Rock Lobster Tail from Red Lobster features tender, succulent lobster meat with a sweet, delicate flavor, served butter-poached and garnished with lemon wedges, presenting a vibrant, juicy seafood dish perfect for a luxurious dining experience.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Kitchen shears
- Cutting board
- Seafood cracker (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Baking tray or broiler pan
- Pastry brush
- Serving platter
- Small bowl (for clarified butter)
- Lemon zester (optional)
- Serving tongs
Ingredients
- 2 rock lobster tails
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Fresh rock lobster tails should be thawed properly if frozen to maintain their tender texture and sweet flavor when cooked. Unsalted butter is essential for butter-poaching, allowing you to control the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Fresh parsley and minced garlic enhance the flavor profile, adding a fragrant and mildly spicy note. Lemon juice and wedges provide a bright citrus balance that complements the lobster's natural sweetness. Your copycat Rock Lobster Tail from Red Lobster will capture the tender, buttery essence of the original dish, making it perfect for a luxurious seafood meal at home.
Instructions
- Thaw lobster tails (if frozen) overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven broiler (or set oven to high broil).
- Use kitchen shears to cut the top shell down the center of each lobster tail, stopping at the tail base.
- Use your fingers to gently loosen the meat from the shell, keeping it attached at the base, and lift it over the shell for presentation.
- Place lobster tails on a baking tray or broiler pan.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush lobster meat generously with the butter mixture using a pastry brush.
- Broil lobster tails 5–7 inches from the heat for 8–10 minutes, basting halfway with more butter mixture.
- Check lobster for doneness—meat should be opaque and firm.
- Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter using tongs.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and a small bowl of clarified butter.
- Garnish with extra parsley and optional lemon zest.
Substitution
The Rock Lobster Tail from Red Lobster copycat offers a rich, buttery seafood experience with tender lobster meat cooked to perfection. If fresh lobster tails are unavailable, frozen lobster tails can be substituted, but make sure to thaw them properly overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor. When butter-poaching is not feasible, broiling the tails with garlic butter provides a delicious alternative method that still enhances the lobster's natural sweetness. You might also consider swapping fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice in a pinch, though freshly squeezed juice yields a more vibrant taste. Using kitchen shears to carefully butterfly the lobster tail allows you to easily access the meat and baste it evenly with the garlic herb butter mixture.
Tips
Ensure lobster tails are fully thawed before cooking to achieve even heat distribution and optimal texture. When cutting the shell, use kitchen shears carefully to avoid damaging the meat, which should remain attached at the base for a professional presentation. Butter basting must be done generously and consistently during broiling to maintain moisture and enhance flavor. You can test for doneness when the lobster meat turns opaque and firm, avoiding overcooking which causes toughness.
Nutritions
Rock lobster tail is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while being low in fat and calories. The inclusion of unsalted butter adds healthy fats and enhances absorption of fat-soluble vitamins present in the lobster meat. Small amounts of garlic and lemon juice contribute antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health and adding a fresh flavor profile without adding significant calories. Your meal provides a balanced approach to nutrition, combining lean seafood with herbs and citrus for a delicious, nutrient-dense dining option.
Storage
Store your cooked rock lobster tails in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For optimal taste and texture, consume the lobster within 2 days of cooking. When reheating, gently warm the meat in a low oven or steamed environment to keep it tender and succulent.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting fresh garlic with shallots for a milder, sweeter flavor in your butter sauce. Instead of broiling, you can steam the lobster tails to maintain moisture and create a softer texture. You might also experiment with adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a subtle smoky or spicy kick. Consider serving your lobster tails over a bed of garlic butter rice or alongside roasted seasonal vegetables to elevate your meal.
Allergies
Rock Lobster Tail contains shellfish, a common allergen that can trigger severe allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Butter used in the recipe may pose a risk for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. You should exercise caution and consult with a medical professional if you have known allergies related to shellfish or dairy before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Rock Lobster Tail from Red Lobster restaurant is prized for its tender, buttery lobster meat paired with a perfectly grilled tail that delivers rich, oceanic flavors. You can replicate this luxurious dish at home to enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood experience without the high cost. Its unique blend of succulent lobster and savory seasonings makes it a standout item on the menu, appealing to seafood lovers and novices alike. Creating a copycat version allows you to customize flavors and impress guests with fresh, gourmet-quality lobster.