Still need an idea for dinner tonight? Few meals scream special occasion more than Surf and Turf. If you’re like me, you probably know how to make a steak, but buying a raw lobster tail and making it at home was an overwhelming concept to me, so I took to my Facebook friends a few years ago and found out that it’s actually pretty easy! Here’s a step-by-step! This recipe is for two tails:
1) I picked up our lobster tails from Fresh Market. Shop around because you can typically find them on sale at various supermarkets.*
2) Preheat oven to 450℉.
3) Melt 2 Tablespoons of butter and add 1/8 teaspoon (each) of paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
5) Now we get to the lobster tail! Place the lobster vertically on the cutting board. Starting at the top center, cut down the middle of the shell towards the fin but stop short of the fin itself.
6) Pull the meat up and rest it on top of the shell, leaving it attached at the point closest to the fin. A spoon can help separate the meat from the inside of the shell.
7) Put the tails onto a baking sheet and brush on the butter mixture. If you don’t have a brush, just use the back of the spoon to spread.
8) Put them in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, uncovered on a baking sheet. It really doesn’t take long, they cook quickly like shrimp. They will be opaque and no longer translucent. (If you are anything like me though, you are positive you are going to undercook it and give everyone food poisoning, so this is how I am totally sure it is fully cooked. I use a meat thermometer after 12 minutes, and I check it and make sure it is at least 140-145℉.)
If you like, you can give it a squeeze of lemon, or melt some more butter for dipping. Pair it with a nice steak and you’re good to go! Happy Valentine’s Day!
*At of time of publish, lobster tails are for sale for $5.99 at Giant, $6.99 at Harris Teeter, and $5.99 at Safeway.
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