Indulge in restaurant-style elegance with these Spicy Butter Lobster Tails—succulent lobster bathed in a rich, spicy butter sauce, quick to prepare yet brimming with flavor. Perfect for date-night dinners or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Luxurious and bold: Combines tender lobster meat with a creamy, spicy butter sauce.
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Simple prep, impressive result: Elegant presentation and gourmet taste with minimal effort.
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Customizable heat: Easily control the spice by adjusting hot sauce, cayenne, and pepper flakes.
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One-pan convenience: Bake in the oven with no frying required, minimizing cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients:
4 lobster tails (shells removed, meat cleaned and exposed)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1–2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
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Prepare the Lobster Tails
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, slice down the top of each lobster shell to expose the meat, keeping the tail intact for presentation.
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Gently lift the meat and rest it on top of the shell, still attached at the base.
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Make the Spicy Butter Sauce
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in olive oil and minced garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
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Stir until well combined, then season with salt to taste.
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Cook the Lobster Tails
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Place lobster tails on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased dish.
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Pour the spicy butter sauce over the meat, ensuring it’s well coated.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until lobster meat is opaque and tender (avoid overcooking).
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Serve
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Remove from oven and drizzle with any remaining sauce.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
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Servings and timing
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Yield: 4 lobster tails (serves 2–4 depending on portion size)
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Preparation time: ~10 minutes
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Cook time: 12–15 minutes
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Total time: ~25 minutes
Variations
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Creamy twist: Add 2 tbsp heavy cream to sauce for richness.
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Garlic lovers: Use 3–4 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
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Herb boost: Stir fresh thyme or tarragon into the butter sauce.
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Wine-enhanced: Deglaze the pan with ¼ cup white wine before adding butter.
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Citrus aroma: Add zest of lemon or lime to the sauce for an extra bright flavor.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Store cooled lobster and any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Gently rewarm in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes, spoon sauce over lobster as it warms. Avoid reheating in the microwave to preserve texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen lobster tails?
Yes—thaw overnight in the fridge and pat completely dry before preparing.
2. How do I avoid overcooking lobster?
Bake just until the meat turns opaque and springs back slightly. Overcooked lobster becomes rubbery.
3. Can I reduce the spice level?
Yes—use less hot sauce, omit cayenne or pepper flakes, or replace them with mild paprika.
4. Can I broil instead of bake?
Yes—broil for 3–4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
5. What if I don’t have hot sauce?
Use sriracha, chipotle sauce, or a pinch of red chili powder.
6. What sides pair well?
Serve with garlic butter pasta, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or steamed rice.
7. Can I prep sauce ahead?
Yes—make the butter sauce up to a day in advance, then reheat gently before use.
8. Is this gluten-free?
Yes—naturally gluten-free when using pure hot sauce and no additives.
9. Can I add cheese?
Once broiled, sprinkle with grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
10. Can I grill lobster instead?
Absolutely—brush with the spicy butter sauce and grill meat-side down for 5–7 minutes.
Conclusion
Sizzling with flavor, Spicy Butter Lobster Tails elevate any meal into a luxurious dining experience with effortless preparation. With balanced heat and rich buttery goodness, this dish is sure to impress whether you’re treating yourself or entertaining guests. Enjoy every succulent bite!
[tasty-recipe id=”19335″]