattersParty