Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Pat the lobster tails dry. Using sharp kitchen scissors, cut down the center of the top shell and gently lift the meat out, resting it on top of the shell.
- Brush each tail lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Preheat Your Heat Source
- Grill to medium-high (about 400°F) or set oven broiler on high with the rack 6–8 inches from the heat. You can also steam or boil (see tips).
Cooking the Lobster
- Grill/Broil: Place tails meat-side down first for 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook meat-side up for another 3–4 minutes. Total 6–8 minutes for 4–6 oz tails. Larger tails may need 8–12 minutes.
- Steam: Steam for 6–8 minutes (small tails) or until opaque throughout.
- Boil: Immerse tails in rapidly boiling salted water and cook 4–6 minutes (depending on size) until opaque.
- The lobster is done when the meat is pearly white and firm. If you use a thermometer, aim for an internal temp of ~140–145°F.
Make the Butter Sauce
- While lobster cooks, melt 4 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
- Stir in lemon juice and Dijon mustard, simmer gently for 30–60 seconds.
- Remove from heat and stir in parsley, chives (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Finish & Serve
- Spoon warm butter sauce generously over cooked lobster tails.
- Add a final squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, garlic rice, corn on the cob, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp Chardonnay. Refrigerate cooked lobster meat in an airtight container with a little melted butter for up to 48 hours. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or steam briefly. Freeze lobster meat in a butter-lined, freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.