1. Prepare the Lobster Tails:
- Preheat Broiler: Preheat your oven broiler to high.
- Butterfly Lobster Tails: Using kitchen shears, cut down the middle of the top shell of each lobster tail, stopping at the base of the tail. Gently pull apart the shell to expose the meat, then lift the meat over the shell, leaving it attached at the base.
- Season Lobster Tails: Place the lobster tails on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the Dijon mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped chives, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another minute until combined.
3. Broil the Lobster Tails:
- Broil Lobster: Place the baking sheet with the lobster tails under the broiler. Broil for about 8-10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and slightly browned on top. The exact time will depend on the size of your lobster tails.
4. Serve:
- Plate Lobster Tails: Transfer the broiled lobster tails to a serving platter.
- Drizzle Sauce: Generously spoon the cowboy butter sauce over each lobster tail.
- Garnish: Garnish with additional chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
5. Enjoy:
- Serve Hot: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lobster Tails immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or crusty bread.
Tips and Variations:
- Butter Substitutes: For a lighter option, use a mix of butter and olive oil in the sauce.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to customize the flavor of the cowboy butter sauce.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by varying the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Cooking Methods: For a grilled version, cook the lobster tails on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, brushing with the cowboy butter sauce during grilling.
- Make-Ahead: The cowboy butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
These Cowboy Butter Lobster Tails are a sumptuous and impressive dish that combines the rich flavors of lobster with a bold, buttery sauce. Perfect for a special dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary. Enjoy the luxurious taste and texture of this delightful recipe!