Ingredients:

  • 4 large Cold Water Lobster Tails (approx. 4-5 oz each), thawed, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 4 Lemon Wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Broiler: Position an oven rack 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) from the broiler element. Preheat the broiler on high.
  2. Prepare the Tails: Rinse the thawed lobster tails under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  3. Execute the Butterfly Cut: Using sharp kitchen shears, cut straight down the centre of the hard top shell, stopping right before the tail fin. Gently pry the shell open, carefully lift the white meat through the opening, leaving the very end attached at the tail fin. Press the two sides of the shell back together underneath the meat to create a platform.
  4. Arrange: Place the butterflied tails directly onto a wire rack set on a baking tray.
  5. Melt Butter: Gently melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave.
  6. Infuse the Butter: Remove the butter from the heat and stir in the minced fresh garlic, lemon juice, parsley, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  7. Baste: Using a basting brush, liberally coat the exposed lobster meat with about half of the garlic butter mixture. Reserve the remaining butter for post-cooking serving.
  8. Broil: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Broil for 6 to 10 minutes.
  9. Check Doneness: Monitor closely; the lobster meat should turn opaque white/pink. The meat is fully cooked when firm and opaque (internal temperature should read 140°F/60°C). Do not overcook.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven. Let the tails rest on the tray for 2 minutes. Drizzle the reserved melted garlic butter generously over the cooked lobster meat. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.