Ina Garten’s Dreamy Lobster Tail Recipe: Fancy Dinner Magic

Seafood lovers rejoice as this exceptional lobster tail recipe from Ina Garten brings restaurant-quality elegance straight to your kitchen.

Her culinary expertise shines through every succulent bite of these perfectly prepared shellfish.

The technique transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dining experience that feels incredibly sophisticated.

Tender, buttery lobster tails emerge from the oven with a golden, crispy exterior that promises pure indulgence.

Each mouthwatering morsel melts with rich, delicate flavors that make any meal feel special.

You won’t believe how easy it is to create such an impressive dish at home.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this stunning seafood masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Lobster Tail Recipe

• Lobster Tail: Fresh, high-quality seafood that delivers succulent ocean flavor, best when shells are bright and meat looks firm and translucent.
• Kitchen Shears: Precise cutting tool essential for butterflying delicate seafood without damaging the tender meat.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that awaken the natural sweetness of lobster meat.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and complexity to the butter sauce.
• Thyme, Rosemary, Parsley: Fragrant herbs that infuse the lobster with bright, earthy Mediterranean-inspired notes.

• Butter: Rich, creamy ingredient that creates luxurious sauce and helps achieve beautiful golden-brown surface when broiled.
• Extra Melted Butter: Optional serving accompaniment that adds extra indulgence and moisture to the dish.

Gear to Make Lobster Tail Like Ina Does

• Kitchen Shears: Sharp, sturdy scissors perfect for cleanly cutting lobster shells.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing herb butter seasoning ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending melted butter and herbs smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan to hold and cook lobster tails evenly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Oven (with broil setting): High-heat cooking method to perfectly brown lobster tails.

How Ina Garten Prepares Her Classic Lobster Tail

• Lobster Tail Preparation

Carefully split the lobster tail lengthwise using kitchen shears, creating a beautiful butterfly shape that will cook evenly and look stunning on the plate.

• Seasoning and Herb Blend

Mix together a fragrant combination of melted butter, chopped herbs, and warm spices to enhance the delicate flavor of the seafood. Gently lift the meat and generously coat with the herbal butter mixture.

• High-Heat Cooking

Place the prepared lobster tails on a baking sheet and slide them under the broiler. Watch closely as they transform with a golden-brown exterior and succulent white meat, cooking quickly at an intense temperature.

• Serving Suggestion

Remove the lobster tails from the oven when the meat turns opaque and develops a light caramelized surface. Finish with an extra drizzle of rich, silky butter for an indulgent touch that elevates this elegant seafood dish.

Flavor Boosters and Swaps for Lobster Tail by Ina

• Pro Tips and Twists
• Infuse your melted butter with extra herbs like tarragon or chives for a more complex, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the lobster's natural sweetness.
• Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the seasoned lobster before broiling to create a delightful golden-brown crust that adds irresistible texture.
• Match your lobster with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the rich, buttery seafood and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Replace standard paprika with smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat that brings excitement to the classic lobster tail preparation.
• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs right before serving to add a bright, vibrant touch that brings freshness and color to the dish.

Serve Up Ina’s Lobster Tail with Style

• Crack Open Seafood Elegance: Serving Suggestions for Lobster Tails
• Pair with Buttery Sides: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or delicate herb-roasted asparagus to complement the rich lobster flavor.
• Create Luxurious Plating: Arrange the golden-brown lobster tails on a pristine white plate, garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Enhance with Wine Pairing: Pour a crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to elevate the delicate seafood experience and balance the buttery herb coating.
• Add Dipping Delights: Offer small ramekins of clarified butter or zesty garlic aioli for guests to enjoy extra flavor with each succulent bite.

How to Keep Lobster Tail Fresh and Tender After Cooking

• Maximize Freshness: Store cooked lobster tails in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain optimal texture.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm leftover lobster gently in the oven at 275°F for 5-7 minutes to prevent overcooking. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the delicate meat tough and rubbery.
• Smart Prep Techniques: Purchase lobster tails the day you plan to cook for maximum freshness. Check for bright, firm meat without discoloration or strong fishy odors when selecting seafood.
• Freeze with Care: Seal uncooked lobster tails in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure best flavor and quality.

Elegant Lobster Tail Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s succulent lobster tail recipe showcases elegant seafood preparation from Barefoot Contessa. Delicate lobster meat paired with rich butter creates a luxurious coastal dining experience for home chefs seeking restaurant-quality results.

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Ingredients

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• 4 lobster tails
• ¼ cup (60 ml) butter (melted)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp thyme (minced)
• 1 tsp rosemary (minced)
• 1 tsp parsley (chopped)
• ½ tsp paprika
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack at the highest level and heat to 500°F (260°C) or broil setting, preparing a baking sheet for cooking.
2. Shell Technique: Use sharp kitchen shears to split lobster tail lengthwise, carefully separating meat from shell while maintaining a butterfly presentation, ensuring the meat rests elegantly atop the split shell.
3. Seasoning: Liberally season exposed lobster meat with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to amplify its inherent maritime flavors.
4. Herb Butter Creation: Whisk melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley, creating a luxurious, aromatic herb-infused sauce.
5. Butter Application: Generously drizzle the herbed butter mixture across lobster tails, ensuring complete and even coverage of the delicate meat.
6. Broiling Process: Slide baking sheet onto top oven rack, broiling for 8-10 minutes, vigilantly monitoring until meat transforms to a translucent opaque shade with a delicate golden-brown exterior.
7. Serving: Remove from oven and, if desired, finish with an additional butter drizzle, serving immediately to preserve the lobster’s exquisite texture and temperature.

Notes

• Butterfly with Care: Use sharp kitchen shears to precisely split the lobster tail, separating meat from shell without tearing for a professional presentation.
• Temperature Matters: Extremely high heat (500°F or broil) ensures quick, even cooking and prevents rubbery texture, so monitor closely during the 8-10 minute cooking window.
• Herb Butter Magic: Whisking fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into melted butter creates a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates the lobster’s natural sweetness.
• Serving Perfection: Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the lobster’s tender texture and optimal temperature, avoiding overcooking that can make the meat tough and stringy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg